Chants of Christmas by The Gloriae Dei Cantores Schola

Depicting the sacred mystery of Christmas in the ancient melodies of Gregorian chant, this recording will enrich anyone's experience of this holy season. The first Mass, the quietly joyful "Ad Missam in Vigilia," builds on the anticipation of the coming event, proclaiming the Good News of the salvation prepared for us by a loving God through the birth of His Son. The second Mass, the tender "Ad Missam in Nocte," is sung at the hour traditionally oberved as the time of Christ's birth. With exquisite beauty and strength, the Mass celebrated at dawn on Christmas Day, "Ad Missam in Aurora," expresses the coming of the Light into the world. The fourth Mass, "Ad Missam in Die," is a jubilant expression of the salvation and righteousness of God. This recording also includes special antiphons honoring the Virgin Mary.

Please enjoy samples of songs with underlined titles in the track listing below.

Track Listing:

Ad Missam in Vigilia

1. Introit: Hodie scietis (1:59)
2. Gradual: Hodie scietis (4:12)
3. Alleluia: Crastina die (1:55)
4. Offertory: Tollite partas (1:28)
5. Communion: Revelabitur (3:32)

Ad Missam in Nocte

6. Introit: Dominus dixit (3:09)
7. Gradual: Tecim principium (5:15)
8. Alleluia: Dominus dixit (2:22)
9. Offertory: Laetentur caeli (1:11)
10. Communion: In splendoribus (2:53)

Ad Missam in Aurora

11. Introit: Lux fulgebit (3:14)
12. Gradual: Benedictus qui venit (3:21)
13. Alleluia: Dominus regnavit (2:21)
14. Offertory: Deus enim firmavit (1:42)
15. Communion: Exsulta filia Sion (4:25)

Ad Missam in Die

16. Introit: Puer natus est nobis (2:54)
17. Gradual: Viderunt omnes (4:13)
18. Alleluia: Dies sanctificatus (2:19)
19. Offertory: Tui sunt caeli (2:00)
20. Communion: Viderunt omnes (3:31)

Antiphons to the Blessed Mary

Solemn Tones

21. Alma redemptoris mater (1:53)
22. Ave regina caelorum (1:38)
23. Regina caeli (1:53)
24. Salve regina (1:53)

Simple Tones

25. Alma Redemptoris Mater (1:19)
26. Ave Regina Caelorum (:58)
27. Regina Caeli (:49)
28. Salve Regina (1:53)