In Charles Villiers Stanford’s “Coelos Ascendit Hodie,” we encounter a radiant choral gem that resonates with the spirit of jubilant celebration.
Composed in 1907, this anthem marks Stanford’s homage to the Ascension, capturing the essence of the text “Today the Lord ascended into heaven.” As a prominent figure in British choral music, Stanford showcases his distinctive harmonic language and melodic finesse in this composition.
The work is for double choir who sing antiphonally, echoing the Venetian polychoral tradition.
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