For unto Us a Child is Born (Parvulus Filius) for Double Brass Sextet

For Double Brass Sextet  (Two six-voice choirs: solo choir and ripieno)

Sulpitia Lodovica Cesis (1577-ca. 1619) came from Modena, the daughter of nobility.  She entered the convent of San Geminiano in 1593.  The convent was known for its excellent music.  Cesis played the lute well, and she composed an important collection of motets for two to twelve voices, Motetti spirituali, in 1619, several for antiphonal choirs.

Parvulus Filius (For unto Us a Child is Born) is the only motet by Cesis for twelve voices, composed for two six-voice choirs.  The text is from Isaiah 9:6 and is the well-known “For unto us a child is born.”  The motet with its interesting rhythms, syncopation, and antiphonal play between the two choirs makes a sonorous and exciting transcription for brass.

Sextet 1 includes Trumpets 1 and 2, Horn 1, Trombones 1 and 2, Tuba 1
Sextet 2 includes Trumpets 3 and 4, Horn 2, Trombones 3 and 4, Tuba 2

Other pieces by Sulpitia Cesis include –

Two Renaissance Motets for Double Brass Quartet: O sing Unto the Lord a New Song and I Am Wounded, Yes