Date:
14th century (melody); text found in Piae Cantiones, 1582
Description:
“Personent Hodie” is a Latin Christmas carol with medieval origins, widely associated with the collection Piae Cantiones, a book of songs preserved in Finland and first published in 1582. The melody likely dates from the 14th century and is sometimes linked with an older tune used in monastic settings. Its lively rhythm and celebratory text make it a popular choice for modern Christmas services and concerts.
Discussion:
The text praises the birth of Christ and celebrates the Virgin Mary, the angels, and the joy of all creation. The original Latin verses are often sung with strong rhythmic drive, and the carol’s structure makes it particularly suited to choral processionals. The tune has a simple, dance-like character, yet it allows for rich arrangements, from unison chant to elaborate polyphony.
Many modern choral settings exist, ranging from straightforward harmonisations to expansive concert arrangements. Gustav Holst created a well-known English version (“On this day Earth shall ring”) in the early 20th century.
Composer:
Anonymous (medieval Latin hymn); melody traditional, possibly from 14th-century Europe
Arranged by:
Various arrangers, including Gustav Holst, John Rutter, and others
Sheet Music:
Included in many hymnals and carol books; versions available for unison, SAB, SATB, and instrumental ensembles
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file
Parts:
Originally monophonic; modern arrangements often for SATB or SSA with optional accompaniment
Type:
Medieval Latin carol
Language:
Latin (original); English translations available
Ranges:
Ranges vary by arrangement, but typically modest
Soprano: up to A5
Bass: down to G2
Suitable for school, church, and amateur choirs
Advice for beginners:
Start with a unison version to get a feel for the melody and Latin pronunciation. The regular rhythmic pulse makes it easy to learn, and the repetitive structure supports memorisation. More advanced choirs can explore polyphonic or canon-based settings.
Sound Files:
Here is a sound file for reference. mid