Exaltation of the Holy Cross 2025
Processional hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, 838
Recessional hymn: Christ In the Highest, 867
Kyriale: Mass IV, 710; Credo IV, 780
Motet after Offertory: Christus Factus Est, a3, Rev. Giovanni Matteo Asola
Hymn during Communion: Vexilla Regis, with harmonization by Anon.
The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which is observed this Sunday, shares proper texts with that of Holy Thursday. Namely, the Introit (Nos Autem) and the Gradual (Christus Factus Est). The men of the choir will sing a three voice setting of the Gradual by Rev. Giovanni Matteo Asola. The text is taken from Philippians 2:8–9: Christ became obedient for us even unto death, death on the cross. Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above all names.
Rev. Giovanni Matteo Asola (c. 1532–1609) was ordained a parish priest in 1569 and held numerous music posts in Italy. In 1577 became maestro di cappella for Treviso Cathedral and subsequently moved to Venice directing at San Servio until his death. Despite living in Venice, Asola’s compositional style is closer to the Roman school.