Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), son of an organist, was born in Nuremberg and received his initial training in music from his father. As a young man he studied in Venice and became close friends with Giovanni Gabrieli, both eventually studying composition with Giovanni's Uncle Andrea. Hassler gained a reputation as an innovative composer and also traveled throughout Germany as a consultant in the construction of pipe organs.

Dr. Palmer has transcribed this exciting 3 minute work for 6-part Trombone Ensemble. It will work well for intermediate performers.

Verbum caro factum est is a beautiful choral work written in antiphonal style. The text has been taken by Hassler from the first chapter of the St. John Gospel and is considered an ancient carol of Christmas based on the text.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
And we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

And we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
And we have beheld His glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Hear a choral rendition of this work on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80lkSRHhDyQ

View A Trailer for the Cantata Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qPCuWDc294

Meet Abner, Dinah, and Hezbah-each of them are captives in a Roman jail. Listen to them discuss their lives of crime and the hopelessness it has brought. However, everything changes when Paul & Silas are put in the jail. Despite their recent beatings, Paul and Silas speak and sing of the joy that can only be found through Jesus Christ. Experience the earthquake, the prison bars and chains disintegrating, and the huge door miraculously opening on its own! Once the jailer realizes that the prisoners are all there, his heart is opened to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

This program has eleven songs, including ten songs for the choir and one song for choir or duet. One song features a duet as well as the choir. This musical is written for a four-part SATB choir. It has six speaking parts with some optional parts for extra ?prisoners.? It can be done as a full-length drama or adapted for readers? theater. The program is approximately fifty minutes in length.