Introïtus

The Latin word Introitus means ‘entry’. Originally, this was a psalm sung to accompany the entrance of a bishop, priest or celebrant into the church. Later it was incorporated into the mass with alternating sung and spoken text, reflecting the mood of the liturgy. Jacob de Haan’s Introitus, in which he has arranged the hymns Puer natus est nobis and Lobt Gott, Ihr Christen alle gleich, is a wonderful introduction to the Christmas season and can be performed with any instrumental combination with mixed choir and organ ad libitum.