Mass for Christmas Day

CHRISTMAS WITH CURRENTES

The new recording Mass for Christmas Day presents the early‑music ensemble Currentes in a vivid and deeply informed interpretation of the medieval and early‑Renaissance repertoire traditionally associated with the Christmas liturgy. The album offers a richly woven musical journey through the structure of the Christmas Day Mass, performed with the ensemble’s characteristic blend of historical insight and contemporary expressive immediacy.

Under the artistic direction of Jostein Gundersen, Currentes has long been recognized as one of Scandinavia’s most forward‑thinking early‑music groups. Since its founding in 2006, the ensemble has developed a distinctive voice shaped by close study of medieval sources, imaginative programming, and a commitment to exploring the emotional and sonic possibilities of early polyphony. Mass for Christmas Day continues this artistic trajectory, inviting listeners into a sound world where chant and polyphony interact with clarity, color, and a sense of living tradition.

The recording follows the liturgical arc of the Christmas Mass, beginning with the introit Puer natus est and moving through the Kyrie, Gloria, Gradual, Alleluia, Credo, Offertory, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Communion chants. Works by Antonio Zacara da Teramo and Matteo da Perugia appear alongside anonymous medieval compositions and plainchant, creating a musical tapestry that reflects both the solemnity and the radiance of the Christmas celebration. 

The ensemble’s approach emphasizes the expressive potential of the music, allowing the interplay between voices to unfold with both intimacy and spaciousness. The result is a recording that feels grounded in historical practice while speaking directly to modern listeners.

Currentes has built a strong reputation for its work with medieval and Renaissance polyphony, and Mass for Christmas Day stands as a compelling addition to the ensemble’s discography. With its combination of scholarly depth, artistic imagination, and superb recorded sound, the album offers a striking portrait of the Christmas liturgy and the musical traditions that have shaped it across centuries.