Rev. Scott A. Haynes
The motet, Rorate coeli, Op. 176: No. 7, was composed by Joseph Gabriel Rheinberger as a part of his nine Advent motets. The text is frequently sung to plainsong at Mass and in the Divine Office during Advent where it gives expression to the longings of Patriarchs and Prophets, and symbolically of the Church, for the coming of the Messiah. Throughout Advent it occurs daily as the versicle and response after the hymn at Vespers.
Translation
Drop down, ye heavens, from above,
and let the skies pour down righteousness:
let the earth open,
and let it bring forth a Saviour.
This recording features the Dresden University Choir with Conductor Stefan Fraas.