A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Hosanna

by George Grove

HOSANNA, a Hebrew word, hoshia na, meaning 'Save now!' (Psalm cxviii. 25), used as an exclamation of triumph in Matt. xxi. 9, etc. In its Latin form Osanna in excelsis it occurs in the Mass, after both Sanctus and Benedictus. [Osanna.] [App. p.679 "[Mass.] "] In English music the word will always live in the grand anthem of Orlando Gibbons, 'Hosanna to the Son of David,' the subject of which is introduced by Sullivan in the 'Light of the World.'

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