Puer natus in Bethlehem a 12 - Praetorius, Michael

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"Praetorius published twenty volumes of music, most of it intended for use in Lutheran church services. This stirring setting of Puer natus in Bethlehem, one of several settings that he published of this chorale, comes from Praetorius' 1619 collection, Polyhymnia caduceatrix et panegyrica (Michael Praetorius) ("Polyhymnia – the Muse of sacred poetry – Herald and Praise-giver"), which contains some of his largest-scale works, for up to 21 voices or instruments, arranged in up to 6 choirs. The piece is in 12 parts: 3 solo voices, a 4-part choir, 4-part strings and basso continuo, and shows off Praetorius’ fascination with both rhythmic and ensemble variation, revealing a delight in playing with tonal colour and texture. The verses, in Latin, are interspersed with a ritornello, in German. The composer suggests that the congregation should sing verses of the chorale to a simple setting, at the end of each half."

⌛ Period → Renaissance ◈ Genre → Chorales

♯ Key G minor

⁄ Time Signature 4/4

♬ Voicing → SSB.SATB

↕ Range D2 – F5

¶ Language → Latin, German

Measures 191

Texture mixed texture

Parts 9

Instruments String ensemble, basso continuo

Pages 38

CPDL # 40300

Editor David Millard

Posted 2016-07-12

License Personal

♫Pitch Ranges

1. Cantus I Concertatus

D4 – F5

2. Cantus II Concertatus

D4 – F5

3. Bassus Concertatus

F2 – B-3

8. Cantus Capellae

D4 – F5

9. Altus Capellae

G3 – A4

10. Tenor Capellae

C3 – D4

11. Bassus Capellae

D2 – B-3

Keyboard reduction

F2 – B-4

¶Lyrics / Text

Latin|German| Puer natus in Bethlehem, unde gaudet Hierusalem. Alleluia. Singet, jubiliret, triumpiret unserm Herren dem König der Ehren. Reges de Saba veniunt, aurum, thus, myrrham offerunt. Alleluia. Singet… Hic jacet in praesepio qui regnat sine termino. Alleluia. Singet… Mein Herzens Kindlein, mein liebstes Freundlein, O Jesu. In hoc natali gaudio benedicamus Domino. Alleluia. Singet… Laudetur sancta Trinitas, Deo dicamus gratias. Alleluia. Singet… Lobt ihn mit Schalle ihr Christen alle.