Puer natus in Bethlehem a 12 (Michael Praetorius)
Music files
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- Editor: David Millard (submitted 2016-07-12). Score information: Letter, 38 pages, 311 kB Copyright: Personal
- Edition notes: Original pitch and note values. Full score with complete editorial apparatus.
- Editor: Adrian Wall (submitted 2013-01-01). Score information: A4, 14 pages, 1.41 MB Copyright: Personal
- Edition notes: Transposed up a minor 3rd from original written pitch; with figured bass for continuo. Includes a simple English-texted setting of the chorale for congregational (or audience) use.
- Editor: Adrian Wall (submitted 2013-01-01). Score information: A4, 12 pages, 1.04 MB Copyright: Personal
- Edition notes: String parts for use with #27938: 3 violins + 'cello (with optional 4th violin, editorially supplied)
General Information
Title: Puer natus in Bethlehem a12
Composer: Michael Praetorius
Number of voices: 7vv Voicing: SSB.SATB
Genre: Sacred, Chorale
Language: LatinGerman
Instruments: String ensemble, basso continuo
Published: 1619
Description: 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 ("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.
External websites:
Original text and translations
Latin and German text Puer natus in Bethlehem, unde gaudet Hierusalem. Alleluia. |
English translation A boy is born in Bethlehem, whence Jerusalem rejoices. Alleluia. |
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