Doctrinal Content
To stir wonder in the child, that a baby boy, born in the tiny village of Bethlehem, near the city of Jerusalem, in the small land of Israel, is also the Son of God.
Origin of Text
4th century, anonymous
The following English translation is anonymous – “A boy is born in Bethlehem, Alleluia, The joy
of all Jerusalem, Alleluia, Alleluia. Come, join the angel throng; Sing joyful songs with one
accord, Adoring Christ the Lord.”
Origin of Melody
Puer natus in Bethlehem, Plainchant, Mode I
Musical Analysis
Mode I / Final is Re
As Gregorian plainsong, this chant is written in free rhythm.
Intervals – ascending minor third, ascending major third, rising half step from LA to TEH,
descending 5th
Teaching Recommendations
This chant can be sung as a “call and response” with the youngest children singing only the
response “Alleluia!” There are both English and Latin versions of this chant.
Copyright
Melody – Public Domain
Latin Text – Public Domain
Location
Liber Cantualis
Abbatia Sancti Petri De Solesmis / Consociatio Internationalis Musicae Sacrae
© Desclée, Paris-Tournai, 1978
© Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes
also,
https://gregobase.selapa.net/chant.php?id=3039
and in modern notation:
https://media.musicasacra.com/books/chantsofchurch_modern.pdf
