Puer Natus

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 –  

Text –  

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

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