Composer

:

Michael Praetorius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Average_duration

:

2:40

Michael Praetorius was a German composer, organist, and music theorist of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. He was born in Creuzburg, Thuringia, in 1571 and died in Wolfenbüttel, Lower Saxony, in 1621. Praetorius was one of the most prolific and versatile composers of his time, and his works include sacred and secular vocal music, instrumental music, and music for the theater. One of Praetorius's most famous works is "Puer nobis nascitur," a Christmas carol that he arranged for four voices and published in his collection "Musae Sioniae" in 1609. The carol is based on a medieval Latin hymn that celebrates the birth of Christ, and Praetorius's setting is notable for its lively rhythms, rich harmonies, and colorful instrumentation. "Puer nobis nascitur" is divided into six movements, each of which sets a different stanza of the hymn text. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of the opening stanza, "Puer nobis nascitur, Rector angelorum." The second movement is a more subdued and contemplative setting of the second stanza, "In hoc mundo pessimo, Carnis in fragilem." The third movement is a joyful and exuberant setting of the third stanza, "In hoc natali gaudio, Benedicamus Domino." The fourth movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of the fourth stanza, "Ergo nostra contio, Psallat iam in lustro." The fifth movement is a more subdued and contemplative setting of the fifth stanza, "Reges de Saba veniunt, Aurum, thus, myrrham ferentes." The final movement is a joyful and exuberant setting of the sixth stanza, "Ergo nostra cantio, Psallat iam in lustro." Overall, "Puer nobis nascitur" is a lively and colorful Christmas carol that showcases Praetorius's skill as a composer and arranger. Its lively rhythms, rich harmonies, and colorful instrumentation make it a popular choice for Christmas concerts and services.

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