Composer

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Gregorian Chant

Genre

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Choral

Average_duration

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0:29

"Tu puer propheta" is a Gregorian chant that is part of the vespers of St. John the Baptist. The vespers of St. John the Baptist is a liturgical service that is celebrated on the evening of June 23rd, the eve of the feast day of St. John the Baptist. The service consists of psalms, hymns, and readings that are associated with the life and ministry of St. John the Baptist. "Tu puer propheta" is one of the hymns that is sung during the vespers service. The hymn is believed to have been composed in the 6th century and is attributed to Venantius Fortunatus, a bishop and poet from the Merovingian period. The hymn is written in Latin and consists of four stanzas. The first stanza of the hymn begins with the words "Tu puer propheta, altissimi praeco," which translates to "You, boy prophet, herald of the Most High." The stanza goes on to describe the role of St. John the Baptist as the one who prepares the way for the coming of Christ. The second stanza of the hymn focuses on the baptism of Christ by St. John the Baptist. The stanza begins with the words "Te Christus ipse baptizans," which translates to "Christ himself baptizing you." The stanza goes on to describe the moment when the heavens opened and the voice of God was heard proclaiming Jesus as his son. The third stanza of the hymn describes the mission of St. John the Baptist to preach repentance and prepare the way for the coming of Christ. The stanza begins with the words "Tu praedicator et martyr," which translates to "You, preacher and martyr." The stanza goes on to describe the message of St. John the Baptist and his willingness to suffer for the sake of the gospel. The fourth and final stanza of the hymn is a prayer to St. John the Baptist. The stanza begins with the words "O Johannes, doctor veritatis," which translates to "O John, teacher of truth." The stanza goes on to ask for St. John's intercession and guidance in the Christian life. Overall, "Tu puer propheta" is a hymn that celebrates the life and ministry of St. John the Baptist. The hymn is characterized by its poetic language, its focus on the baptism of Christ, and its emphasis on the role of St. John the Baptist as the one who prepares the way for the coming of Christ.

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