One of the many beautifully charming strophic chant hymns printed in the Liber Cantualis is Puer Natus in Bethlehem. Based on the text that begins the Christmas Day introit, this hymn tells the Nativity story in 14 full verses. The mp3 below records the Schola singing the first five. As you will hear, it is vigorous and exciting and suited for congregational participation.




1. Puer natus in Bethlehem, alleluia:
Unde gaudet Jerusalem,
alleluia, alleluia.

Refrain:
In cordis jubilo,
Christum natum adoremus
Cum novo cantico.

2. Assumpsit carnem Filius, alleluia,
Dei Patris altissimus,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

3. Per Gabrielem nuntium, alleluia,
Virgo concepit Filium,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

4. Tamquam sponsus de thalamo, alleluia,
Processit Matris utero,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

5. Hic iacet in praesepio, alleluia:
Qui regnat sine termino,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

6. Et Angelus pastoribus, alleluia,
Revelat quod sit Dominus,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

7. Reges de Saba Veniunt, alleluia,
Aurum, thus, myrrham offerunt,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

8. Intrantes domum invicem, alleluia,
Novum salutant Principem,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

9. De Matre natus Virgine, alleluia,
Qui lumen est de lumine,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

10. Sine serpentis vulnere, alleluia,
De nostro venit sanguine,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

11. In carne nobis similis, alleluia,
Peccato sed dissimilis,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

12. Ut redderet nos homines, alleluia,
Deo et sibi similes,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

13. In hoc natali gaudio, alleluia:
Benedicamus Domino,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

14 Laudetur sancta Trinitas, alleluia,
Deo dicamus gratias,
alleluia, alleluia.
Refrain

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If you are considering our workshop, February 16-17, 2007, you might enjoy looking at a few clips from last year:

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"Gaudete Sunday" is one of the few days in the new Church calendar that still retains its name take from the Introit. In how many parishes will the term Gaudete be used on Sunday? At very minimum, shouldn't Gaudete be heard again?

Here is the Gregorian:



And here is a Psalm-tone version in English (from the English Gradual) that should be suitable for any parish, and can be sung by any schola.

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Good news for those of you who will be attending the Sacred Music Workshop in February, 2007:

The Hotel at Auburn University, which is in walking distance from St. Michael's, is offering the incredible group rate of $87 per night (plus tax) for workshop attendees. The Hotel features first class guest rooms and service, one of Auburn's premier restaurants, a garden terrace brimming with Alabama sunshine, a cozy indoor lounge just right for sipping a nightcap and comparing notes with other workshop attendees, a fully equipped fitness center, and more.

The Hotel's online reservation system is undergoing an upgrade at present, so the best thing to do is call 1-800-228-2876. Mention the "Sacred Music Workshop" when you call in order to get the special rate. Reservations should be made on or before January 16, 2007.

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It's time to start work on the "O Antiphons".

Scott Turkington, who will direct our workshop in February, sings the first one here.

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The Catholic Week of the Archdiocese of Mobile this week featured a front page announcement of the chant workshop at Cathedral about which there have been marvelous reports, especially from those who attended the final Mass. The workshop schola sang all the propers of the Mass according to the Graduale, and the fact of this progress has drawn some degree of national attention.

It would be impossible to express how exciting it is to see such progress being made in uniting music in such an integral way with the Mass. It is especially encouraging to scholas like ours in parishes in the archdiocese to be able to look to the Cathedral as a model for the liturgical arts. We all must express deep gratitude to Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb for encouraging these developments and being so supportive of the hard work of musicians who seek to accomplish what the Church is asking of us.

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