Repertoire

Quem pastores laudavere

Michael Prætorius (1571-1621)

Original Text

English Translation

Original Text

Quem pastores laudavere,
quibus angeli dixere,
“Absit vobis jam timere,”
natus est Rex gloriae.

Nunc angelorum gloria
hominibus resplenduit in mundo.
Novi partus gaudia,
virgo mater produxit,
et sol verus in tenebris illuxit.
Christus natus hodie ex virgine.

Ad quem magi ambulabant,
aurum, thus, myrrham portabant,
immolabant haec sincere
leoni victoriae.

Nunc angelorum gloria...

Exultemus cum Maria
in coelesti hiearchia,
natum promat voce pia
dulci cum melodia.

Nunc angelorum gloria...

Christo regi, Deo nato,
per Mariam nobis dato,
merito resonet vere
laus, honor, et gloria.

Nunc angelorum gloria...

English Translation

The one praised by the shepherds,
to whom the angels said,
“Now lay aside your fears,”
has been born the king of glory.

Now the glory of the angels
has become resplendent in the world to all.
The joys of a new birth
a virgin mother has brought forth,
and the true sun has enlightened the darkness.
Christ is born today of a virgin.

To whom the wise men made their way,
bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh,
which they offered with open hearts
to the victorious lion.

Now the glory of the angels...

Let us rejoice with Mary
amid the host of heaven,
and let them announce the birth with devoted voice
and with sweet melody.

Now the glory of the angels...

To Christ the king, born God,
given to us through Mary,
let there resound as is truly fitting
praise, honor, and glory.

Now the glory of the angels...

This piece was performed by the SFBC in Psallite! A Candlelight Christmas on December 4, 2004, and in A Candlelight Christmas on December 6, 2003.