Ein Kindelein so löbelich

General information

Originally the second stanza of Der Tag der ist so freudenreich, a 15th century version of 14th century Christmas song entitled 'Dies est laetitiae'. In later settings Ein Kindelein so löbelich appears more frequently on its own, or, occasionally, coupled with Joseph, lieber Joseph mein

Settings by composers

Anonymous STT Hieronymus Praetorius SSAATTBB (with Joseph, lieber Joseph mein appended) Michael Praetorius a 3 SSB a 5 SSATB or SATTB a 8 SSAATTBB Antonio Scandello a 4 SSST a 6 SSATTB

Samuel Scheidt SATB Leonhard Schröter SATB Johannes Schultz a 5 (in quodlibet) SSATB a 8 SSAATTBB Johann Baptist Singenberger SATB

Text and translations

German text Ein Kindelein so löbelich ist uns geboren heute, von einer Jungfrau säuberlich, zu Trost uns armen Leuten. Wär uns das Kindelein nicht geborn so wärn wir allzumal verlorn. Das Heil ist unser aller. Eia, du süsser Jesu Christ, das du Mensch geboren bist, behüt uns vor der Hölle.

English translation Such a lovely child is born to us today, of a virgin, and in a seemly manner, as succour for us lowly people. Had the child not been born we were entirely bereft. This salvation is our everything. Hail, sweetest Jesus Christ, For your birth in human form shelters us from perdition. (Trans. Timmi O'Danaos & Donna Ferrentes)

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