What star is this, with beams so bright (Michael Praetorius)

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• (Posted 2021-11-25)  CPDL #66882:       

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2021-11-25).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 47 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: The hymn with four-part harmony and underlaid words in the version published in The Hymnal 1982, arranged by George Ratcliffe Woodward

• (Posted 2021-11-25)  CPDL #66881:       

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2021-11-25).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 254 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: The hymn in the version published in The Hymnal 1982, melody with words.

General Information

Title: What star is this, with beams so bright
Composer: Michael Praetorius
Tune: Puer nobis nascitur
Lyricist: Charles Coffin
Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Hymn   Meter: 88. 88 (L.M.)

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published:
Description: 

External websites:

• https://embassysingers.de/scores/hymns.html

Original text and translations

English text

What star is this, with beams so bright,
more beauteous than the noonday light?
It shines to herald forth the King,
and Gentiles to his crib to bring.

True spake the prophet from afar
who told the rise of Jacob’s star;
and eastern sages with amaze
upon the wondrous token gaze.

The guiding star above is bright;
within them shines a clearer light,
and leads them on with power benign
to seek the Giver of the sign.

O Jesus, while the star of grace
impels us on to seek thy face,
let not our slothful hearts refuse
the guidance of thy light to use.

To God the Father, heavenly Light,
to Christ, revealed in earthly night,
to God the Holy Ghost we raise
our equal and unceasing praise.