The charming medieval German dance-song In dulci jubilo is believed to be one of the oldest of all the macaroni (mixed-language) hymns. (The tune is known in English as “Good Christian Men, Rejoice.”) The carol is heard here in four different versions, beginning with an anonymous harmonization dating from the sixteenth century. The second version is by the famous German composer Michael Praetorius (1571–1621). Hieronymous Praetorius (no relation to his more famous contemporary) provides the third version, a rich eight-part setting that almost submerges the carol tune. The last of the four versions is a chorale setting by Johann Sebastian Bach (BWV 368), probably from a lost cantata.

In dulci jubilo,*
Nun singet und seid froh!
Unsers Herzens Wonne leit
In praesepio,*
Und leuchtet als die Sonne
Matris in gremio.*
Alpha es et O!

O Jesu parvule*
Nach dir ist mir so weh!
Tröst mir mein Gemüte
O puer optime*
Durch alle deine Güte,
O princeps gloriae* 
Trahe me post te!* 

O Patris caritas!*
O Nati lenitas!*
Wir wären all verloren
Per nostra crimina
So hat er uns erworben
Coelorum gaudia*
Eia, wären wir da!*

Ubi sunt gaudia!*
Nirgend mehr denn da!
Da die Engel singen 
Nova cantica,*
Und die Schellen klingen, 
In regis curia.*
Eia, wären wir da!* 

In quiet joy,*
Now sing with hearts aglow!
Our delight and pleasure lies
in a manger,*
Like sunshine is our treasure
In the mother’s lap.*
Thou art Alpha and Omega!*

O tiny Jesus*
For thee I long always!
Comfort my heart’s blindness,
O best of boys*
With all Thy loving kindness,
O Prince of glory,*
Draw me unto thee!*

O love of the Father!*
O gentleness of the Son!*
Deeply were we stained
through our sins
But Thou for us hast gained
The joy of heaven*
O that we were there!*

Where are joys!*
In any place but there!
There are angels singing,
New songs,*
And there are bells ringing
In the king’s court,*
O that we were there!*

*Latin text and translations

Program notes by Matt Niess, Matt Oltman, Vince Peterson, Dina Spyropoulos, Noah Wagar and Drew Young.