Unto Us Is Born a Son

[1] The Moosburg Gradual itself contained a number of melodies derived from the 12th- and 13th-century organum repertories of Notre Dame de Paris and the Abbey of Saint Martial, Limoges, suggesting that its antiquity may be much greater.

[6] The book became well known in Britain after a rare original copy of Piae Cantiones owned by Peter of Nyland was given as a gift to the British Minister in Stockholm.

The melody is glorious in its triumphant character and ecstatic devotional sense ... a radiant hymn of strong appeal, brighter and more colorful than most of the chants emerging from and before the fourteenth century."

Hunc Herodes timuit – Magno cum tremore, In infantes irruit Hos cædens in furore.

Qui natus ex Maria – Die hodierna Duc nos tua gratia Ad gaudia superna.

Of his love and mercy mild Hear the Christmas story: O that Mary's gentle Child Might lead us up to glory!