Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
Michael Praetorius Lyrics
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Wie uns die Alten sungen, von Jesse kam die Art,
Und hat ein Blümlein bracht mitten im kalten Winter
Wohl zu der halben Nacht.
Das Röslein, das ich meine, davon Jesaias sagt,
Ist Maria die Reine die uns das Blumlein bracht.
Aus Gottes ew'gen Rat hat sie ein Kind geboren
The lyrics to Michael Praetorius's song "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" provide a poetic retelling of the Christian story of the birth of Jesus. The song opens with the image of a rose growing from a delicate root, an allusion to the idea that Jesus, like a flower, sprouted upward from humble beginnings. The idea that Jesse was the root refers to the prophecy in the Bible that the messiah would come from the line of Jesse, the father of King David.
The second verse of the song offers a more direct reference to the nativity story, identifying Mary as the "rose" who brought forth a child in the midst of winter. The "wee little flower" she brought forth is Jesus, who according to Christian tradition was conceived through the miraculous intervention of God. The idea that Mary remained a "pure virgin" even after giving birth reinforces the idea of her exceptional piety and divine favor.
Line by Line Meaning
Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen, aus einer Wurzel zart,
A delicate rose has sprouted from a humble root, as was foretold by the ancients. This miracle occurred in the midst of a cold winter night.
Wie uns die Alten sungen, von Jesse kam die Art,
As the elders have sung, this rose is of the lineage of Jesse, as prophesied in scripture.
Und hat ein Blümlein bracht mitten im kalten Winter
Despite the harshness of winter, this rose has managed to bring forth a small blossom, representing new life and hope.
Wohl zu der halben Nacht.
This miracle occurred in the gloomy half of the night, during the darkest hours.
Das Röslein, das ich meine, davon Jesaias sagt,
The rose I speak of is the one prophesied by Isaiah.
Ist Maria die Reine die uns das Blümlein bracht.
This rose is connected to the pure and holy Mary, who brought forth the flower through the divine guidance of God.
Aus Gottes ew'gen Rat hat sie ein Kind geboren
Through God's eternal wisdom, Mary has given birth to a child, a symbol of love and salvation for all.
Und blieb ein' reine Magd.
Despite becoming a mother, Mary remained pure and chaste, blessed by God's grace.
Contributed by Aaliyah C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mattbod
My favourite carol I cannot listen to it without crying but they are tears of joy and thanks.
Hans Martin Hammer
Same. The composition by Prætorius is absolutely perfect and in my opinion the greatest choral composition ever written.
texan guy
Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! Love this song! It doesn’t have to be Christmas for me to listen to this song!
Luiz Amalfi
"Even so, come, Lord JESUS" !!! Rev 22:20
Colin Gantiglew
The great Praetorius of Terpsichore fame and the lilting beauty of the Courante from same; as a complete contrast, the haunting beauty of the present motet.
Benjamin MUZY
Thank you for this recording. Could you please send me this sheet music ?
Nia
You could just screenshot it.
Lerahnge
German is even better than spanish (at this song)
texan guy
German is the native language for this carol
patty köln
ich liebe dieses weihnachtslied