Enixa est Puerpera (Charming Medieval Carol)

I would like to draw your attention to a new setting of a positively charming medieval text, Enixa est Puerpera. This text, dating to the 15th c. is an example of medieval poetry at its finest, and comprises various laudatory statements about Our Lady with rhyming Latin commentary:

Our Lady was so fair and bright!
     Velut maris stella  (Just as the ‘Star of the Sea’)
She brought forth Jesu full of might,
     Parens et puella!  (Mother, yet a Maiden)

Lady, flow’r of allë thing:
     Rosa sine spina (O Rose without thorn!)
That barèst Jesu, Heav’nly King
     Gracia Divina! (The Grace Divine!)

All this worldë was forlore,
     Eva peccatrice, (from sinful Eve)
Till that Jesu was y bore, [was born there]
     De te, genetrice. (Of Thou, O Mother)

Of all women Thou art blest!
     Felix fecundata, (O favored and fruitful one)
To all weary, Thou art rest!
     Mater honorata. (O Mother most honored)

Well I know He is Thy Son!
     Ventre quem portasti; (Whom You carried in Your womb)
There will He grant Thee Thy boon,
     Infans quem lactasti. (The Babe Whom You nursed)

How sweet He is, how meek He is!
     nullus memoravit; (No one has told / can recount it all)
In heav’n He is, and heav’nly bliss
     nobis preparavit! (He has prepared for us)

Of all wom’n Thou bear’st the prize!
     Mater gratiosa! (O gracious Mother)
Grant us allë paradise!
     Virgo Gloriosa! (O Glorious Virgin)

This new setting is written in a jaunty, medieval style and is good fun to sing. (And its easy for choirs to pick up quickly!)

If you would like to purchase this arrangement please click the button below.