Date:
15th century (circa 1400s)
Description:
A Babe is Born, all of a Maid is a medieval English Christmas carol celebrating the Nativity of Christ. It combines elements of reverent devotion and joyful celebration. The text reflects the mystery of the Incarnation, focusing on Mary’s purity and the birth of Jesus.
Discussion:
This carol is notable for its combination of English and Latin, typical of many medieval religious songs. Its structure often alternates between vernacular and sacred language, reflecting both accessibility and reverence. It has appeared in several historical manuscripts, including the Sloane Manuscript. Various choral settings exist, including a famous one by William Mathias.
Composer:
Anonymous (Traditional, 15th century)
Arranged by:
Various arrangements exist; one well-known modern setting is by William Mathias (1934–1992).
Sheet Music:
Available in public domain collections (e.g., The Oxford Book of Carols), and in choral anthologies with Mathias’s arrangement.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file
Parts:
Typically SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) in modern arrangements.
Type:
Sacred Carol / Christmas Hymn
Language:
Middle English with Latin phrases (macaronic)
Ranges:
- Soprano: C4 – G5
- Alto: G3 – D5
- Tenor: C3 – G4
- Bass: F2 – D4
(Ranges may vary slightly depending on the arrangement.)
Advice for beginners:
Pay close attention to the changes between English and Latin text—clear diction is essential. In polyphonic settings, maintaining pitch and tuning in the harmonies can be challenging, so focus on blend and balance within your section. For solo or simplified versions, start with a melody line to get a feel for the modal tonality before adding harmony.
Sound files:
Here is a sound file for reference. mid