"Es ist ein Ros Entsprungen”, 15th/16th century (Melchior Volpius, 1570–1615; Michael Praetorius, 1571–1621)

This famous hymn is of German origin. The text, by an anonymous author, dates to the 15th century. The familiar tune first appeared in the Speyer Hymnal (Cologne, 1599) and was arranged for 4-part choir (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) by the German composer Michael Praetorius in 1609. The version for four voices in canon (similar to a round) was written by Praetorius’s contemporary Melchior Vulpius.