Puer natus in Bethlehem (Joh.Seb. Bach)

Two small choral preludes on the same melody by the two giants of Baroque: D. Buxtehude and J.S. Bach.

The approach of them to this choral prelude is quite different:

Buxtehude's prelude is peaceful and joyful.
Jesus has been born and is lying in his crib, watched by the loving eyes of his parents.
Sweet dreams; no worries.

Bach's view on this choral prelude is quite different. The mood in his prelude is rather dark.

The infant is in the protecting arms of his mother, who is gently rocking him, as can be heard in the two-by-two notes in the accompaniment.

The dark harmonies suggest that all will not be well in the future. This child will have a cross to bear.

Two wonderful preludes, two different views.

Just my two cents ofcourse.