Gaudete
One of my favourite Christmas seasonal songs is the beautiful & atmospheric Gaudete which is Latin for Rejoice.
One of the best renditions is by the brilliant English/British folk group Steeleye Span.(video below)
Another excellent rendition is from The King’s Singers an a cappella group of choristers from and named after Kings College, Cambridge University. (video below)
Gaudete is a sacred Christmas carol which is believed to have been written in medieval times but is known from the 16th century with polyphonic (various voice melody) Alto, Tenor, and Bass.
In medieval times it would have been sung as a monophonic hymn (single voice melody).
It is a song of praise to the Virgin Mary giving birth to Jesus.
Below complete Original Latin text of “Gaudete”, with English translation including the refrain at the top:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine, gaudete! |
Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born (Out) Of the Virgin Mary — rejoice! |
| Tempus adest gratiæ Hoc quod optabamus, Carmina lætitiæ Devote reddamus. |
The time of grace has come— what we have wished for, songs of joy Let us give back faithfully. |
| Deus homo factus est Natura mirante, Mundus renovatus est A Christo regnante. |
God has become man, To the wonderment of Nature, The world has been renewed By the reigning Christ. |
| Ezechielis porta Clausa pertransitur, Unde lux est orta Salus invenitur. |
The closed gate of Ezekiel Is passed through, Whence the light is born, Salvation is found. |
| Ergo nostra contio Psallat iam in lustro; Benedicat Domino: Salus Regi nostro. |
Therefore let our gathering Now sing in brightness Let it give praise to the Lord: Greeting to our King. |
The first page of the original version of Gaudette
In the Catholic faith, The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday from the first word of the Introit at Mass (Gaudete, i.e. Rejoice)
My Jewish work colleague plays this hymn all the time while we are working. She has a good collection of Christian music. I did ask her why she listens to Christmas and other Christian songs, she said they are just music to her and her taste is eclectic. Fair enough!!!