Gaudete is a sacred Christmas chant, thought to have been written in the 16th century. It was published in Piae Cantiones (1582), a Finnish/Swedish collection of sacred songs. No music is given for the verses, but the standard tune comes from older liturgical books. The Latin text is a typical medieval song of praise, following the standard pattern for the time – a uniform series of four line stanzas, each preceded by a two line refrain.
Gaudete, gaudete, Christus est natus / Rejoice, rejoice, Christ is born
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete / Of the Virgin Mary, rejoice!
Tempus adest gratiæ / The time of grace has come
Hoc quod optabamus / What we have wished for
Carmina lætitiæ / Songs of joy
Devote reddamus / Let us give back faithfully
Deus homo factus est / God has become man
Natura mirante / With nature marvelling
Mundus renovatus est / The world has been renewed
A Christo regnante / By the reigning Christ
Ezechielis porta / The closed gate of Ezekiel
Clausa pertransitur / Is passed through
Unde lux est orta / Whence the light is risen
Salus invenitur / Salvation has been found
Ergo nostra contio / Therefore, let our assembly
Psallat iam in lustro / Now sing in brightness
Benedicat Domino / Let it bless the Lord
Salus Regi nostro / Greetings to our King
Gaudete - The King's Singers
Gaudete - Musica Ficta
Gaudete - Mediaeval Baebes
Gaudete - Choir of Clare College Cambridge & London Cello Orchestra
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