Holiday Music #11

[la_samtyr]

Going to play it "serious" now; medieval music is a special favorite of mine and has been for a very long time. It's in Latin and some info about the song -- and the lyrics (Latin and English translation) -- are under the cut.

"Gaudete" ("Rejoice") is a sacred Christmas carol, composed sometime in the 16th century, most likely in reference to Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent. It is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church falling between December 11 and December 17 inclusive. The song was published in the Piae Cantiones, a collection of Finnish/Swedish sacred songs published in 1582. No music is given for the verses, but the standard tune comes from older liturgy.

Latin:
Refrain:
Gaudete, gaudete Christos est natus
Ex Maria virginae, gaudete.

V-1. Tempus ad est gratiae hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina laetitiae devote redamus.

Gaudete, gaudete Christos est natus
Ex Maria virginae, gaudete.

V-2. Deus homo factus est naturam erante,
Mundus renovatus est a Christo regnante.

Gaudete, gaudete Christos est natus
Ex Maria virginae, gaudete.

V-3. Ezecheelis porta clausa per transitor
Unde lux est orta sallus invenitor.

V-4. Ergo nostra contio psallat iam in lustro,
Benedicat domino sallas regi nostro.

English translation:
REFRAIN
Rejoice, Rejoice, Christ is born
of the Virgin Mary, Rejoice!

VERSE 1.
The hour of grace which we
seek is here. We offer with devotion our songs of gladness.

VERSE 2.
God is made man, a thing of
wonder. The world is renewed by Christ's reign.

VERSE 3.
Light has arisen.
Salvation is come, Bursting the gates of death.

VERSE 4. Our congregation lustily
rejoices now, Giving blessing to God, our Saviour and King.