Departing from the commercial songs for Christmas, this 16C piece written in Latin using the traditional approach of a uniform series of four-line stanzas, each preceded by a two-line refrain. This song was considered a sacred piece due to the content of Virgin Mary and the Christmastide content.
This piece is a very addictive piece where the tune is so easily picked up and it stay round and round in your head for hours. The right way to sing this otherwise boring short piece is to inject energy and vigour into the refrain. Such a rendition would pick up not only the speed but the mood as well.
This version below is another rendition that uses a quiet, angelic approach with this British Children's Choir.
Latin
Refrain:
Gaudete! gaudete!
Christus est natus ex Maria virgine,
gaudete!
Tempus adest gratiae, hoe quod optabamus;
carmina laetitiae devote reddamus.
Deus homo factus est, natura mirante;
mundus renovatus est a Christo regnante.
Ezecaelis orta clausa per transistur;
unde lux est orta, salus invenitur.
Ergo nostra contio psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino; salus regi nostro.
Translation
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Christ is born of the Virgin Mary,
Rejoice!
At this time of grace and longed-for blessing,
Love faithfully offers a song of praise.
God is made human in this wonderful birth:
The world is cleansed through the rule of Christ.
The gate of heaven now opens which to us was closed,
Sending forth transforming light through which holiness is found.
Therefore we meet in pure songs of joy;
We bless the Lord, King of our Salvation.
