One of my favourite songs is called Gaudete. It was probably composed in the 16th century, in celebration of Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent. The earliest mention of this song is in a Swedish/Finnish book of songs, although the words are Latin. I like this version sung by the choir Libera, a group of boys from a church in North London.
I remember singing this song at Christmas concerts in prep school. It's called Personent Hodie, another Latin song. I always loved the chorus, which went "Ide-o-o-o"... This song may have been written for the Feast of the Innocents, when King Herod had all the baby boys killed in hopes of eliminating the baby Jesus. I couldn't find a very good version of this song. Another carol I love is called "Riu Riu Chiu", a Spanish song. Oddly enough, one of the versions I found on You Tube is by the 60's group, The Monkees! Riu Riu Chiu is the sound a nightingale makes and is the inspiration for this song.
On Christmas eve morning, as I have done for years, I will listen to the choristers at King's College Cambridge and their presentation of The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.
It is my ambition to attend this in person one day.Sorry for the bad formatting... it just wouldn't format the way I wanted it!
I just downloaded the public radio listings for the rest of the month so I would not miss any of the wonderful music from around the world. But most of all, so I know exactly what time to tune in for the Nine Lessons and Carols. Last year, a friend and I found an empty office (we were working) and went and listened to that glorious beginning.
ReplyDeleteI am so with you! One day I hope to be at King's College too! I have recordings of their service that SO put me in the Christmas mood!
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite Christmas post so far this year.
ReplyDeleteGaudete is one of my favorites as well. Have you heard the version by Medieval Babes? Dreadful name of the group, I realize, but their CD is really wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! Just pushes "Jingle Bells" right out my little grey cells.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! This is what Christmas is all about. Hope yours is merry! xo
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of performances; enough to get even the staunchest scrooge in the holiday spirit.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I also love the English boys' choir music and esp. enjoy catching the Christmas Eve broadcast from King's College whenever I can. Thanks for posting these! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI am not certain why its a Christmas song, but I have always loved, Lo!, How A Rose E'er Blooming sung by a Church choir.
ReplyDeleteHow funny that I was going to say the exact same thing as Toad. I had never heard the song before my mother-in-law had requested that it be sung by a choir at her funeral.
ReplyDeleteYour first choice is just beautiful. Happy Christmas to you!
While I love beautiful, ethereal choir music what puts me in a Christmas mood are songs like Here Comes Santa Claus. I probably shouldn't be admitting that in public, should I?
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