Gaudete (2012)
for SSAATTBB choir, a cappella
Text: Piae Cantiones (16th c.)
Duration: 3 minutes
Difficulty: 3/4
Winner of the Winter 2012 Call for Scores by the University of Regina Chamber Singers.
First performed by the University of Regina Chamber Singers (Dominic Gregorio, dir.) in December 2012.
Gaudete was originally conceived as a reimagining of the Medieval Latin Christmas carol of the same name, taking the traditional text and setting it to entirely new music. In my version, the original refrain/verse form has been broken into an episodic series of varying textures and styles, with the work bookended by energetic statements of “Gaudete!” The aim of this setting is to reflect the mindset of early Christians: that of ecstatic joy, expressed through music that is wild and unpredictable.
Click here to see the complete score.
The audio below is a live recording of the first performance by the University of Regina Chamber Singers in December 2012.
Full Text
Rejoice, rejoice!
Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary.
Rejoice!
The time of grace is here,
What we have wished for,
Songs of joy
Let us give faithfully.
God is made human
With nature marvelling,
The world is renewed
by the reigning Christ.
The closed gate of Ezekiel
Is passed through,
Where the light is risen;
Salvation is found.
Therefore, our assembly
Now sings in brightness,
We bless the Lord,
King of our Salvation.
Gaudete, gaudete!
Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine,
gaudete!
Tempus adest gratiae
Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina laetitiae
Devote reddamus.
Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante.
Ezechielis porta
Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta
Salus invenitur.
Ergo nostra contio
Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino:
Salus Regi nostro.