Many decades ago, our school always had it's end of term Christmas service at the local Parish Church. I remember in the first year being overcome by the beauty of the choir singing 'Gaudaute' as they processed from the crypt up into the Church. It was a technical school - we didn't learn latin but I loved the carol. As soon as I was able, I joined the choir and was part of the procession - for me that was the best part of Christmas. Although as a Baptist I really wasn't sure about bowing to the altar!
When I left school and went to college in London, I made sure that I was back in the Church for the school's Christmas service so that once again I was able to hear 'Gaudaute' first very quietly as the choir started processing and again at the end of the service as they processed back into the crypt.
All these memories stirred up by hearing 'Gautaute' on 'Songs of Praise'.
Gaudaute, gaudaute! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudaute!
Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
Of the virgin Mary - rejoice!
I love it too though the first time I heard was at a concert by Steeleye Span!
ReplyDelete