Gaudete
Anonymous (16th century)
Gaudete was made (relatively) famous in the 1970s when it was performed and recorded by the folk rock group "Steeleye Span", and ever since it has been included in a large number of Christmas collections (it is, after all, a Christmas song, although many people may not realise this).
Composer: The original author is of Gaudete is unknown, although it is sometimes mistakenly attributed to a composer by the name of "Piae Cantiones". Piae Cantiones was in fact a songbook published in Finland in 1582, which contained the first published edition of Gaudete. The songbook had the full title of "Piae Cantiones Ecclesiasticae et Scholasticae Veterum Episcoporum" (Devout ecclesiastical and scholastic songs of the old bishops), and contained a collection of Latin songs, intended for the pupils of church and cathederal schools. Piae Cantiones did not include music for the verses; these were to be sung to a well-known colloquial tune.
AICSA: In AICSA circles, especially at IVs, Gaudete is usually sung with alternative and (usually) humourous verses (in English). A surprisingly large number of these begin with "Mary had a little lamb".
While the chorus is being sung, either someone will volunteer (by raising their hand) or be selected (by being pointed at by everyone else) to recite the next verse. The verse recitation is solo, and is either from a stock of "standard" AICSA verses or, for the more adventurous, made up on the spot. If the last word of the verse may be descibed in certain circles as "obscene", then the chorus starts by interrupting the last word - thus the questionable last word is never heard, but only alluded to.
Translation: A translation is available.
Gaudete was made (relatively) famous in the 1970s when it was performed and recorded by the folk rock group "Steeleye Span", and ever since it has been included in a large number of Christmas collections (it is, after all, a Christmas song, although many people may not realise this).
Composer: The original author is of Gaudete is unknown, although it is sometimes mistakenly attributed to a composer by the name of "Piae Cantiones". Piae Cantiones was in fact a songbook published in Finland in 1582, which contained the first published edition of Gaudete. The songbook had the full title of "Piae Cantiones Ecclesiasticae et Scholasticae Veterum Episcoporum" (Devout ecclesiastical and scholastic songs of the old bishops), and contained a collection of Latin songs, intended for the pupils of church and cathederal schools. Piae Cantiones did not include music for the verses; these were to be sung to a well-known colloquial tune.
AICSA: In AICSA circles, especially at IVs, Gaudete is usually sung with alternative and (usually) humourous verses (in English). A surprisingly large number of these begin with "Mary had a little lamb".
While the chorus is being sung, either someone will volunteer (by raising their hand) or be selected (by being pointed at by everyone else) to recite the next verse. The verse recitation is solo, and is either from a stock of "standard" AICSA verses or, for the more adventurous, made up on the spot. If the last word of the verse may be descibed in certain circles as "obscene", then the chorus starts by interrupting the last word - thus the questionable last word is never heard, but only alluded to.
Translation: A translation is available.