Linky Linky, Singy Singy

[colliemommie]

Courtesy of filkferengi, from whom I get all my best music recommendations. Two versions of "Gaudete, Christus est natus". Great 16th century song (first published in a book of Finnish and Swedish songs in 1582), with gorgeous harmonies.

I like the Steeleye Span one best, personally. There's no ritard or pause between verses and the harmonies sound richer than the Mediaeval Babes version (yay men singing). I also think it's a very interesting look at the performance...they obviously have a wonderful feel for what everyone else is doing, and I don't think anyone opens their eyes throughout the whole thing.

Avoid the comments on youtube...they devolve into people arguing about what is and is not "correct" Latin pronounciation. Because, there totally is such a thing as "correct Latin pronouciation". Ya know.

Comments

[thexphial.livejournal.com]

I really wanted to like the Steeleye Span version, but the chewing of the dipthong on the e vowel was too much. I need cleaner diction!

(And this is where I reveal what a huge nerd I really am)

[colliemommie.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's twangy. But I figure that in 400 plus years of being basically a folk song sung by non-native speakers it's been done a lot worse a lot of times.

[thexphial.livejournal.com]

Being back in choir has ruined me for twangy diction, but only in Latin or Spanish. I usually ignore it in English.

[thexphial.livejournal.com]

Here's an example of when the twang doesn't bother me at all, ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D8YEgANLow

[colliemommie.livejournal.com]

Here's the King's Singers. Same snappy tempo, better diction (they also say "virginae" with the long first vowel), AND rotating solists on the verses. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KSxg9Ij5r8

[thexphial.livejournal.com]

Ha, yes, that's much closer to what I would expect. Donald always has us sing the long I in virginae.

[filkferengi]

Aww, I'm glad you're enjoying & sharing the music.