Gaude et laetare, Jerusalem

composer

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621)

Cantiones Sacrae, 1619, No 18

author of text

Anonymous

Magnificat Antiphon at Vespers for the Nativity

Recordings

Christmas Vespers at Westminster Cathedral

Westminster Cathedral Choir, Matthew Martin (organ), Martin Baker (conductor)

CDA67522 Temporarily out of stock

Sweelinck: Cantiones Sacrae, Vol. 1

Trinity College Choir Cambridge, Richard Marlow (conductor)

Buy by post £13.99 (ARCHIVE SERVICE) CDA67103 Archive Service Only

Details

Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker (conductor), Matthew Martin (organ)

Track 1 on CDA67522 [3'01] Temporarily out of stock

LatinEnglish

Trinity College Choir Cambridge, Richard Marlow (conductor)

Track 18 on CDA67103 [2'33] Archive Service Only

LatinEnglish

Gaude et laetare, Jerusalem

EnglishFrançaisDeutsch

Most major feasts have two celebrations of Vespers: first Vespers on the Eve of the Feast and second Vespers on the day itself. The texts for First Vespers of Christmas are still much concerned with preparation, with warnings and signs that the day of the Lord is about to appear. Fitting with this imagery is the vigorous and stirring motet for five voices Gaude et laetare by the Dutch composer, organist and teacher Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562–1621). Starting in a minor key, this precursor to the service proper conjures up the stirring power of Advent before relaxing into a more prayerful welcome to the new King, until it explodes once again as the Cherubim and Seraphim proclaim Christ with the word ‘Sanctus’.

Track-specific metadata

Click track numbers opposite to select

Hyperion Records