Gaudete (meaning ‘rejoice’) is a sacred Christmas Carol of Latin text. As a single line melody to carry the words, is it thought to have been written in the late medieval period, with subsequent harmonies being added in the fifteenth century.
Gaudete (meaning ‘rejoice’) is a sacred Christmas Carol of Latin text. As a single line melody to carry the words, is it thought to have been written in the late medieval period, with subsequent harmonies being added in the fifteenth century. The song was published in 1582 in the collection ‘Piae Cantiones’ - a collection of Finnish / Swedish sacred songs. This carol follows the typical structure for sacred songs at the time of its publication – a uniform series of four-line stanzas each preceded by a two-line refrain. The Latin text is a medieval song of praise about the Virgin Mary. My arrangement, whilst being something of an ‘indulgence’ seeks to use some musical language typical of the time of the original publication.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an "Honary Fellowship of the University of Winchester" for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for the Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for "Services to Youth" by Brass Bands England.
