The Men’s Shanty Group (MSG) have made a special lockdown virtual choir recording of Gaudete – a medieval song celebrating the birth of Jesus. Most people know of it these days from the Steeleye Span recording in 1973 which sadly doesnt seem to appear on most Christmas compilations these days. It has a rousing tune and great for a shanty side – it’s almost a Wassail!
Gaudete Gaudete Christos est Natus – Rejoice! Rejoice!, Christ is born!
Our version is sung completely ‘a capella’ by Tex, Dave, Ray, Gordon, Paul, Mino & Bob in a mix of the traditional Latin and English. We learnt the parts on zoom and each individually recorded one or more parts which were then mixed to make the final recording. MSG was formed by some of the men in Sing! Bentley Heath Community choir who decided to do some extra rehearsals in the local pub. Since Lockdown 1, they have been meeting online to continue the banter!
A big thank you to everyone who bought copies of this and Dona Nobis Pacem and sent us a few quid. Every penny was gratefully received as were the comments on social media and because of your support, we were able to raise £304 for our good causes.