The Bæbes's first album, Salva Nos (1997), shot straight to No 2 in the classical charts, a silver disc. Subsequent albums include Worldes Blysse (which went straight to No 1), Undrentide, (co-produced by John Cale), The Rose, and the Christmas-themed album Mistletoe & Wine.
Mirabilis (2005), was launched at a concert and party in London, August 2005. A self-titled DVD was released in July 2006. The first 300 preorders were autographed by the band and received a special mention in the DVD credits.
A live album was be released in December 2006 and featured two bonus studio tracks, An Itunes exclusive was also launched which added tracks not featured on the cd release and at this time still remain exclusive so is well worth tracking down.
The new album entitled Illumination was released via preorder on the bands website in Oct 2008 and as an added incentive to fans features two bonus tracks not included on the regular wholesale edition which has a Spring 2009 official release date. There has been concerns over the mastering of the album from fans which could account for the delayed release dates.
Each album features traditional medieval songs and poetry set to music, mostly arranged by Blake specifically for the ensemble, alongside varying numbers of original compositions. They sing in a variety of languages, including Latin, Middle English, French, Italian, Russian, Middle High German, Welsh, Irish Gaelic, modern English, Swedish and the nearly extinct Cornish. Their vocals are backed by medieval instruments, including the recorder and cittern, played by the singers or fellow musicians.
One of the group's founding musicians, Dorothy Carter, died of a stroke in 2003 at the age of 68. In addition to playing autoharp, hurdy gurdy, and dulcimer with the group, she performed the lead vocals on So Spricht Das Leben (Worldes Blysse) and L'Amour de Moi (The Rose).
Emily Ovenden, who sings with the group, is the daughter of artist Graham Ovenden.
The Bæbes' musical pieces run the gamut from extremely traditional, such as their version of The Coventry Carol on Salva Nos, to songs that feel traditional but are much more modern, such as their rendition of Summerisle, a song written for Robin Hardy's 1973 cult film Wicker Man. John Cale added non-medieval instruments, including saxophone and electric guitar, to some of the arrangements on Undrentide, although with subsequent albums the band returned to more traditional instruments. Even with these instruments, however, the band's current style is quite different from medieval authentic performance groups, as it displays significant modern influence.
Current Band Members:
Katharine Blake (Contralto, Recorders, Violin, Piano), Emily Ovenden (Soprano, Recorders, Concertina, Percussion), Ester Dee (Soprano), Claire Rabbitt (Contralto, Piano), Bev Lee Harling (Alto, Violin, Citern, Recorders, Guitar), Melpomeni Kermanidou (Mezzo Soprano, Piano)
former Band Members:
Dorothy Carter, Karen Lupton, Nicole Frobusch, Nichole Sleet, Carmen Schneider, Claire Ravel, Ruth Galloway, Teresa Casella, Rachel Van Ash, Audrey Evans, Marie Findley, Cylindra Sapphire, Sophie Evans, Maple Bee, Sofia Escobar, Maxine Fone
Official website: www.mediaevalbaebes.com
Gaudete
Mediæval Bæbes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Tempus ad est gratiae hoc quod optabamus
Carmina laetitiae devote redamus
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Deus homo factus est naturam eraute
Mundus renovatus est a christo regnante
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Ezecheclis porta clausa per transitor
Unde lux est orta sallus inventior
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Ergo nostra coutio psallat jam in lustro
Benedicat domino sallus regi nastro
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
The song "Gaudete" by Mediæval Bæbes is a Latin hymn that celebrates the birth of Christ. The first verse translates to "Rejoice, rejoice, Christ is born / Of the virgin Mary, rejoice." The repetition of this verse throughout the song emphasizes the joyous occasion of Christ's birth and encourages listeners to celebrate.
The second verse speaks of the grace of God and calls for a focused devotion to singing songs of joy. The third verse speaks of how Christ came to renew and redeem the world, embodying the divine as a human being. The fourth verse is a reference to a passage in the book of Ezekiel where a closed door allows light to shine within, representing Christ's birth as the light of salvation. The final verse urges everyone to sing together in celebration and bless God for his salvation and reign.
Line by Line Meaning
Gaudete, gaudete Christus est natus
Rejoice, rejoice, Christ is born
Ex Maria virginae gaudete
Rejoice in the virgin Mary
Tempus ad est gratiae hoc quod optabamus
The time of grace has come, which we have longed for
Carmina laetitiae devote redamus
Let us sing songs of joy with devotion
Deus homo factus est naturam eraute
God became man and nature rejoices
Mundus renovatus est a christo regnante
The world is renewed by the reigning Christ
Ezecheclis porta clausa per transitor
The closed gate of Ezekiel has been passed through by the wanderer
Unde lux est orta sallus inventior
From where the light has risen, salvation has also come
Ergo nostra coutio psallat jam in lustro
Therefore, let our assembly sing praises now at this time of purification
Benedicat domino sallus regi nastro
Let health be blessed to the reigning Lord
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL PHILIP MCGLYNN, . TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind