Merry Christmas, everyone!
I thought of sharing some medieval music appropriate for this time of year (back in the day at least :D).
First of all, here is a polyphonic work by Perotin (sung by the Hilliard Ensemble) in Paris about the year 1198. It is the Gradual from the Third Mass of Christmas Day (Viderunt omnes):
Next is another work by Perotin (also sung by the Hilliard Ensemble) for a procession on the feast of St. Stephen that uses the text of the Gradual for the feast (Sederunt principes):
I have lately enjoyed listening to medieval English carols and songs. One of them is “There is no rose” about Our Lady. If I gather correctly, it is I think the most popular of them all. It is sung by the Landini Consort:
It is such a beautiful song that truly expresses the due honor of our Blessed Mother.
Another one of my favorites is “Alleluia A New Work is Come On Hand.” It is sung by the Hilliard Ensemble:
Here is another for the feast of St. Stephen (sung by Ensemble La Reverdie):
Here are a few in honor of St. Thomas Becket:
(sung by St. George’s Canzona)
(sung by the Hilliard Ensemble)
Enjoy!