The Fifth Day to Christmas

       This is one of those carols I might have shared five or more years ago. It is one that, in my zealous thunder-puppy years, I would have added to my roster that contained no songs written after the 1800s. I remember those. It took age to discover that good things had actually been created after that point. Then again, I may not have known about this song then, anyways.

       Be that as it may, far be it from me to put together a Christmas set without including at least one thing from the renaissance period or before. Just because I learned that some modern music can be good, means that I discard my primary mission for these posts, which was and is to unearth and share beautiful music that has become buried in history not simply obscurity. So, if you are already extremely familiar with this piece and it bores you, alas, but my guess is that for most of you this will be the first time you've heard it.

       Thomas Tallis took the text for this beautiful motet from a tenth century hymn book, either of French, English, or Italian origin. I cannot determine which. The author, once again, is anonymous. I don't recall who I've told this to, but now you'll know too, that I consider Latin to be the best language to sing in. I prefer singing in it even over English. Why? Because it lends itself so well to the tall, open vowels that characterize good singing. While other language's must be adapted slightly, pronunciation wise, to be understood while being sung, Latin need only be sung as it was meant to be pronounced. It is melodious and smooth. It rolls across the tongue like skater on ice, and once you have learnt the basics of Latin pronunciation, which are very, very simple, reading it becomes almost easier than that of English since a syllable or word pronunciation doesn't change based on the syllable or word that follows it, as it can in English. You know, like, "the song," and "the angel?" Say it out loud, and you'll know what I'm talking about. 

       I am a huge proponent of writing music in the language of one's intended audience, but every now and again I have a powerful urge to write something in Latin simply because I love it and it's beautiful to sing in. You may consider this odd, if you wish. I prefer to label it as polished and sophisticated taste, but to each his own. ;) 

       Leaving the language behind, the words are powerful too. I'm going to share the English translation with you here so you can see what's being said.