Steeleye Span - 'Gaudete' (Live)

Steeleye Span's 'Gaudete', taken from the 'World Tour' 35th Anniversary DVD. Available to buy from the Park Shop here: parkrecords.com...
You can stream and download the Best of Steeleye Span: Catch Up on platforms such as Spotify and Apple here: orcd.co/catchup
In an age when bands seem to come and go in the blink of an eye, an occasion such as a thirty fifth anniversary is one that just has to be marked. Such it was for Steeleye Span, who decided to celebrate the best way they know how - by taking their music of the people to the people across the country. With a line-up featuring names from every period of the band’s illustrious history, the music captured here also reflects every aspect of their stunning career - from their earliest adventures into electric folk through to their commercial heyday and latter work. This is not only the first time that all these individual personalities have been in the same band at the same time, it is also the first time that the magic of Steeleye Span in concert has been caught especially for DVD. Let the celebrations begin….
Join us on.
parkrecords.com/
/ park-records
/ park_records
Do SUBSCRIBE so we can let you know when new video's go up on the Park Records KZbin channel.

[@Neb2117]

Back in early 1970’s I was listening to the likes of Black Sabbath, Mountain, Hendrix, Cream, et al., when I found myself sitting in a crowd anxiously awaiting the headliner Jethro Tull. Suddenly the lights went down and music unlike anything I had ever heard filled the air and my love of traditional English, Scottish, Irish, and French folk music was born. I became mesmerized, almost transfixed by the sound as it washed over me. The lead singer danced about the stage in a long, beautiful, flowing dress that seemed almost hypnotic. Thank you Steeleye Span for educating my ear and sending me along to ensembles such as The Baltimore Consort, Quink, and many others.

[@markpharr8542]

I had the same experience in Houston in 1973. Went out the next day and bought “Parcel of Rouges “.

[@KsbPhone]

Top post,from 🇿🇦

[@MariaPerryMohan-s6h]

Today is Gaudete Sunday

[@fathermpandrew]

Love the song, but of course it celebrates Christmas not Gaudete Sunday

[@purpleplump6650]

It's a song which has stayed with me since the 70's and Jethro Tull ! Great times 💗

[@moiraspeed6356]

This lady has an amazing beautiful voice

[@eddiestafford3313]

@@markfletton5901 Maddy has such a beautiful voice.....and sounds the same as I first heard her away back in 1973!!!

[@flamencoprof]

@@eddiestafford3313 I thought the same.

[@samkenny6798]

Now please don't get angry with me... I like Steeleye Span (and Maddy Prior as well), but personally I find her voice a little piercing. On balance, though, she and the entire ensemble are still amazingly good, and she seems very popular and respected with her fellow performers.

[@skyboswell]

When Maddy's voice kicks in I get literal shivers down my spine. What a singer.

[@trevorfoulkes7867]

+Krystyna Boswell does the same to me not sure why but it does

[@nonameafixed5394]

I feel exactly the same! What a blessed voice!

[@martynflynn8368]

@@nonameafixed5394 As good as when she first sang it nigh on fifty years ago. Beautiful voice, great band.

[@briane5706]

Now a Grandmother in her seventies, her voice is still magic.

[@Battlady57]

Me too.wonderful

[@juniper5438]

Wonderful memories of being in the back of the Austin Allegro listening to this, one of my Mum's favourites. She passed away earlier this year and listening to Steeleye Span always makes me feel like she's nearby singing along with me. Thank you for this wonderful live recording.

[@MarlyD-v1g]

I’m sorry for your loss🌹but you have that awesome memory of her. I’d be happy if my kids thought of me when they hear it.

[@juniper5438]

@ Thank you for your kind words, and I’m certain your kids have special songs that make them think of you 💜.

[@chansonpapillon2391]

Never heard of Jesus until I was 10...Never heard this beautiful song until today at 70. Thanks God, I'm learning :)

[@lordmorley7561]

This is one of the most beautiful Christmas hymns ever written, and the way the group creates the music with only their voices is absolutely astounding . I listen to this every Christmastime , and I am in awe every single time.

[@smallfeet4581]

I've been trying to find out this song for a long long time , first heard it in 70s maybe , but never knew what it was called just knew it was Maddy prior , now after searching again and down to the last song in the list I've found it , yes she has a great voice , pity these songs are not played more on the radio with a station , I'd maybe listen more to the radio lol or better still a channel on TV for folkies

[@KittyStarlight]

@@smallfeet4581 Well, KZbin channels are good too, right? Get it on a CD and you can carry around a CD player with you. (Or a smartphone but some people do tend to prefer CDs, tapes, etc.)

[@KittyStarlight]

Lord Morley: Why only at Christmas? ^___^ I think any time of year is good. ^___^

[@lordmorley7561]

I beg your pardon @Kitty Starlight, I should have said I listen to it mostly at Christmas time, every day for weeks on the run up to Christmas in fact, and also at several junctures throughout the year, every time annoying my wife by singing along to the chorus. I would sing along to the verses if my tongue and mind could keep up with the pace of the words, however I have not been able to master that skill. Regards, L M

[@c0neyisland]

Yep, like you, I make my way here every Christmas eve to listen to one of the best Christmas songs ever!

[@derekcoe9633]

How the heck am I just getting into Steeleye Span nearly 50 years after the fact?

[@sheilafoster6213]

It's never to late

[@cmac2375]

Just lucky I guess

[@curlyjim2550]

Maddy's voice is like a laser, it's pin point accurate and a never ending pleasure to listen to.

[@Peacefully-Happy-86]

Beautiful and couldn't agree more x

[@thereverendsam413]

If you like that, I recommend you listen to Hilary James. I've never heard such precision in any voice ever

[@ConsairtinFergus]

Crystal clear voice, powerful and perfectly in tune. You can't ask for more :)

[@koolarooo]

Lasers are a pleasure to listen to?

[@deborahcurtis1385]

@@ConsairtinFergus It sounds a bit sharp to me, but I love it nonetheless.

[@PhillipMelanchthon]

Maddy Prior is electric in the energy she brings to this piece.

[@knowhere60]

I love that they song it with a rustic English accent!

[@a.y.t.a.s.494]

^sang😉

[@catherinejoy9298]

Yes, but it is in Latin!

[@flamencoprof]

Well, they are English, and a Folk-Rock group.

[@IamWoodstaman]

I remember when my dad would play this in the car when we would go on trips. I remember as a kid we were going to watch Millwall somewhere, and he took us on the scenic route through some beautiful hills. We stopped at a pub and had a meal and went on our way. I was really young and can't remember where it was, but this song and that scenery mean this memory has been etched into my mind ever since.

[@carolinereynolds3238]

Me and my dad too.

[@darrenknaggs9113]

My Mother is the Double of Maddy and loves her Music and Family.Truly Blessed.Maddy's Voice is Eternal

[@Kevh1963]

1 Dec 2020. I’ve been waiting 11 months to play this again. Perfect antidote to 2020!

[@ericgeorge5483]

Absolutely. It certainly has cheered me up, just wonderful.

[@michaelobrien8420]

Wonderful....mediavel... Reconquista......WOW!!!

[@Nommicus]

Hahaha I listened to it today to celebrate too! Edit, well its 01.20 does that still count, haven't slept yet! My Mum has damn near all Span and Maddys records, grew up with Giant Longbone, this, silver sails, The Black Freighter... list goes on.. magical!

[@ericgeorge5483]

@@Nommicus No doubt about it they are folk legends.

[@RS250Squid]

Give it another couple of days...

[@calumdyet6858]

it's not Christmas until I hear this 🌲

[@tinabaker4662]

Still listening

[@michaelclark3261]

Same here

[@SarcoidosisWarrior]

Me too

[@akrogirl32]

Still listening in 2024.

[@stiggdogg13]

This will blow your socks off !

[@KnappKnits]

This gives me shivers. This woman has a wonderful voice.

[@unidentifiedbass]

This is the only Christmas song I will tolerate before Advent.

[@DerekStocks-g5g]

Still here in December 2024. Never left

[@only1utdanditsleeds]

The cleanest clearest purest voice in the history of recording

[@ZAPHODWAT]

Listen to June Tabor as well, She and Maddy sang together as the Silly Sisters

[@Brian-om2hh]

The late Karen Carpenter would have run her a close second......

[@only1utdanditsleeds]

@@Brian-om2hh very true. But Karen was a deeper more mellow tone. Both of them beautiful

[@DanBeech-ht7sw]

Eddie Reader

[@kerrieflindall4437]

Have you forgotten Karen Carpenter??

[@gunnarthorsen]

Sigh....people still harping on Steeleye Span's "bad" Latin pronunciation in this song? My thanks to all of you who correctly understand that at one time, ALL Christians in Europe (not just educated monks, nuns, and clergy) sang or prayed in Latin, with pronunciation that was undoubtedly less than "perfect". Heck, even average parish priests were accused of botching it at times, right up into the 1960's, when the vernacular was introduced into the Catholic Mass. I love Steeleye Span's rendition of Gaudete. It's joyful, connects me to my ancestors, and their English inflections change the meaning and spirit of the words, not one jot or tittle!

[@bluebird7962]

Well said and why aye man marrer! Keep the English dialects alive...I love this version

[@veggie42]

Gunnar Thorsen It's supposed to be veirginae not Virginae

[@AaaBbb-cn3ql]

Gunnar Thorsen give it s bye

[@Sharkable]

Gunnar Thorsen yeah she is bad at pronouncing the words

[@jonsmith4669]

You always get the clever Dicks who have to analyze everything instead of just simply enjoy the sound of the music.How can anyone possibly know how medieval people sang Latin? anyway there are many English dialects. I love this version,I used to work with Peter'Knights dad , a very clever man who also played violin..

[@ianking-jv4hg]

Maddie Prior, without doubt one of the most expressively beautiful voices to be given to us in the 20th/21st century.

[@Bikelife9883]

Listening to this is so bitter sweet. Warm summer nights in a wild but beautiful garden holding someone I loved and being loved in return, that person now gone. How I yearn to be young and there again. I miss you my love.

[@martinphillips9259]

Listen to this, it'll blow your socks off

[@dkglancashire9874]

Martin Phillips lovely stuff

[@danielbriggs7393]

So that's why the Medieval Babes sing this in bare feet. lol

[@finncullen]

They're only the band the Beatles could have been

[@greg0uk]

That’s the best Valentine’s Day I’ve had for 8 years!

[@dsszerothlaw]

Ahaaaaa!

[@englishrose47]

Lucky to see this performed at Bradford Cathedral (England) by Steelye Span. Maddie Prior - what a voice

[@DarenPage]

I was born in November 1974 and the first time I heard this was last night... How on earth have I gone through my life without hearing this... You don't have to be religious to appreciate this.

[@TheMightyGusset]

+Daren Page A sheltered life and it rarely gets played on the radio ?

[@DarenPage]

Cannot disagree with you there. XD

[@Man777Alive]

But it helps! 😂

[@CMA0333]

Don't underestimate Jesus Christ - it's love for HIM that gains you Heaven. It's He who CREATED Heaven, for people who serve Him.

[@thetruth-bf6je]

Daren,have a listen to Steeleye Span Thomas the Rhymer ( live).

[@Binze1507]

her voice still perfect. thanks Maddy.

[@mistermatix8241]

Binze1507 Still perfectly dreadful, no thanks

[@TheMaz64]

this Lady is a national treasure.

[@jimmcintyre6664]

leave it out!!

[@SteveReplin]

I listen to this every Christmas time and this is probably the best version of this incredible song that I've heard. Their voices blend like a fine recipe.

[@carolinereynolds3238]

Better every time!

[@onlylexus]

As always, from the very first day I heard the Span singing this back in the 70s, I am in tears, I can not explain to you exactly why though. Maybe it is the power of it's melody, its seeming ancient sound that fills my heart, I do not know why, but I just love it and it lifts my spirit.

[@sannctuary]

Ditto :)

[@BetaboyBuffet]

.

[@pietrufarrugia9617]

BetaboyBuffet It's a combination of many things, not least the beautiful melody and the power of the thing. You might have a dog-like reaction (and that's awesome!) but I don't think that's universal ;)

[@dpm]

Paul Manning Yes, I remember hearing this song for the first time. It was as though it was coming from another world. Still moves me.

[@alancollis488]

+paul manning I agree with you. I fully appreciate this song. love the melody and it's entirety.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

One of the most magical songs ever written

[@antonialucas2888]

OMG - breath taking - Maddy Priors voice is truly amazing. Together, they are just spectacular.

[@user-yg7ks9yr9q]

I never tire of this beautiful medieval sounding piece that Steeleye Span do such justice to. They sound just like they did on Top of the Pops all those years ago. Marvellous!

[@julianbennett3772]

Maddy still so beautiful in voice and appearance! Thanks

[@kennyramsey4555]

Listen to this... it'll blow your socks off!

[@fredbloggs2371]

A ha

[@guyosborn615]

Especially if you've jsut visited a cracking owl sanctuary with a 40 year old scorcher

[@jeffallinson8089]

It did!!

[@tigerblue42]

I saw this comment on Christmas Eve and didn't get the reference, I do now ! 🙂(Alan was wrong about a lot of things but he was right about this one ! and Jet ! 😉)

[@malcwhite]

The definitive version

[@davidmccarter9479]

It’s the harmony. It’s all about the lovely harmony.

[@telmas7183]

Like Judith Durham; there is a beautiful crystal clarity in her voice!

[@Brian-om2hh]

Indeed. Few singers have it. Karen Carpenter had. it in spades.... As did Kate Bush.....

[@DxHxRxXC]

I lived in England when I was 13 years old in 1973 and this was on the top of the pop charts that Christmas. I can't keep a dry eye when Maddy does her thing on here.

[@margorice1]

She has a gorgeous voice.

[@Sima47]

Had the immense pleasure of seeing the band twice in Toronto in 80s Maddys voice was amazing as were all band members singing and playing. Glad I stumbled onto this version it made my Friday 13th just perfect.

[@ironhorsedb]

i envy them, keeping a band going this long. theyre great

[@unwoke1652]

This song has been ringing pleasantly in my mind since 1975, when I was in Grade 8.

[@waynephillips1538]

Haven't heard this song for over 40 years. I did Latin for four years at school, so I could understand some of the words. I'm an atheist now, but I can still appreciate the song.

[@grahampalmer9337]

I have watched - listened to - countless 'versions' of this wonderful celebration, & I consider that Steeleye Span still do the best rendition.

[@michaelrex6948]

Why? Their Latin is the worst I've heard in my entire life- and that's saying something.

[@kraavenhalftusk6121]

who gives a crap...just treat it as a wonderful song

[@michaelrex6948]

Kraaven Halftusk I do treat it as a wonderful song. That's why I respect it by watching a version sung properly.

[@kraavenhalftusk6121]

i have listened to various other versions on youtube (with the latin pronounced correctly) and this is still by far the best....her voice is just amazing

[@wocko53]

Edate Bibete Gaudiamus

[@Kevh1963]

Every hair on my body has stood on end listening to this. Glorious.

[@danmorley6517]

Even pubes?

[@timcallahan9894]

40 years on- this still warms my soul

[@grahamallen3941]

Brilliant voice Maddie❤❤❤

[@robbiewood9008]

Only a British band could make this obscure European medieval plainsong monks chant an international hit.Britain yet again leading the world.

[@sb6678]

It is not a plainsong melody and not one that would be sung by monks. Monks would only sing items from a Gradual or Antiphonal as they have done so since the earliest of times. Whilst being sacred in nature (which can be understood from the Latin) this is more of a secular carol that would be sung by the ordinary everyday people of the time and perhaps at an equivalent of a Carol, concert, but certainly not within an Office chanted by monks in an abbey. It is far too ‘modern’ for them to sing such a piece. This is far from obscure, it was an extremely well known piece sung throughout Europe in the 14th century and since. At the time it was passed down orally from one generation to the next. In its written form it made its earliest appearance in a Finnish manuscript from 1592 titled Piæ Cantiones. It that edition it contains only a melody and parts for the chorus, Gaudete; no melody is indicated for the verse which would suggest that whoever performed this was free to interpret the melody to their own. There is a melody for the verses written in a later Bohemian manuscript which is more appropriate to the nature of the Carol. The melody used by this group is far too frivolous and modern. Despite the text of the Carol being joyful (rejoice, joy, be glad etc) a melody such as this would not have been used in C14th due to the structure of music at the time.

[@calmeilles]

@@sb6678 You complain about it being "frivolous and modern" but the dominant part of the refrain is the discantus line of the 1420 Jistebnice hymnal, recorded in the 1582 Piae Cantiones of Jacobus Finno, in the Finnish National library..

[@Flipdrivel]

@@sb6678 1582, but otherwise spot on ;-]

[@gedhuffadine1873]

Shut up snob and enjoy! Happy Yule!

[@elspethcraigie6269]

Oh go get a life. Listen to this, its stunning

[@balluumm1]

A wonderful rendition in acapella and nothing wrong with the Latin!

[@DavidStyles-mg6nl]

I saw the band in Sydney around 1980 or so. Maddy Prior's voice hasn't changed in all the time in between. Magnificent.

[@mirennejackrabbit7110]

The beauty of the web! I only wished I had heard this in 72, instead of finding Maddy at 66. How touching to meet her both old and young through her videos.

[@jonsmith4669]

Over 30 years ago I worked with Peter Knights Dad Frank ,and he was a very talented sheet metal worker ex Rolls Royce,he could make any shape all by hand for rare expensive cars,he also played the violin and used to talk about how proud he was of Peter and Steeleye spans success, Incidentally Peter now is a spitting image of Frank. If you are reading this Peter ,dad gave me a violin carcass,as I intended to play it ,but never did,Frank told me you were upset about that,so sorry,hope you are keeping well. !!

[@richdyas]

So glad to still be Alive & able to watch this again

[@Smudgefizz]

Love this song!! As a Canadian, I was turned on to Steeleye Span "Below the Salt" & "Parcel of Rogues" in the mid 70's, when a British pen pal (Julie Douglass of Newcastle) sent me the tapes. Later on I bought the vinyl records, & now own the CD's. 40 years later this song still gives me the chills.

[@stephenkelly1887]

Maddy is simply wonderful. And the harmonies are very tight. Superb

[@karenmahaffey1473]

Lifts my spirits every time I hear it. So grateful this sound is preserved. A Christmas favorite of my family and choir friends.

[@jonahjones1283]

maddy prior....stole my heart back in 60s',,,,what an amazing voice

[@Wombat1916]

jonah jones I went to a SES concert in London in 2002 and Gaudete was sung. Maddy Prior's daughter sang with the chorus. The result was superb. I wonder if that was taped and released in any format?

[@kat2003bob]

Me too! Her and Tim Hart in The Bay Tree, Southampton. Lovely memories. She's coming to Bury St Edmunds in December with The Carnival Band - I have tickets!

[@peterk.jackson7536]

Bob .Foskett thick as a brick

[@randybenjamin5685]

I heard this on FM free form radio in early ' 70's, hadn't yet heard of Steeleye Span. Spent the next FIVE YEARS searching for it ! Worth the search!

[@rjwh67220]

Whoever did their arrangements was simply amazing.

[@juliethompson6887]

Listen to this it'll blow your socks off

[@midgecooper1772]

I heard this in Tesco a few weeks ago and now finally I have found out who it is. It's just amazing, literally an audio brain massage.

[@burraladd]

Brought goosebumps all over!!! Gotta be '70, '71 original. Voices not changed at all!! Quality!

[@llanelli311]

Damn they are still staggering!!

[@noproblem53]

This is perfection I need a twenty minute long version

[@mankin49]

My favorite Medieval hit.

[@paulrosenberg4227]

This was the gateway song to Steeleye Span. Lucky to see them live. A blessing and fab concert. And Mummer's Play !

[@skellysuburban6134]

Just beautiful.

[@cardwitch91]

I adore this. Of all the versions, this remains the most... authentic version. I hope that makes sense. It feels like true Medieval English villagers would sing this way in the days before this hymn was written down finally in the 16th century. No instruments, no twenty bellowing tenors. Just them and their voices.

[@sidclark3871]

Have not got a clue what this song is all about, but it's sung brilliantly. Listen to it so often.

[@jonsmith4669]

Rejoice, Rejoice! Christ is born Of the virgin Mary, Rejoice! etc

[@stevendimmock4791]

My favourite Christmas song, sung by the people who sing it best.

[@aqeiwwrgunaug4ne3]

she has the voice of an angel

[@anndroid3712]

dutchbagel heaven...

[@kitcarr4668]

@ dutchbagel ... all of them, but yes she's a voice that has matured like a fine wine, whereas many older artistes ( sadly ) persist long after the 'best by date' \\ A real joy to listen and thanks to Park Records - appreciated

[@elduck2787]

Had.

[@mistermatix8241]

Yeah, a strangled one, she sounds awful.

[@sb6678]

dutchbagel yea, Lucifer the fallen angel

[@68bee]

Loved this . Thank you

[@sathurxy49]

Maddy's voice voice could cut and polish diamonds. I fell in love with her aged 12 when I saw Steeleye Span on TOTP singing this and All Around My Hat. I'm still in love. ❤

[@anthonylees9029]

Maddy Prior ......what a brilliant voice . Got goosebumps on my goosebumps listening to that ! Wow , lovely to hear Gaudete again ....

[@paulmoran7026]

Magnificent….I had forgotten about this song and this band for well over 40 years, then I heard it and was immediately transported back to my childhood. It’s not just good because of the nostalgia, but rather I’ve always loved English Gregorian chant. Beautiful!

[@stevewells8500]

still great music what a gem maddy prior is.

[@wayne90079]

Fantastic

[@trevorbaker8755]

I bought this on a 45 many years ago, and I still love this with all my being.

[@carolkujawa2718]

Brings back my past. Still awesome after all these years.

[@makethman007]

best voice in the business

[@davedickinson9260]

First phrase - magical. Enter Maddy - light the blue touch paper and take flight. Love you guys. Always have, always will. Rev Dev xxx

[@stormbringerr7806]

she still has such an amazing voice after 35 yrs.

[@markariss6272]

Magnificent version 🎄☃️🧑‍🎄

[@bleat222]

Astounded how incredibly well they still sound - especially the solo. Wow.

[@jamespeel6434]

Alan partridge got me into this . Blew my socks off

[@chaserhaywood2548]

i sang this in my primary school and it showed me the real music of christmas

[@MetalMistress888]

Takes me away to another place and time - in the mediaeval world!

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Love the pronunciation. This is how I imagine medieval English peasants singing this hymn-simple, rustic, heartfelt, unaffected. Beautiful. Far and away the best version of this song.

[@abcbcde9985]

Simple? I think the harmonies go beyond that - just my opinion. One, I suspect, also can only speculate as to just how 'English peasants' would have sounded singing such a song. But, one's imagination is such a powerful thing and from that perspective I am totally with you.

[@Peacefully-Happy-86]

Absolutely beautiful yet haunting I just love it ♥

[@MartinWinter99]

I feel my toenails curl from the atrocious pronunciation. Yet I still love this musically...

[@therespectedlex9794]

'But you're all fucking peasants as far as I can see.' John Lennon, Working Class Hero

[@admiral7043]

@@MartinWinter99 Wouldn't the Medieval English have pronounced latin 'badly' anyway?

[@JaquieDanielsMusic]

I first heard this carol at the Christmas Carol concert when I was in the lower 6th form. It was sung by 3 girls, and I really wanted to be up there singing it! My A level sociology teacher was there and referred to it as the Steeleye Span song - I hadn't heard of them then and didn't hear their version until several years later. I finally got my chance to sing it with a women's singing group, and I've also sung it at my local folk club since then, both the lead and the harmony.

[@hopebgood]

Have a great Christmas :)

[@ericgeorge5483]

What do you think of this version?

[@JaquieDanielsMusic]

@@ericgeorge5483 It's a tone lower than the original but Maddy Prior's vocals are still faultless. I don't think anyone could sing it better than she does.

[@ericgeorge5483]

@@JaquieDanielsMusic I definitely agree; I just love it.

[@briandavies1000]

Comercialism has ruined Christmas forever but the simplicity and brilliance of this song restores the magic I felt as a child. Christmas is in your heart.

[@mattlewis5190]

Here, listen to this.. it'll blow your socks off

[@itsretlig]

👏🏼

[@ufoman4468]

Absolutely wonderful.

[@PamelaFlitton]

Maddy Prior, just phenomenal x

[@paulgriffiths6060]

Brilliant stuff👌👍👏

[@lightwork11]

I didn't realize they were still around, I had their albums from the 70's. They are one of a kind.

[@sb6678]

lightwork11 thank God they were only one of a kind

[@THEpurplehara]

Holy Cow! How have I lived nearly 50 years and have never heard that before..... aural and energetic orgasm! INCREDIBLE! Must find more music by Steeleye Span!

[@MrHolzheim]

Hi, I can beat you by another 20, and I've only just heard it, superb.

[@ipe67]

Hara Willow A big hole in your culture. :-)

[@mirennejackrabbit7110]

Is the net fun---I'm 68 and discovered them last year. Lots of CD's available-- there is a video Albion Bank with Maddy Pryor: Bank of the Thames that shows Maddy young. It is fun to watch a lot of videos and see her whole career---and always Maddy Dances Mary

[@Broxin7]

The studio version of this was sheer recording brilliance. As the listener, it was like you were on the side of a road in the village, and the procession first approaches, passes right before you, then moves away along the road from your position.

[@abcbcde9985]

This got to 14 in the Christmas 1973 British pop charts. My late Dad, a Latin teacher, was thrilled - but he was concerned about some pronunciations at the time, bless him. I understand that no other song sung totally in Latin has ever got this high up the charts before or since. Over to you experts! I have the single and the album somewhere in the attic. Yes, it is one of the best xmas songs of all time, at the age of 56 and all these years later it still sends shivers down my spine when I hear it.

[@dougfgd]

My late friend John Boumphrey also was also horrified by the pronunciation clearly the result of a Cambridge education. My lack of privilege has its advantages.

[@patriciacasey9620]

Abc Bcde I studied Latin in high school for two years and although we didn’t speak it much, we did learn to pronounce it according to certain rules. My father had learned Latin in church and Catholic school as a child and pronounced many words with very different sounds from the pronunciation I was learning. Both are correct in their own spheres I assume.

[@danielbaker8950]

Listen to this, it will blow your socks off.

[@flyingmojo5]

sends shivers and holy light down the spine

[@richardschatz9992]

Takes me back to my college days in the Seventies when I first discovered Steeleye Span. Love this beautiful rendition.

[@CarlosAlberto-ii1li]

Incredible song, Maddys is voice perfect, this song has a very great memory for me.