Clerestory Notes

Commentary -
 

In Dulci jubilo is one of the most popular Christmas carols, and one of the oldest. Its title, literally translated “In sweet rejoicing,” was until the later twentieth century usually rendered in English Good Christian Men, Rejoice, but now is often included in hymnals and programs as Good Christian Friends, Rejoice or, as here, Good Christians All, Rejoice. The text was written in a mixture of Medieval German and Latin, and until the mid-nineteenth century translation by John Mason Neale that is most familiar to modern English speakers, translations retained the Latin phrases throughout the carol.

The tune reflects the “rejoicing” of its title, as the lilting 6/8 melody signals its folk-song and folk dance origins. This setting uses a bell-tune motif in the introduction, interludes between verses, and the ending. It can be played on the piano, or by other available instruments, but if you have a keyboard or organ with a bell setting, that is most fun, especially as the bell motif sets the melody for the modulation.

The whole carol is wonderful, of course, but here’s a creative option. The third verse, with the mood changed from lilting to a bit slower, is very effective used at a time of Confession, either as a sung Call to confession or Assurance of pardon. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday when many congregations light the Candle of Peace, this verse can be sung without using the rest of the carol in the service. On the second Sunday of Christmas, we like to use the first two verses at Gathering or Invocation, the third verse at Confession, and third verse reprised, with its quicker dance-cadence, at Sending.

Liturgical Season:
Christmas

Liturgical Uses:
Gathering, Invocation, Profession, Confession (verse 3), Sending

Key: F (verses 1 and 2), modulation to G (verse 3)

Good Christians All, Rejoice is available as a lead sheet.