File:National Anthem of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth (1569–1795) - Gaude Mater Polonia

Gaude Mater Polonia (Latin, "Rejoice, oh Mother Poland") was probably the most popular medieval Polish anthem, written in the 13th or the 14th century in memory of Saint Stanisław Szczepanowski, Bishop of Kraków. Polish knights used to sing it after victory in battle, presumably to one of the Gregorian melodies associated with the Eucharistic hymn O Salutaris Hostia on which it is based. The anthem came to existence in 1253, along with the canonisation of Stanisław Szczepanowski on 8 September in Assisi; Stanisław died a martyr's death on 11 April 1079. The author of the anthem is the first Polish composer in music history known by name, the poet Vincent of Kielcz, OP, a Cracovian canon and chaplain of Bishop Iwo Odrowąż. For a long time he was mistakenly called Vincent of Kielce, and he wrote the hymn to commemorate the canonisation of St Stanisław. It is assumed that the first performance of the piece took place on 8 May 1254, during the canonisation ceremonies in Kraków. It is most commonly sung in the arrangement of Teofil Tomasz Klonowski (1805–1876). It is written for a four-voice, mixed choir, with the melody being captured in a four measure phrase. Although it is no longer the National anthem of Poland, it often accompanies ceremonies of national and religious importance.

Performend by Choir Cantores Veiherovienses