O Come O Come Emmanuel

Ancient and contemporary styles.

The words to O Emmanuel (God with us) have been around since the ninth century when it was one of seven “Great Antiphons” sung by monastic choirs during Advent.  The tune we associate with these words, however, is derived from Veni Emmanuel, a fifteenth century processional that originated in a community of French Franciscan nuns.  Chiming like bells from a medieval tower, the introductory chords in this version evoke this rich history before moving into a more contemporary interpretation.