With our first snow of the year now fading (or faded!), we edge ever closer to the Christmas season of 2023! This Twelve Days series will feature noëls from the French and Ukrainian traditions, interspersed with glorious contemporary choral works and a few popular favorites (and not so favorites) in performances that shine with the glow of the holiday. Enjoy!
Day 12 - Veni, Veni Emmanuel (O Come, O Come Emmanuel) is a centuries-old carol with a rich history. Its text dates back to at least the 8th century, and its alluring melody stands out as one of the oldest French Christmas melodies. Written by a priest with a deep understanding of the bible, the Latin verses portray the full story of the birth of the Messiah, originally intended to be sung over the course of seven days, one verse per day. A published latin version did not appear until 1710, and the English version that many know today (by John Mason Neale) was not published until 1861 in the hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern.
Captivum solve Israel / And ransom captive Israel
Qui gemit in exilio / That mourns in lonely exile here
Privatus Dei Filio / Until the Son of God appear
Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel / Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
nascetur pro te, Israel / Shall come to thee, O Israel
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - The Gesualdo Six
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