O come, O come, Emmanuel
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O come, O come, Emmanuel is a translation of the Christian Latin text ("Veni, veni, Emmanuel") by John Mason Neale in the mid-19th century. It is a metrical version of a collation of various Advent Antiphons (the O Antiphons), which now serves as a popular Advent and Christmas hymn. Its origins are unclear, it is thought that the antiphons are from at least the 8th Century, but "Veni, veni Emmanuel" may well be 12th Century in origin.[1][2]
The text is based on the biblical prophesy from Isaiah 7:14 that states that God will give Israel a sign that will be called Immanuel (Lit.: God with us). The Gospel of Matthew, (Matthew 1:23), states fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
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[edit] Musical setting
It is believed that the traditional music stems from a 15th Century French processional for Franciscan nuns,[3] but it too may have 8th Century Gregorian in origins. It is one of the most solemn Christmas hymns.
Performance variations exist today over the rhythm of the music. Many performances pause on the last syllable of "Emmanuel", in both the verse and the chorus, however often performances omit these pauses to give a greater sense of understanding to the chorus "Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee of Israel". If a pause is included, the meaning is lost as an audible comma is heard between "Emmanuel" and "shall come to thee...".
[edit] Cover Versions
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/NonEnglish/veni_veni_emanuel.htm
- ^ http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomocom.htm
- ^ http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomocom.htm
