Sunday, December 9, 2012

VENI, VENI, EMMANUEL
(O Come, O Come, Emmanuel)



A most reverent and unusually sensitive version of this ancient Advent hymn. Note the beautiful flowing character of the melodic lines. No two notes are sung with exactly the same dynamic intensity. 

The subtle rise and fall and varying emphasis on each word of the Latin text gives each phrase a distinct sense of purpose and direction. 

The harmonies in the second and fourth verses give an aura of mystical connection with ancient stone monasteries and the majesty of soaring cathedrals –– of early choirs long deceased –– and a direct connection with the deepest roots of our blessed faith. This is prayer offered in the form of music, a different thing from concert performance.

5 comments:

  1. did you notice the breath control to keep the phrases going? GORGEOUS. Disciplined singers. Just marvelous, thanks!

    FT, I thought you'd love this idea; the praise music leader at my church is an accomplished pianist and her husband writes music for film. Their Christmas card I rec'd today was a folded sheet of paper with a beautiful sentiment on the front above the address and, upon opening the folded paper, I realized it wasn't one of those Christmas letters I thought it might be but an original piece of Christmas music they wrote...a one-sheet piece of their beautiful composition! Cool, huh?
    Happy Sunday!

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  2. I lovely version!

    Those open intervals are reminiscent of Gregorian Chant.

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  3. Loved the latin... even if the translation seemed a bit "off" from what little I know of it.

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  4. Hymnus est laus Dei cum cantico.

    A hymn is the praise of God with song.


    Very nice.

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