O Come, O Come Emmanuel

This classic “Christmas Carol” is originally an ancient Advent hymn. The “O Antiphons” are a series of chants performed in the days leading up to Christmas, of which this is the most well known.

The musical setting below may look unusual to the people with musical training, employing duplets in a 6/8 time signature. This corresponds with the arrangement that can be heard on my first Christmas album, Christmas on the Northshore. Take a listen there and see how it fits together to create a more rhythmic, driving arrangement.

O-Come-O-Come-Emmanuel-2020-12-11

For a more traditional approach, you can also utilize the following version, which incorporates the same harmonies, but keeps it in a standard time signature/rhythm.

O-Come-O-Come-Emmanuel-Traditional-2020-12-07

Additionally, please note that there are several more verses, and different variations on the translation available.