O come Immanuel

In 2008, we ran our biggest-yet schools Christmas music project in east Suffolk, called 'One Christmas'.
We had 1800 children singing on a CD and music DVD (check out onechristmas.org.uk).

As part of the theme for this project I wanted to create songs that could be used to briefly give some essence of the history of our faith - as per the bible readings used in the traditional 'nine lessons and carols'. Having written one to cover creation (see 'the world that God had given us') I wanted one to look to the coming of Jesus. As a base I took the first line of 'O come O come Immmanuel', some lyrics from a Wesley carol 'Come O long expected Jesus' and wrote some music and extra parts to build up a four simultaneous parts for the children to sing.
I then wrote some solo ad-lib style parts to go on top of the 4 parts sung by the children
these extra parts are available here

below are the lyrics for 'O come Immanuel'

O come O Come Immanuel
O come O Come Immanuel

Come, O long expected Jesus
Born to set your people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Come Lord Jesus
Come Lord Jesus

Come Lord Jesus
Come Lord Jesus

Andrew Rayner
© Wendy House Music 2008
wendyhousemusic.co.uk

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