Peter Hollens

Lyrics

2 ContributorsO Come, O Come, Emmanuel LyricsO come o come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
O come o come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the son of God appears

Rejoice!
Rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, oh Israel

Oh come thou day-spring come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice!
Rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, oh Israel
Oh…
Oh…
Oh…

O come
O come the Lord of might
Who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times did give the law
In cloud in majesty and awe
You might also likeRejoice! rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee oh Israel

Rejoice!
Rejoice!
Rejoice!
Rejoice!

Emmanuel
Shall come to thee oh Israel
Shall come to thee oh IsraelEmbed

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a hauntingly beautiful Christmas carol that captures the essence of the season with its powerful, emotive melody and heartfelt lyrics. This centuries-old hymn has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with listeners around the world. In this rendition by Peter Hollens, the song takes on a fresh and captivating interpretation, showcasing his incredible vocal range and ability to bring new life to a beloved classic.

About O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a traditional Christian hymn that dates back to the 12th century. Its origins can be traced back to a series of medieval Latin chants known as the "O Antiphons," which were sung during the week leading up to Christmas Eve. The antiphons were based on various Biblical texts and each one represented a different name for the awaited Messiah. Emmanuel, which means "God with us," is one of the titles given to Jesus in the song.

The melody of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is rooted in Gregorian chant, which gives it a timeless and ethereal quality. The song's minor key and melancholic undertones evoke a sense of longing and anticipation, mirroring the collective longing for the arrival of the Messiah. This combination of ancient chant and emotive melody creates a unique and powerful atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.

Peter Hollens' rendition of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel breathes new life into this classic hymn. Known for his exceptional vocal talent and ability to create rich harmonies through multi-track recordings, Hollens provides a fresh take on the song while still honoring its traditional roots. His soulful and emotive delivery captures the essence of the lyrics, evoking a sense of reverence and awe.

Through his vocal prowess, Hollens showcases the power and beauty of the song's lyrics. The words of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel are deeply rooted in the longing and hope of the Advent season. They speak of the yearning for redemption and the anticipation of the arrival of the Messiah. Hollens' nuanced performance brings these emotions to life, drawing listeners in and allowing them to connect with the profound message of the song.

One of the distinguishing features of Peter Hollens' rendition of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is his meticulous attention to detail in the arrangement. The multi-layered vocals create a sense of depth and richness, adding an element of grandeur to the song. The harmonies intertwine seamlessly, creating a sonic tapestry that enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics.

In addition to the vocal arrangement, Hollens incorporates various instrumental elements in his rendition of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Gentle piano chords provide a melodic foundation, while subtle strings and percussions add texture and depth to the overall sound. These instrumentations complement the vocals, adding another layer of complexity and allowing the song to soar to new heights.

Ultimately, Peter Hollens' rendition of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a testament to the timelessness of this cherished Christmas carol. Through his masterful vocal performance and meticulous arrangement, he brings new life to an age-old hymn, capturing the essence of the season and inviting listeners to reflect on the deeper meanings of Christmas. Whether you are a devout believer or simply appreciate beautiful music, Hollens' rendition of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a must-listen during the holiday season.

• Release Date: October 28, 2016
• Artist: Peter Hollens