This setting of the 15th century tune Veni Emmanuel, (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) is designed to be a dramatic procesional to open a Christmas program. Although composed to be performed with choir, all choral parts are crossed-cued in the instrumental parts so that it may be performed without singers.

Orchestral and band versions are in the same key to allow for joint ensemble performance.

It also supports the use of multiple choirs for institutions with large choral programs.
      Verse 1: Unison men (can be sung by the men's choir)
      Verse 2: SSAA (can be sung by the women's choir or a childrens choir in unison)
      Verse 3: SATB (can be sung by the mixed choir)
      Verse 4: SSAATTBB (can be sung by all choirs)

Summit Choral society performs Ayers' Veni Emmanuel

December 2007.  Jesse Ayers' Veni Emmanuel for chorus and orchestra was performed December 12, 13, and 14, by the Summit Choral Society (Akron, OH) under the direction of Dr. Frank Jacobs.  The work is a processional piece.  The men begin singing softly in unison, like chant, from behind the audience.  Then the orchestra begins playing the 15th-century hymn while the choir solomnly process in.  From its dark, sombre beginning, the work becomes progressively brighter until the climactic "Rejoice! Rejoice!"

Professional Opinion

Jonathan Willis, conductor

When we introduced Ayers’ Veni Emmanuel to our students here at Mount Union College they were treated to a challenge, and they were thrilled to have the opportunity to perform a work of this caliber. The scoring is immaculate, imaginative, and allows the band to explore ensemble playing that is similar to that of the orchestra. The percussion writing is wonderful, with truly effective timpani and mallet scoring, and a wonderful harp part. Add to this the synthesizer bass part, the first-rate woodwind scoring, and the powerful brass, and you have a winner! This is the most beautiful version of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” out there today. A very good high school band could perform Veni, and the challenge for those students would be well worth the effort, but the work is best suited for the collegiate band. Veni Emmanuel is a marvelous work that I highly recommend for any Christmas concert.

Program Notes

Veni Emmanuel was composed in the fall of 1997 for the combined ensembles of the Malone College music department. The tune first appeared in the 15th century and is best known today in the United States as the Christmas hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." This setting begins dark and sombre, expressing a longing for the Messiah to come. The piece grows progressively brighter and more cheerful and finally festive with the realization that the time of His appearing has come. After the first statement of the words "Rejoice! Rejoice!" the listener will hear the brass briefly quote the hymn " Crown Him With Many Crowns," referring, of course, to Jesus, the King of Kings. The piece closes softly, with a solo trumpet asking the question "What wondrous love is this?"