O Come, Emmanuel

for SATB (with optional solos) and organ or piano or small orchestra or chamber group O Come, Emmanuel is an Advent Celebration, suitable for both church and concert choirs. It is based on the 7 Great 'O' Antiphons, and fragments of the well-known plainsong hymn permeate the work. To these, Bullard has added settings of a number of other Advent texts and hymns, including the beautiful 'There is a rose-tree', a rousing setting of 'Chanticleer Carol', and new arrangements of 'Gabriel's Message' and 'Joy to the world!'. The work may be sung throughout by SATB choir, or a range of soloists may take some of the lines. The accompaniment - for organ or piano, or with small orchestra or chamber group - is equally flexible. A number of the movements make highly effective separate pieces and anthems. Written with the composer's long and practical experience, O Come, Emmanuel is a strikingly original work for Advent and Christmas that will enhance both liturgical celebrations and concert programmes at this time.

Prelude; Advent Responsory (i); Hymn: The advent of our God; O Wisdom; Where shall Wisdom be found?; O Lord of Lord; Come, thou long-expected Jesus; O Root of Jesse; There is a rose-tree; O Key of David; Earth grown old; Hymn: Thy kingdom come! on bended knee; O Morning Star; Chanticleer; O King of the Nations; Hymn: Joy to the world!; And they shall call his name Emmanuel; O Emmanuel; Gabriel's Message; And art thou come with us to dwell?; Advent Responsory (ii); Hymn: Lo! he comes with clouds descending

Alan Bullard was born in London and studied with Herbert Howells at the Royal College of Music, and at Nottingham University. He enjoyed a successful career in music education; for many years he was Head of Composition at Colchester Institute, and is currently an examiner for ABRSM. He now devotes most of his time to composing, editing, and arranging. His music unfailingly appeals to both performers and audiences; he has written for all kinds of choirs, and instrumental works for a variety of ensembles and orchestras. Alan is a respected writer of music for examination syllabuses and educational albums. His major publications include the four inspirational Oxford Flexible Choral Anthologies, Alan Bullard Anthems, and the five cantatas Wondrous Cross, O Come Emmanuel, A Light in the Stable, Psalmi Penitentiales, and Images of Peace. He and his wife Janet also write the Pianoworks series for the older beginner.