Yesterday we looked at how Isaac Waats desired to make the music of his time more reachable and singable, thus leading to the writing of Joy to the World which we couldn’t imagine being without today. Today we look at how it’s possible that a melody can stand the test of time and styles.
The O Antiphons
For many, many years, worship services were spoken and sung in Latin (and some still are to this day). One part of the liturgy of a Latin service is the O Antiphons, a series of vocally sung responses. Each antiphon is a name of Christ and when each beginning letter is put together taken backwards, the phrase ‘Ero Cras’ is spelled out – meaning “Tomorrow, I will come.” You can find out more information about the O Antiphons here (and I’d highly recommend checking it out.)
The last antiphon in the series is “O Emmanuel.” Most hymnbooks today include five of the original statements of the antiphons in the modern hymn.
Musical Origins that Stand the Test of Time
I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t agree that “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”‘s melody is one of the most beautiful and haunting melodies in existence. But the amazing part is that this melody is old. Really old. The exact origins aren’t known for sure, but “It is believed that the traditional music stems from a 15th Century French processional for Franciscan nuns, but it may also have 8th Century Gregorian origins.” (from wikipedia) It is amazing to me that something that could be as old as the 8th century would still have such a universal sound and impact today.
Making Old Things New
I’m still hoping to write an article for The Worship Community on the art of making old things new, but in the mean time, check out how this favorite Christmas hymn was made new to become more accessable to all of us.
John Mason Neale had a great desire to translate Greek, Latin, and German hymns into the English language. During his life in the 1800’s he translated this and other hymns into English. Thankfully he kept the haunting, plainsong melody intact.
Ponder who Jesus Is Again and Again
As you sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” this Christmas season take time to ponder the astounding titles of Christ within its verses. And take note of the fact that the One we continue to anticipate is the only one that can hold claim to these titles that have spanned for centuries and will span for eternity.
