Veni Emmanuel

Veni Emmanuel, a poem by Garth Bardsley and set for double SATB choir, is dedicated to the celebrated a cappella octet, VOCES8. Driven by rhythmic energy and contrasting textures, the music responds to Bardsley’s poem for Advent which evokes the excitement of the impending birth of Jesus. The relentless compound metre, and ostinato repetitions of Veni Emmanuel – first in one choir, then the other – reflect the mounting religious fervour as the arrival of the Christ-child is awaited. It reaches its final climax with lush eight-part harmony.

Veni, veni Emmanuel!

 Bring forth light
Bring forth light
Out of our darkness shining bright
Bring joy, bring gladness
Our fears to dispel
Veni, veni Emmanuel

Bring us peace
Bring us peace
Out of His love our faith increase
Bring joy, bring gladness
Bid sorrows farewell
Veni, veni Emmanuel 

Hear the story of Gabriel
To Mary, God’s promise, he did foretell
And she became his sentinel
To bring about the first Noël 

Bring us might
Bring us might
Out of God’s faith, our hearts unite
Bring joy, bring gladness
In our lifetime to dwell
Veni, veni Emmanuel!

© Garth Bardsley