O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

I have always felt a strong connection to this hymn and had even arranged it for the vocal ensemble Five By Design, with whom I sang for many years. Once again, I use an unusual meter: this one is in 7/4. There is a haunting beauty and depth to this prelude, while at the same time not making extraordinary demands on the pianist. In my mind, the meter creates the image of sobbing by those making the plea for rescue from their capture. One can feel the sense of hopeless despair of the petitioners, yet they do not give up hope but rather wait for the day when they are at last delivered from their bondage.