Veni Emmanuel

Veni Emmanuel consists of continuous variations on an ancient French plainsong more commonly known as O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The theme is stated initially by unaccompanied timpani in the Lento introduction, then by the quartet of horns. A brisk Allegro molto vivace begins a series of variations that subject the theme to rapidly unfolding and often abstract treatments. The final fugal variation leads to a triumphant tutti restatement of the theme, and unbridled percussion bring the work to its full-throated conclusion. Sartor composed the piece in honor of David Van Vactor, his primary composition teacher and mentor at the University of Tennessee and a professed admirer of the theme on which the variations are based. Premiered by the Indiana Wind Symphony. Single movement.