I am a sucker for dramatic advent carols in minor keys. I don’t know what it is about them, but they are always the tunes that I love the most during the holiday season. And the one I love the most by far is “Veni Veni Emmanuel”, otherwise known as “O Come O Come Emmanuel”. Every arrangement I’ve found I’ve loved. Fun fact: the first time I met Sandra Eithun I embarrassed myself by fanboying at her arrangement of this tune.
This arrangement by Fred Gramann has everything in it, and the Raleigh Ringers nail the performance. There are beautiful flowing scale passages in the battery bells. There are giant, earth shaking chords struck precisely. There are extra sets of bells added to create their distinct Raleigh Ringer sound. There’s even a funky bass break down in the middle. All this to say there’s something for everyone in this performance.
Tomorrow we’ll find out what my least favorite holiday song is. Stayed tuned!
