Regal and majestic, this setting of the timeless carol is reminiscent of English boy choirs and cathedral congregations proclaiming together the joyous news of Christ's birth. Accompanied by an organ and trumpet fanfare, children's voices open the anthem singing the traditional Latin invitation, "Venite adoremus Dominum." Congregations then have the option to join the children on stanza one singing either the Latin or English text. The piece incorporates fresh harmonies throughout and employs an especially delightful accompaniment pattern on stanza two before a climatic modulation propels the anthem to its final stanza, underscored by a powerful free accompaniment and soaring vocal descant. A hymn study related to this carol is available on the Choristers Guild website.
