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Based on the last Advent (Magnificat) Antiphon, O Emmanuel, this SATB divisi piece centres on an insistently-building chorus of "Veni" as fits the calendar moment, contrasted with solid chordal writing for the 'King and lawgiver' line, and framed by imitative reflections on the opening phrase of the plainsong. There are several changes of tempo and
mood to handle in a short time-frame.
It would suit a late-Advent service, form a pivot-point between prophecies and a Gospel reading, or sit in the classic pre-Evensong slot, being a cappella. Tonal, but with some 7th harmonies to add bite.
Juxtaposing a George Herbert poem (The Starre) with the Veni Creator Spiritus text and plainsong melody, this anthem is structured like a troped hymn. The texts are complementary and contrasted. That contrast is mirrored in the music; there are moments of word-painting and a few harmonic surprises, mostly to colour particular syllables. There is one very short de-synchronised moment where recitative style in the tenor part is set between regular note-values. The overall effect is layered and rhapsodic.