Christmas Countdown: Adeste Fideles

“O Come, All Ye Faithful,” originally penned in the reverent Latin tones as “Adeste Fideles,” is a Christmas carol shrouded in mystery and rich in history. This beloved hymn, a staple of holiday celebrations, is thought to have been crafted by a medley of historical figures. Among them are John Francis Wade (1711–1786), John Reading (1645–1692), and even King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656). The hymn’s origins are further mystified by the earliest manuscript bearing King John IV’s name, found nestled in the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa’s library.

Initially composed with four verses, the hymn has since blossomed into an eight-verse masterpiece, transcending language barriers and cultural divides. Its verses have been translated into a multitude of languages, spreading its message of faith and joy worldwide. The English rendition by Frederick Oakeley, an English Catholic priest, penned in 1841, has particularly resonated in the hearts of English-speaking audiences globally, becoming a cherished rendition of this classic hymn.

Today, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” stands not just as a carol but as a symbol of Christmas spirit and unity. If you’re drawn to the allure of this timeless hymn and wish to bring its melody into your own celebrations, the O’Connor Music Studio offers a variety of versions for those eager to learn and share in the joy and majesty of this classic Christmas carol. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, the store provides a gateway to experiencing and sharing the enduring magic of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Christmas Countdown: Gesù Bambino

Gesù Bambino,” composed by the illustrious Pietro Yon, is a melodic treasure that resonates with the warmth and nostalgia of my childhood Christmases. Each note of this enchanting piece takes me back to those magical days when the church choir’s voices would rise in harmony, filling the air with the spirit of the festive season. This song, a staple of my yuletide memories, holds a special place in my heart, reminiscent of the joy and wonder of Christmas celebrated in the hallowed halls of my childhood church.

Though it seemed a hidden gem, known primarily within the circles of my church community, “Gesù Bambino” has recently found a renaissance, emerging in piano books and gaining recognition. Its melody, crafted in the year 1917, has an ethereal quality that transcends time and place.

The song’s enchanting tune was brilliantly adapted by Frederick H. Martens in his English carol “When Blossoms Flowered ‘mid the Snows.” Its chorus, a harmonious blend of melody and lyrics, draws inspiration from the classic carol “Adeste Fideles” (O Come All Ye Faithful), weaving a tapestry of musical heritage and tradition. This fusion of melodies creates a piece that is both familiar and fresh, evoking a sense of time-honored tradition while offering a unique auditory experience.

“Gesù Bambino” is not just a song; it’s a musical journey that captures the essence of Christmas, weaving together the threads of nostalgia, tradition, and the universal joy of the holiday season. Its rising popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty and its ability to touch hearts, just as it has touched mine since childhood.

A piano version

Piano and Organ

Sung by David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2019 Christmas Countdown: Adeste Fideles

 

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (originally written in Latin as Adeste Fideles) is a Christmas carol which has been attributed to various authors, including John Francis Wade (1711–1786), John Reading (1645–1692) and King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656), with the earliest manuscript of the hymn bearing his name, located in the library of the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa.

The original four verses of the hymn were extended to a total of eight, and these have been translated into many languages. The English translation of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by the English Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley, written in 1841, is widespread in most English speaking countries.
There are now several versions in the O’Connor Music Store if you are interested in learning this Christmas carol.

 

 

2019 Christmas Countdown: Gesù Bambino

 

Gesù Bambino by Pietro Yon has always had a place in my childhood memories since my church choir sang it every Christmas.  Other than that, it didn’t seem to be too well known but this song has been turning up in piano books lately.  There are now several versions in the O’Connor Music Studio if you are interested in learning this beautiful older Christmas carol.

Gesù bambino was written in 1917. The melody was used by Frederick H. Martens in his English language carol “When Blossoms Flowered ‘mid the Snows”. The melody and lyrics of the chorus are derived from “Adeste Fideles” (O Come All Ye Faithful).

A piano version

Piano and Organ

 

Sung by David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Christmas Countdown: Adeste Fideles

 

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (originally written in Latin as Adeste Fideles) is a Christmas carol which has been attributed to various authors, including John Francis Wade (1711–1786), John Reading (1645–1692) and King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656), with the earliest manuscript of the hymn bearing his name, located in the library of the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa.

The original four verses of the hymn were extended to a total of eight, and these have been translated into many languages. The English translation of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by the English Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley, written in 1841, is widespread in most English speaking countries.
There are now several versions in the O’Connor Music Store if you are interested in learning this Christmas carol.

 

 

Christmas Countdown: Gesù Bambino

 

Gesù Bambino by Pietro Yon has always had a place in my childhood memories since my church choir sang it every Christmas.  Other than that, it didn’t seem to be too well known but this song has been turning up in piano books lately.  There are now several versions in the O’Connor Music Studio if you are interested in learning this beautiful older Christmas carol.

Gesù bambino was written in 1917. The melody was used by Frederick H. Martens in his English language carol “When Blossoms Flowered ‘mid the Snows”. The melody and lyrics of the chorus are derived from “Adeste Fideles” (O Come All Ye Faithful).

A piano version

Piano and Organ

 

Sung by David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Christmas Music: Adeste Fideles

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (originally written in Latin as Adeste Fideles) is a Christmas carol which has been attributed to various authors, including John Francis Wade (1711–1786), John Reading (1645–1692) and King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656), with the earliest manuscript of the hymn bearing his name, located in the library of the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa.

The original four verses of the hymn were extended to a total of eight, and these have been translated into many languages. The English translation of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by the English Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley, written in 1841, is widespread in most English speaking countries.
There are now several versions in the O’Connor Music Store if you are interested in learning this Christmas carol.

 

 

Christmas Music: Gesù Bambino

 

Gesù Bambino by Pietro Yon has always had a place in my childhood memories since my church choir sang it every Christmas.  Other than that, it didn’t seem to be too well known but this song has been turning up in piano books lately.  There are now several versions in the O’Connor Music Store if you are interested in learning this beautiful older Christmas carol.

Gesù bambino was written in 1917. The melody was used by Frederick H. Martens in his English language carol “When Blossoms Flowered ‘mid the Snows”. The melody and lyrics of the chorus are derived from “Adeste Fideles” (O Come All Ye Faithful).

A piano version

Piano and Organ

 

Sung by David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir