The Classical Music Minute
The Classical Music Minute
The Mystery and Majesty of 'O Come, All Ye Faithful'
Description
The Mystery and Majesty of 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' in 60 Seconds. Take a minute to get the scoop!
Fun Fact
A fun fact about O Come, All Ye Faithful is that it’s sometimes called the “Portuguese Hymn.” Legend has it that it was performed at the Portuguese royal chapel, leading some to mistakenly believe it originated there. This international mix-up only adds to its enduring charm and intrigue!
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About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his music website for more. Member of the Canadian League Of Composers.
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O Come, All Ye Faithful is one of the most beloved Christmas carols, but its origins are steeped in a bit of mystery and a touch of international flair. Known originally as Adeste Fideles, the hymn was written in Latin sometime in the 18th century. Scholars generally agree that John Francis Wade, an English Catholic living in exile in France, composed both the music and the lyrics around 1743. Wade, a scribe by trade, fled religious persecution in England and sought solace in copying and composing sacred music.
But the story doesn't end there. Some theories suggest the melody has earlier roots, possibly linked to Portuguese royalty or even Handel himself. The hymn crossed the Channel back to England and was translated into English by Frederick Oakeley in 1841, giving us the familiar words we sing today.
From candlelit chapels to bustling city squares, O Come, All Ye Faithful continues to bring people together, its timeless melody echoing an invitation to gather, rejoice, and celebrate.