As so often happens with early music, also where this Advent hymn is concerned, it is unclear exactly when and where it was composed, presumably in 12th century France. Its sublimely somber solemnity reminiscent of huge medieval churches - cold, awe-inspiring and only sparsely lit by candlelight - has inspired Winnie Brückner to compose this work for women's choir. Beginning unisono like a Gregorian antiphon, it unfolds to a four-voice composition in order to finally open into an ostinato: Veni, veni Emmanuel (Come, come Emmanuel) - that starts as a plea and later becomes a desperate cry. In the last verse hope and joy about the imminent event ultimately prevails: Gaude, gaude! Emmanuel nascetur pro te, Israel! (Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall be born for you, Israel!)