Kom, Kom, Emmanuel

In 2013 a new hymnal was introduced for use in the PKN (Protestant Churches) of the Netherlands.

Many new hymns were added to the earlier edition of 1973, about three hundred and many other did not make the cut and were removed for various reasons. Texts were renewed and new melodies chosen from different countries and Dutch poets and composers.

So in addition to my small series of preludes to the Psalms I intend to do a similar series but this time on hymns and preludes. The idea is the same: present contemporary preludes to hymns, new or other, by Dutch composers.

As this hymn is very well known, I recorded the prelude only.

Kom, O kom, Emmanuel
French melody (15th century) Thomas Helmore Veni Emmanuel
Text by Willem Barnard.

Albert de Klerk (1917-1998) was renowned as organist of the famous Müller-organ at St.-Bavo, Haarlem). His music is characterised by chamber-music intimacy, counterpoint, classical forms and romantic colours.

When I wrote earlier, that many of the preludes I uploaded were written by organists going composer for a change, this does not apply to Albert de Klerk.
He wrote many works for solo instruments, choirs and orchestra.