Sufjan Stevens keeps it pretty traditional on his version of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" from his album Songs For Christmas, Volume 1. Stevens recorded three separate versions of the song across his five volumes of Christmas songs; the only one with lyrics being on the first volume. For all his quirky playfulness Stevens delivers a hauntingly earnest performance with this version of "O Come O Come Emmanuel." The quiet sparseness of the song smacks of sincere emotion and intense subject matter.
No one is certain of the origins of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" but it's believed that the traditional music comes from the 15th Century French processional for Fansiscan nuns, but also may contain elements of 8th Century Gegorian chants.
It is fitting then that Stevens, who is known for his large ensemble productions, cuts down on the number of instruments he uses on this track; the main one being a banjo. In a number of other songs Stevens uses the banjo to create a whimsical sound (even when the lyrics are anything but whimsical), but here the banjo creates a hollow/lonely/desolate feel. A feel perfect for a song with lyrics based on a prophesy from the prophet Isaiah. Words of abandonment and mourning, but eventually hope. Stevens banjo rings hollow and lonely, but also pure.
The banjo, which carries this song musically, embodies all the ambivalence found in the lyrics. The end of each verse calls for rejoicing, even while the verses speak of difficult current situations. But in the end the pureness and the beauty of banjo echoes the hope of the words "rejoice, rejoice."
