RTV repertoire catalog

O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Lead Sheet - Key Of A Minor

ID 1143 · Structured composer unknown · Piano · Level 4 · Points 3198

Non-Commercial · Download listed · Match: filters

Collections: Hymns Hymns - Christmas

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is presented here as a lead sheet in A minor. The page includes the melody on a single treble staff, chord symbols above the notes, and multiple verses of lyrics placed under the melody. Instead of a written-out piano accompaniment, this version gives the basic tune, harmony, and text so it can be used for singing, simple accompaniment, arranging, or improvisation.Measures 1–4 present the opening phrase, “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” The melody begins in a solemn minor-key shape, while the chord symbols move through A minor, D minor, G, C, and E. The stacked lyrics allow the same melody to carry several verses without needing separate pages.Measures 5–8 continue the verse with the “and ransom captive Israel” text. The harmony stays close to the minor mode, giving the lead sheet its ancient and serious character. The melody moves mostly in stepwise motion, making the tune clear and chant-like.Measures 9–12 complete the verse and prepare the refrain. The chord symbols move through A minor, D minor, E, and A minor, keeping the harmony simple but strongly centered in the home key. This section closes the verse clearly before the familiar “Rejoice” refrain begins.Measures 13–20 present the refrain, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel.” The melody becomes more open and declarative, while the harmony moves through C, G, A minor, E, and A minor. The final cadence returns firmly to A minor, giving the lead sheet a complete ending while still leaving room for accompaniment or improvisation.Interesting fact: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” has been used in many films, television specials, and Christmas programs because its minor-mode sound creates a more ancient, mysterious, and expectant atmosphere than brighter carols. It is especially effective when a scene needs Christmas music that feels solemn, sacred, or dramatic rather than cheerful.How to earn points for this piece:Practice and learn to play the piece. Then improvise your own arrangement.You must play 3 verses only - each verse must be significantly different from the other. (Use different Left Hand techniques, or add embellishments, etc...)Watch the video to see example of improvisation, and check your own arrangement for accuracy. (Your arrangement may be easier or harder than the video example, or be in a different key - and that is okay. You can still submit.)Record yourself playing and upload it to Youtube.Submit a link to your video here for evaluation.Collect your points!