Serving a dual purpose as a contest piece or as a real tour de force on a Christmas concert, Emmanuel Variants is an exceptionally innovative setting of the ancient and well known Christmas carol O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Beginning with a stirring brass fanfare leading into a quiet, meditative setting of the hymn, a series of developments utilizing different voicings, rhythmic treatments and harmonic developments follows. This most appealing treatment then concludes with a return of the brass fanfare for a brilliant finale!