Beschrijving

„Adeste fideles” is one of the most famous Christmas songs – in Germany known as „Nun freut euch, ihr Christen” or „Herbei, o ihr Gläubigen”, in English speaking countries as „O Come All Ye Faithful”. In 1743, John Francis Wade (1711–1786) composed this song. The first manuscript contained both the melody and the Latin lyrics. In 1760 it was published in the Evening Offices of the Church. In 1751, Wade had already published the lyrics in his piece Cantus Diversi. Frederick Oakeley and Thomas Brooke translated the song to English. This version appeared first in 1852 in Murray’s Hymnal. The song is sometimes also called Portuguese Choral as it was sung often in the chapel of the Portuguese emassy in London, where Vincent Novello was organist.