Hark the Herald Angels Sing

(click the title to view and hear online)

 

The text of this well-known carol, written by Charles Wesley, was published in a collection entitled Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1739. Wesley's work began with "Hark! how all the welkin rings, glory to the King of Kings". The antiquated word "welkin" was understood at that time to mean "sky", "upper air", "firmament, or "heavens." George Whitefield, we assume with the consent of Wesley, adapted the beginning phrase to read as it does today.

Wesley coupled his text to a hymntune of his choosing which is not the one we know today. Regarding the melody familiar to us, around one hundred years later William H. Cummings wed Wesley's adapted hymntext to music from a cantata by Felix Mendelssohn.

 

Donna Hardin has set the composition in three parts for groups with changing voices (SCB) or changed voices (SAB). Optional notes have been included in Part III to better adapt it to the comfortable singing tessitura of adolescent baritones. The director may assign the pitches that are most comfortable for each individual. As we all know, the tune is up-tempo and fun to sing, so it will be quickly accepted and enjoyed by the young singers. The delightful melody is moved from part to part to make the phrases of the tune best suited for the various voices.

 

Click the Three-part Variable Chart to review how it may be sung with different ages and voicings. 

 

Words:  Charles Wesley (adapted by George Whitefield)

Music by Felix Mendelssohn (adapted by William H. Cummings)

Arranged by Donna Hardin

Three--part Variable Voicing with Piano

CP Catalog #SC1201202

 

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