We have a collection of 12 arrangements for Felix Mendelssohn - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
How did a melody from Mendelssohn's secular cantata become a beloved Christmas carol? Learn!
"Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" is a popular Christmas carol with music written by Felix Mendelssohn. Here are some interesting facts about this song and its composer:
Original Composition: Felix Mendelssohn composed the music for "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" in 1840 as part of a cantata to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. The original title of the piece was "Festgesang zur Eröffnung der am ersten Tage der vierten Säkularfeier der Erfindung der Buchdruckerkunst" (Festival Song for the Inauguration of the Printing Press), which is quite a mouthful!
Lyric Adaptations: The lyrics we associate with the carol today were not originally written for Mendelssohn's music. The well-known lyrics "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the new-born King!" were written by Charles Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism. Wesley's lyrics were later combined with Mendelssohn's music to create the carol as we know it.
Wesley's Original Lyrics: Charles Wesley's original lyrics were part of a collection of hymns he wrote in 1739. The opening line was "Hark, how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings!" The word "welkin" is an archaic term for the sky or heavens.
Popularization: The carol gained popularity over the years and became a staple of Christmas celebrations. It was popularized in its current form by William H. Cummings, who adapted Wesley's lyrics to fit Mendelssohn's music in the mid-19th century.
Tune Variations: Mendelssohn's music for this carol was originally written for a secular celebration, and he intended it to have a much different mood than the joyous Christmas carol we know today. The melody was later adapted to better suit the lyrics and the Christmas theme.
Inclusion in Christmas Traditions: "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" is a beloved Christmas carol and is often sung in churches and at Christmas events around the world. It's known for its uplifting melody and celebratory message.
Legacy: Felix Mendelssohn, the composer, was a prominent figure in the Romantic era of classical music. He is known for his contributions to various musical genres, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. While he composed many secular works, his music for "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" is one of his enduring legacies in the realm of Christmas music.
So, this famous Christmas carol combines the talents of two influential figures in the world of music and hymnody, Felix Mendelssohn and Charles Wesley, and has become a cherished part of holiday traditions worldwide.