We have a collection of 12 arrangements for Felix Mendelssohn - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Did you know Mendelssohn initially composed this melody for a secular cantata before it became a Christmas classic? Learn!
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a popular Christmas carol with music written by Felix Mendelssohn, but there are some interesting facts associated with the history of this song:
Originally Not a Christmas Carol: Mendelssohn composed the music for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" in 1840 as part of a cantata called "Festgesang" (Festival Song) to commemorate the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. The lyrics were originally written in German and were not related to Christmas.
Charles Wesley's Lyrics: The lyrics most commonly associated with the melody were written by Charles Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, and were originally published in 1739 in a collection of hymns. Wesley's original opening lines were "Hark! how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings."
Transformation into a Christmas Carol: The transformation of Mendelssohn's "Festgesang" into a Christmas carol occurred through several steps. In 1855, English musician William H. Cummings adapted the music to fit Wesley's lyrics, creating the version we know today.
Collaboration Across Time and Cultures: It's fascinating how this Christmas carol came together as a collaborative effort spanning different periods and cultures. Mendelssohn, a German composer, wrote the music, Charles Wesley, an English hymn writer, provided the lyrics, and William H. Cummings, another Englishman, adapted the music to fit the lyrics.
Theology Controversy: Some religious scholars and clergy have debated the theological accuracy of the lyrics, particularly the reference to "Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King." Some argue that the angels did not sing this message in the Bible. Despite this debate, the carol remains a beloved part of Christmas celebrations.
Variations and Arrangements: Over the years, numerous musicians and choirs have created their own arrangements and variations of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." It's been performed in various styles, from traditional church choirs to contemporary pop artists, making it a versatile and enduring Christmas classic.
Mendelssohn's Jewish Heritage: Felix Mendelssohn came from a prominent Jewish family but was baptized as a Christian at a young age. Despite his conversion, he was known for promoting religious tolerance and was a pioneer in reviving the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, which had fallen out of favor at the time.
These facts highlight the rich history and cultural significance of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," a Christmas carol that has become a cherished part of the holiday season.