Scoreload

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a beloved Christmas carol, and although Felix Mendelssohn did not write the lyrics or the melody directly for this song, he played a significant role in its development. Here are some interesting facts about Mendelssohn's connection to the carol:

1. Composer of the Melody: Felix Mendelssohn composed a cantata called "Festgesang" in 1840 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. This cantata featured a melody that Mendelssohn wrote, which was originally intended for secular use. It is this melody that later became associated with "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

2. Adaptation by William H. Cummings: The lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" were written by Charles Wesley in the 18th century. The melody from Mendelssohn's "Festgesang" was paired with Wesley's lyrics by English musician William H. Cummings in 1855. This adaptation is the version of the carol that is widely known and sung today.

3. Mendelssohn's Unintended Contribution: Mendelssohn did not originally intend for the melody he composed to be used for a Christmas carol. In fact, he was known to be averse to writing music for religious texts. The melody was adapted posthumously and paired with religious lyrics, making it one of the most recognizable and cherished Christmas carols.

4. The Lyrics by Charles Wesley: The lyrics written by Charles Wesley, who was one of the co-founders of the Methodist movement along with his brother John Wesley, focus on the birth of Jesus and the announcement of His birth by the angels. The opening line, "Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King!'" is one of the most iconic and recognized lines in the carol.

5. Variations Over Time: Over the years, there have been variations in the lyrics and musical arrangements of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Some versions use slightly different wording, and various adaptations have been made to the melody. However, the core message and the Mendelssohn-Cummings version remain the most popular.

6. Legacy: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" has become a staple of Christmas celebrations and is sung in churches and homes around the world during the holiday season. Felix Mendelssohn's melody, even though it was not originally intended for this purpose, has played a significant role in shaping the carol's enduring popularity.

Mendelssohn's association with this beloved Christmas carol is a fascinating example of how music can evolve and take on new meanings over time.