Scoreload

"Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" is a Christmas carol that has a fascinating connection to the renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn. The melody used in the carol actually comes from one of Mendelssohn's works, but he did not originally intend it for a Christmas setting.

The melody was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840 as part of a cantata called "Festgesang" (Festival Song) to commemorate the Gutenberg printing press's invention. The original lyrics were written by German poet Johann Gottfried Herder. However, the cantata and its melody gained popularity independently of Christmas celebrations.

The transformation of Mendelssohn's melody into the Christmas carol we know today happened later. In 1855, English musician William H. Cummings adapted the melody to fit the lyrics of the Christmas hymn "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing." The lyrics were written by Charles Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement, and were first published in 1739.

So, "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" is a unique Christmas carol that combines the musical genius of Felix Mendelssohn with the religious poetry of Charles Wesley, creating a beloved and enduring piece that continues to be a cherished part of the Christmas tradition.