R. Christopher Teichler, Composer: Music

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

(Symphonic Band, SATB; 2000)

This arrangement was commissioned by Dr. Terry Schwartz and the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music for Christmas Festival 2000. At the time, the school was having a new organ installed, and it would not be available for the festival. I was asked to write an arrangement that would "sound" like it could be an organ, or at least FOR an organ. Since then, I have added an organ part to the texture, and it makes the arrangement that much stronger. Congregational/audience participation is optional for verses 1 and 3; verse 2 is intended to be choir only.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise; Join the triumph of the skies;
With th'angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Christ, by highest heav'n adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring fo the Virgin's womb;
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th'incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angles sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of RIghtesousness!
Light and Life to all He brings, Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

-Charles Wesley