Hark! The Herald Banjo Rings
Christmas 2008
November 30
The first song I've recorded is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" since the name of this project was inspired by the title of the hymn. An old favorite by Charles Wesley, my arrangement is taken mostly from the Presbyterian Hymnal. I've had to make some changes (which you will probably notice) to make it easier to play on the banjo. Though I like the way this sounds on the banjo, many of the other tunes I'll be posting adapted better to banjo. I'm also still working out the kinks in my recording setup. Check back tomorrow for the second song!
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Words: Charles Wesley, 1739; alt.
Music: MENDELSSOHN, Felix Mendelssohn, 1840; Arr. William Hayman Cummings, 1855
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 the angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heavenborn Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness!
Light and life in all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Sources and more information
- Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990.
- Cyber Hymnal
- Wikipedia
- Hymns and Carols of Christmas