The Angels Sing

New musical setting (SATB carol) by Fen Frehner of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

Text by Edmund H. Sears, Edits & Chorus by Fen Frehner

Background

"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" is a fine classic Christmas Carol, and I had no plans to do anything with it until I noticed that each of the verses could transition to a chorus that didn't exist - so I wrote new music for the existing lyrics, and added a chorus.  I may eventually write an arrangement of this for choir that includes accompaniment, but I quite like this as-is as a simple carol / hymn.

The "Three Christmas Carols" choir booklet (6.875"x10.5") which includes this song may be purchased above by selecting the desired quantity, clicking the "Add to Cart" button, and following the checkout process.  A low-resolution version of the sheet music may be downloaded below.

If you would like to purchase the audio recording (vocals by Matthew Curtis) used in the sheet-music video, please contact me.  Excellent rehearsal tracks are available above.

Lyrics

1. It came upon the midnight clear,That glorious song of old,From angels bending near the earthTo touch their harps of gold:"Peace on the earth, good will to menFrom heav'n's all-gracious King."The world in solemn stillness layTo hear the angels sing.
ChorusGlory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men.Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men.
2. Still thru the cloven skies they comeWith peaceful wings unfurled,And still their heav'nly music floatsO'er all the weary world.Above its sad and lowly plainsThey bend on hov'ring wing,And ever o'er its babel soundsThe blessed angels sing.
Chorus
3. For lo! the days are hast'ning on,By prophets seen of old,When with the ever-circling yearsShall come the time foretold,When bright new heaven and earth shall ownThe Prince of Peace their King,And all the world send back the songWhich now the angels sing:

Chorus
Text: Edmund H. Sears, 1810-1876, Edits & Chorus by Fen Frehner
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