Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

When the Christmas season arrives in our parishes, few hymns announce the joy of the Nativity quite like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Set to Felix Mendelssohn's bright, marching melody, this carol carries a sense of absolute triumph. It is a true staple of the choir loft, often chosen to open the Christmas morning Mass as a grand Entrance hymn or to send the congregation out with a soaring Recessional.

This particular arrangement features the beloved third-verse descant by David Willcocks. For choir directors and sopranos alike, reaching that final verse is always a highlight. After singing the familiar harmonies of the first two stanzas, the sopranos break away and soar above the melody on "Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!" It brings a brilliant, ringing climax to the hymn that perfectly captures the "triumph of the skies."

The lyrics themselves are a profound reflection on the Incarnation, moving from the angelic announcement in Bethlehem to the deep theological truth of Christ "pleased as man with man to dwell." Singing this arrangement is a powerful way for any choir to lead the faithful in welcoming the newborn King.