Here is my new arrangement of Angels we have Heard on High. This carol has been sung so much, because it is a great tune, and who doesn’t enjoy singing those ‘Gloria’s? Yet, all that familiarity can make it hard to seem fresh, especially if you’re in a caroling quartet and you want people to pay attention.

This is still a simple arrangement in four-part SATB harmony, but the harmonization is significantly altered in this version. I think it turned out fun, especially in the ‘Gloria’ runs. The tenor goes up to an F and the alto down to a G below C, so you will have to have a real tenor and alto. Here is the free sheet music and sample midi realization on mp3:

• Angels we have Heard on High (PDF)
• Angels we have Heard on High (Sample/Practice MP3)

Go here for Angels we Have Heard on High, version 2.

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Words,
translated by James Chadwick

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Refrain

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Refrain

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.

Refrain