Here’s a lovely rendition of John Rutter’s modern classic, performed by the Queens Oratorio Society (under the direction of my parish’s music director, David Close), and sung in our church, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills, New York.
Some background, via Wikipedia:
Rutter first composed Angels’ Carol in the 1980s to be performed by the winners of a competition choirboy and choirgirl in London, now defunct. He later arranged it for mixed-voice choir (SATB), with harp or piano or orchestra. Rutter, who composed many works to celebrate Christmas, wrote his own text for Angels’ Carol, beginning “Have you heard the sound of the angel voices?” The text alludes to several aspects of the Christmas story, with the Latin refrain “Gloria in excelsis Deo” from the angels’ song mentioned in the Gospel of Luke narration of the annunciation to the shepherds.
Enjoy!
Have you heard the sound
of the angel voices
Ringing out so sweetly,
ringing out so clear?
Have you seen the star,
shining out so brightly.
As a sign from God
that Christ the Lord is here?
Have you heard the news,
that they bring from heaven
To the humble shepherds,
who have waited long?
Gloria in excelsis Deo,Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels sing their joyful song.
He is come in peace
in the winter’s stillness,
Like a gentle snowfall
in the gentle night;
He is come in joy
like the sun at morning
Fillin all the world
with radiance and with light.
He is come in love
as the child of Mary;
In a simple stable
we have seen his birth:
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels sining “Peace on earth”.
He will bring new light
to a world in darkness,
Like a bright star shining
in the skies above;
He will bring new hope
to the waiting nations
When he comes to reign
in purity and love.
Let the earth rejoice
at the Saviour’s coming;
Let the heavens answer
with the joyful morn:
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels singing “Christ is born”
Hear the angels singing “Christ is born”
