Words: Edmund H. Sears
Music: Traditional German (Ellacombe)
Arranged by Sally DeFord and James Loynes
The traditional hymn tune Ellacombe has been used for many different hymns over the years, including #41 in the 1985 LDS hymnbook. It's an upbeat, triumphant melody that fits the spirit of these words perfectly. The arrangement itself is probably best suited to a large choir. Don't be fooled by the "easier" piano--this isn't an easy one to play.
Arranging this was very much like arranging "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night"--an indulgence in musical enjoyment. The "Good Christian Men Rejoice" lines begged us to use them as a couterpoint, so we did. ("They wanted to come ..." explained Pooh, "so I let them. It is the best way to write poetry, letting things come." ;)
The scores are written with fairly straight rhythms--you'll notice that James sings them a bit more syncopated. Play with it and enjoy!
|
Scores
Solo:
PDF / .pc
SATB:
PDF / .pc
SATB (with easier piano):
PDF / .pc
|
Recordings
|
Lyrics
It came upon the midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold
"Peace on earth, good will to men
From Heaven's all-gracious king!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing
Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world
O'er its sad and lowly plain
They bend on hov'ring wing
And ever o'er its babel sounds
The blessed angels sing
For lo! the days are hast'ning on
By prophets seen of old
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When the heav'ns and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King
And all the world send back the song
Which now the angels sing
|
|