Who wrote the carol 'Angels We Have Heard on High'?
Also known as 'Gloria in excelsis Deo', the carol 'Angels We Have Heard on High' started off life as a French carol called 'Les Anges dans nos Campagnes'. It is unknown who wrote the French original but James Chadwick, a Roman Catholic priest and second Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, was inspired by the carol and wrote an English version in the 19th century, which was first published in 1843. It is set to the French hymn tune Gloria, which is also often used for the carol 'Angels From the Realms of Glory'.
The phrase 'Gloria in excelsis Deo' comes from the older Christian hymn, which has been set to music many times. Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria is perhaps the most famous setting.
What is 'Angels We Have Heard on High' about?
The carol is about the birth of Jesus
What are the lyrics to 'Angels We Have Heard on High' ('Gloria in excelsis Deo')?
Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o'er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains 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 songs? Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
What are the French lyrics to 'Les Anges dans nos campagnes'?
Les anges dans nos campagnes Ont entonné l'hymne des cieux, Et l'écho de nos montagnes Redit ce chant mélodieux Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Bergers, pour qui cette fête? Quel est l'objet de tous ces chants? Quel vainqueur, quelle conquête Mérite ces cris triomphants? Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Ils annoncent la naissance Du libérateur d'Israël Et pleins de reconnaissance Chantent en ce jour solennel Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!