Hark, hark, what news the angels bring (William Knapp)

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• (Posted 2001-02-21)  CPDL #02116:  PDF and MIDI files

Editor: Sue Glover (submitted 2001-02-21).   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: Edition based on William East's The Voice of Melody, Book 1, 2nd ed, 1750, located at Gallery Music and Psalmody website

General Information

Title: Hark, hark, what news the angels bring
Composer: William Knapp

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Carol

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1743 This Christmas hymn was first published on pp. 30-31 of William Knapp's Anthems for Christmas Day, London
    2nd published: 1750 in The Voice of Melody (ed. William East)
Description: It was later republished in the works of the Leicestershire psalmody composer and compiler William East. Hymn Tune Index tune number 1682.

Original text and translations

English text

Hark! Hark! what News the Angels bring,
glad tidings of the newborn King,
The New-born King,
Who is the Saviour of mankind
in whom we may salvation find.

Born of a Maiden undefiled,
Meet Mother of the Heavenly Child,
The Heavenly Child.

This is the day, the blessed morn,
The Saviour of mankind was born;
Born of a maid, a virgin pure,
Born without sin, from guilt secure.

If angels sing at Christ his birth,
Sure we have greater cause for mirth;
For why? It was then for our sake
Christ did our human nature take.

Sweet Christ, thou didst thyself debase,
Thus to descend to human race;
And leave thy Father’s throne above,
Lord, what could move thee to this love?

May we contemplate and admire
And join with the celestial choir;
Extend your voice above the sky:
All glory be to God on high.