Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Felix Mendelssohn
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a beloved Christmas carol composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840. The lyrics were written by Charles Wesley and were originally set to a different tune, but Mendelssohn's melody is the one that has become most popular. The song's theme is centered around the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ by a group of angels, as described in the Gospel of Luke. The lyrics praise and celebrate the arrival of the savior and express joy and gratitude for the salvation he brings. Mendelssohn's composition features a grand and triumphant melody that captures the excitement and reverence of the Christmas story. The music is uplifting and majestic, with soaring vocal lines and rich harmonies that evoke a sense of awe and wonder. One notable fact about "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is that Mendelssohn originally wrote the melody for a cantata to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. The melody was later adapted to fit the lyrics of the Christmas carol, creating the iconic version that is now widely sung and cherished during the holiday season. Overall, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a timeless and uplifting Christmas carol that continues to resonate with audiences around the world, reminding them of the true meaning and joy of the holiday season.
Felix Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn was a renowned German composer, pianist, conductor, and music educator of the Romantic era. He was born on February 3, 1809, in Hamburg, Germany, into a prominent Jewish family. His grandfather, Moses Mendelssohn, was a philosopher, and his father, Abraham Mendelssohn, was a successful banker. Mendelssohn displayed prodigious musical talent from a young age and received early training in music from renowned teachers such as Carl Friedrich Zelter. He made his public debut as a pianist at the age of nine and composed his first published work, a piano quartet, at the age of thirteen. Mendelssohn's music was characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and innovative use of orchestration. He was a master of both instrumental and vocal music, and his compositions encompassed a wide range of genres, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, choral works, and operas. Some of Mendelssohn's most famous works include the "Hebrides Overture," the "Italian Symphony," the "Violin Concerto in E minor," and the oratorio "Elijah." His music is known for its elegance, clarity, and emotional depth, and it has been praised for its craftsmanship and originality. In addition to his achievements as a composer, Mendelssohn was also a highly respected conductor and music educator. He was instrumental in reviving interest in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and was a founding member of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, one of the oldest and most prestigious orchestras in the world. Mendelssohn's impact on music was profound and enduring. He was a leading figure in the Romantic movement and his works helped to shape the development of Western classical music in the 19th century. His music continues to be widely performed and admired today for its beauty, depth, and emotional power. Felix Mendelssohn died on November 4, 1847, in Leipzig, Germany, at the age of 38. Despite his relatively short life, he left behind a rich and diverse body of work that has secured his place as one of the greatest composers in the history of music.