Hark! The Angels Sing on High: SAB Choral Octavo
Arr. Philip Kern
Item: 00-PO-0004494
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Philip Kern has combined two Christmas classics ("Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Angels We have Heard on High") into one very special arrangement. The gentle opening, with harp-like accompaniment, builds with the intertwining of the melodies and interplay between male and female voice parts. Optional parts for brass and percussion, or use the SoundTrax. A wonderful sequel to Kern's "Still the Holiest Night."
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0004494
More about this title
About the Arranger: Philip Kern
Philip Kern has established himself as a trusted voice in choral arranging, particularly in sacred and holiday repertoire. His arrangements balance accessibility with musical substance, crafted for mixed ensembles at intermediate levels and designed to showcase the strengths of each voice part without overwhelming singers.
Why we love this
Kern's decision to interweave two beloved carols rather than present them sequentially creates something genuinely fresh within the crowded Christmas choral catalog. The harp-like accompaniment at the opening sets a contemplative tone before the melodies interact, and the optional brass and percussion parts allow you to scale the arrangement up or down depending on your ensemble's resources and concert context.
What to expect
The piece unfolds with quiet reverence before gradually opening into a luminous blend of two timeless melodies. Singers experience moments of intimate harmony interrupted by fuller textures, creating an arc that feels both grounded and celebratory, never overwrought.
Who it's for
Directors working with mixed choirs at the intermediate level who need a substantial Christmas offering that feels fresh to singers and audiences alike. This arrangement also serves well in contexts where vocal ensemble size varies year to year, since the optional brass and percussion parts let you adjust density without rewriting.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the soprano and alto melody lines carefully during the intertwining sections; neither should dominate, as the magic lives in how they support each other.
- Use the SoundTrax or recorded accompaniment at rehearsals to establish the harmonic foundation while singers solidify their parts, then gradually shift to piano-only rehearsals.
- If adding brass and percussion, introduce them gradually in rehearsal so the choir can anchor the sound before layering instrumentation.
- Shape the dynamic arc from that gentle opening into the full texture; resist the urge to settle at forte, as the warmth of this arrangement rewards controlled, sustained singing at moderate volumes.
How to use it
Anchor a Christmas concert's first half with this piece, pairing it with a more exuberant arrangement later in the program to create dynamic contrast. Its eight pages and intermediate difficulty make it a cornerstone of mid-winter concert planning without consuming disproportionate rehearsal time.
Skills your students will build
- Blending two distinct melodic lines sung simultaneously
- Balancing voice parts in SAB voicing to highlight both melody and harmonic support
- Responding to dynamic shaping cues that build from quiet to full texture
- Tracking and entering at non-obvious moments when melodies overlap