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Angels We Have Heard on High

OK, so this is not the "Angels We Have Heard on High" that we traditionally think of in terms of Christmas carols in English. That is because this is a traditional villancico, which can be described as a musical form or a type of poetry from the 15th to 18th centuries in Latin America, as well as Spain and Portugal.

Villancicos kind of disappeared around the 20th century. Well, that's not exactly true. Instead of disappearing, the term just took on a new meaning... Christmas carol.

I'm not really sure about the history of this song, which is a shame, because it's always nice to have context behind songs, especially if you are interested in teaching the song, or sharing it in a Christmas-type program.

Also, I'm not really sure how the music goes, even though I've done some searching online. Usually you can find a few different renditions of Spanish Christmas carols on Youtube even, but this particular version of Angels We Have Heard on High seems to be a fairly obscure Christmas song, and as such I had a hard time even finding it on that site.

If you do run across it, though, be sure and let me know so that I can put it up here for everyone else.

Anyway, here are two language versions (Spanish and English). Hope you enjoy!

First, the Spanish version

Hoy en la tierra

Hoy en la tierra el cielo envia una capilla angelical
trayéndonos paz y alegría, cantando el himno triunfal.
Gloria a Dios en el cielo, gloria a Dios en el cielo.

Viene anunciar el nacimiento de nuestro amable Redentor.
Colmado de agradecimiento digamos todos con fervor,
Gloria a Dios en el cielo, gloria a Dios en el cielo.

Unos pastores que velaban en la pradera de Belén
vieron querubes que entonaban cantares para nuestro bien.
Gloria a Dios en el cielo, gloria a Dios en el cielo.

Now the English translation

I'm not sure if it's ever really sung in English, or where the English translation comes from. However, if you look at the two versions, you'll see that the English translation is a fairly literal translation of the Spanish original.

Anyway, here you go.

Angels We Have Heard on High

Today in the land the heaven sends an angelical choir
bringing us peace and happiness, singing the triumphal hymn.
Glory to God in heaven, Glory to God in heaven.

It comes to announce the birth of our kind Redeemer.
Abundant with thanksgiving we all say fervently.
Glory to God in heaven, Glory to God in heaven.

Some shepherds were watching in the field of Bethlehem
saw cherubs who sang songs for our Ideal.
Glory to God in heaven, Glory to God in heaven.


Return from Angels We Have Heard on High back to Christmas Carols.


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