Canadian Brass is a brass quintet founded by Charles Daellenbach, Stuart La… Read Full Bio ↴Canadian Brass is a brass quintet founded by Charles Daellenbach, Stuart Laughton, and Gene Watts in 1970. In addition to maintaining a heavy touring schedule, the Canadian Brass have recorded nearly seventy albums. They have commissioned, performed, and recorded hundreds of transcriptions and original works for brass quintet. They are best known for their ability to seamlessly cross between classical and jazz styles. They are also known for their unique performance attire, consisting of black suits coupled with white gym shoes.

The current members are: Charles "Chuck" Daellenbach (tuba), Eugene "Gene" Watts (trombone), Bernhard Scully (horn), and the "Trumpet Dream Team" to fill the two trumpet positions on rotating basis. Dream Team members are: Ryan Anthony, Brandon Ridenour, Jeroen Berwaerts, along with previous members Josef Burgstaller, Ronald Romm and Stuart Laughton.

Past members include: Stuart Laughton (1970–1971, 2003–2005), Josef Burgstaller (2001–present), Jeff Nelsen (2000–2004), Ryan Anthony (2000–2003), Frederick Mills (1972–1996), Ronald Romm (1971–2000), David Ohanian (1986–1998), Martin Hackleman (1983–1986), Jens Lindemann (1996–2001), Christopher Cooper (1998–2000) and Graeme Page (1970–1983).

Angels We Have Heard on High
Canadian Brass Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing ov'r the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Canadian Brass's "Angels We Have Heard On High" express the joy and wonder of the Christmas story as told in the Gospel of Luke. The song begins with the image of the angels singing sweetly over the fields - a reference to the biblical story of the angels appearing to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. The mountains themselves seem to echo the angels' songs, emphasizing the power and magnitude of this divine message.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Gloria in excelsis Deo" - a Latin phrase meaning "glory to God in the highest." This phrase is used in the Catholic Mass as a hymn of praise, and has been incorporated into many Christmas carols and songs. In this context, the repeated chorus is a call to all who hear the angelic singing to join in praise and adoration of the divine.

Overall, the lyrics to "Angels We Have Heard On High" capture the sense of awe and wonder that surrounds the Christmas story. Through imagery of singing angels and echoing mountains, the song conveys a sense of the supernatural and transcendent nature of the event.

Line by Line Meaning

Angels we have heard on high
We have received a message from heavenly beings

Sweetly singing ov'r the plains
Their song carried a peaceful and comforting melody throughout the land

And the mountains in reply
The majestic peaks echoed the angels' harmonious tune

Echoing their joyous strains
The mountains resounded with the angels' joyful music

Gloria in excelsis Deo
Glory to God in the highest

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, MACK DONALD III BROCK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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