TONUS PEREGRINUS is a group of individual musicians each forging their own … Read Full Bio ↴TONUS PEREGRINUS is a group of individual musicians each forging their own diverse careers, yet unified when they meet to make music from many times and places. The ensemble was founded by the composer and producer Antony Pitts in 1990, while studying at New College, Oxford under Dr Edward Higginbottom. The Latin term tonus peregrinus was the name given to one of the Church’s ancient psalm tones; in turn, this chant was based on a Jewish melody which may have been sung by Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper. This particular psalm tone was unusual in that it had a different recitation tone in each half, hence its name, ‘wandering tone’; it was also known, despite its history, as the tonus novissimus, or the ‘newest tone’. TONUS PEREGRINUS combines these two characteristics in a repertoire that ranges far and wide from the end of the Dark Ages to scores fresh from the printer, and with an interpretative approach that is both authentic and original.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Tonus Peregrinus Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the new born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconcile
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the sky
With angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the new born king

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tonus Peregrinus's song "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" revolve around the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first stanza of the song begins by extolling the glory of the new-born king, and the peace on earth and mercy mild that has been granted. The second line of the song, "God and sinners reconcile," is a reference to the belief that Jesus came to reconcile mankind with God through his death and resurrection. This line highlights the significance of Jesus' birth in the Christian faith.

The second stanza of the song invites all nations to rise and celebrate the birth of Christ, along with the angels in heaven. The line "Join the triumph of the sky" suggests that the whole universe is rejoicing at the birth of Christ. The final line of the song, "Glory to the new born king," is a continuation of the verse from the first stanza and serves as a declaration of praise and worship to the new-born king.

Line by Line Meaning

Hark the herald angels sing
Listen to the heavenly messengers as they sing

Glory to the new born king
Give honor to the newly born king, Jesus Christ

Peace on earth and mercy mild
May peace and mercy be brought to the world through Jesus' birth

God and sinners reconcile
Through Jesus, God has reconciled with sinners

Joyful all ye nations rise
All nations should rise up with joy and celebrate the birth of Jesus

Join the triumph of the sky
Participate in the glorious celebration happening in the heavens

With angelic host proclaim
Declare with the heavenly host

Christ is born in Bethlehem
Jesus, the Savior, has been born in Bethlehem

Writer(s): MENDELSSOHN

Contributed by Sebastian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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