Piano, Organ and Lead Sheet arrangements of the Christmas Carol “Angels We Have Heard on High“. Each collection provides a variety of versions in increasing levels of difficulty. Everyone can play and sing these arrangements!
“Angels We Have Heard on High” is a Christmas Carol based on the traditional French song “Les Anges dans nos campagnes”. The English lyrics are inspired by / loosely translated from the French by James Chadwick in 1862. Different publications contain slight variations to some lyrics.
This song is generally sung to the traditional French hymn tune “Gloria”, as arranged by American organist Edward Shippen Barnes (1887-1958). “Les Anges dans nos campagnes” is sung to a similar tune known as “Iris”.
Easy Arrangements for Piano / Organ / Vocal
These arrangements are either in:
- a singable key – in this case, F major.
- a 5 finger position for beginners in C major, with each hand playing no more than 5 notes in a middle C position. A simplified melody avoids quavers / eighth notes.
Exam Repertoire
Con Brio Examinations – Piano Grade 1
A piano arrangement at grade 1 piano level has been accepted for the Con Brio Examinations syllabus. This arrangement doesn’t have lyrics included.
What’s Included in the Collections
These pieces include all 4 verses of this Christmas carol, plus a separate lyric sheet with an alternate version of the 4th verse. There are some minor variations in the exact wording of verses. What has been compiled here are the most commonly found choices of wording.
The lead sheet / fake book included in each collection contains the melody with chord symbols and lyrics. Suitable for all level of abilities on piano / organ / vocal / guitar etc.
The piano and organ collections contain the melody and lyrics along with a variety of left hand (and organ pedal) accompaniment options. Options are provided for complete beginners through to increasingly more involved easy level pieces. They are great for a teacher to use with their students and includes a studio license. Students may enjoy the full collections themselves to have options to move through as confidence increases.
Download Choices
- Fake Book: a 3 page PDF in A4 format
- Piano Collection: a 9 page PDF in A4 format, including the lead sheet, 2 five finger versions, and 3 hands together melody plus accompaniment versions
- Organ Collection: a 7 page PDF in A4 format, including the lead sheet, and 2 versions with notated left hand and pedal accompaniment
If you are in the USA, you can purchase US letter size collections in US dollars from Gumroad.
Listen to the “Angels We Have Heard on High” arrangements
Piano arrangements
5 Finger Piano:
Simplest Single Note LH accompaniment:
Single Note broken chord accompaniment:
Fuller broken chord accompaniment:
Organ Arrangements
Easy Chords:
Walking Bass:
