Hymns Reborn
Hymns Reborn is a Hymncharts series that gives public-domain hymn texts a brand-new life. Arranger and composer Don Chapman writes fresh, modern melodies for these timeless lyrics, carrying the great hymns of the faith to today’s congregations in a contemporary worship style.
Hark! (Newborn King)
“Hark! (Newborn King)” is Don Chapman’s Hymns Reborn setting of Charles Wesley’s 1739 Christmas classic “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Chapman pairs Wesley’s original lyrics with a new, upbeat melody composed for modern worship and full of word painting: a descending opening line that pictures the angels’ praise falling from heaven, and a melody that climbs upward on “Joyful all ye nations rise.” A powerful bridge on “Mild He lays His glory by” gives way to a hushed a cappella moment on third verse before the song builds to a triumphant finish. Read the hymn history.
