Lauren Mary Longo, Harpist

Celestial Celtic Harp

It came upon the midnight clear,

that glorious song of old,

from angels bending near the earth

to touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, good will to men,from heaven’s all gracious King.

The world in solemn stillness lay,

to hear the angels sing.

Inspired by Edmund Sears’ text, my purely instrumental arrangement of this beloved Christmas carol starts in “solemn stillness”. The tune evolves, drifting in and out as clouds in the dark night sky. All at once, the angels’ song appears as strains of Angels We Have Heard on High unfold with a jazzy Longo original spin on the tune. It’s a kaleidoscope of angel song conveyed by one celestial celtic harp.

Although I’ve played this song many a Christmas season, this year, because of all the wars and conflicts around the globe, it has special significance. It speaks of a supernatural peace, the peace of the very first Christmas. In fact, it’s what Christmas is all about: the birth of the Prince of Peace.

Though the title is It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, other snippets of “Angel song” also appear, some as delicate echoes of Angels We Have Heard on High at unexpected moments and even an original Longo interpretation of the angelic “dance” in the skies toward the end of the piece. All are woven through the brilliant vibration of a 36 string lever harp.

The Story

In the midst of wars, trials, conflict, there is no better time for angel song and the peace that it brings. ”And still the heav’nly music floats O’er all the weary world…”