Angels We Have Heard on High - Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 5

Sacred

Difficulty Level: 4

(4,095 Points)

Description:

“Angels We Have Heard on High - Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 5” is classified as a Level 4 Piano work worth 4,095 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Intermediate Piano Arrangements → Hymns, Hymns - Christmas and is part of the Sacred collection. The sheet music for “Angels We Have Heard on High - Intermediate Piano Arrangement No. 5” provided on this website is available for non-commercial use. This means it may be downloaded, printed, studied, and performed for personal or educational purposes, but it may not be sold, redistributed commercially, or used as part of a paid product without permission.

“Angels We Have Heard On High (Intermediate Piano No. 5)” is a bright Christmas carol arrangement for piano, arranged by Polly Bekasova. The piece is marked Allegretto and is written in 4/4, with a steady rhythmic drive and a fuller intermediate texture. Much of the opening uses repeated chord patterns between the hands, while the familiar carol melody appears inside the right-hand writing. Later, the arrangement shifts into a higher register with a clearer melody-and-accompaniment texture, giving the second half a more open and singing quality.

Measures 1–10 introduce the main carol melody with a strong chordal texture. The right hand plays repeated chords and melodic notes, while the left hand supports the harmony with steady bass notes and chord tones. The music begins with a clear, rhythmic character rather than a soft hymn style, making the carol feel active and festive.

Measures 11–24 move into the familiar “Gloria” material. The right hand includes quicker moving notes that reflect the long, flowing shape of the refrain, while the left hand continues to anchor the rhythm underneath. This section gives the arrangement more motion and contrast, especially through the repeated eighth-note patterns and harmonic movement.

Measures 25–34 begin a new section with the melody placed higher in the right hand. The left hand changes to a lighter accompaniment pattern, often using rests and off-beat chord support. This creates a different texture from the opening and allows the melody to stand out more clearly.

Measures 35–49 continue the high-register melody and lead the piece toward its final cadence. The left hand keeps the accompaniment steady while the right hand shapes the closing phrases of the carol. The final measures return to a stronger chordal sound and close the arrangement with a clear, festive ending.

Interesting fact: “Angels We Have Heard on High” comes from the French carol “Les Anges dans nos campagnes.” The well-known refrain, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” is Latin for “Glory to God in the highest,” echoing the angels’ song from the Christmas story.

How to earn points for this piece:

  1. Get the sheet music.Download or purchase the sheet music using the options available on this page.
  2. Practice the piece carefully.Prepare the complete piece and follow any requirements listed on this page. Watch the video example, when available, to check your notes, rhythm and musical details.
  3. Record your performance.Record the complete performance on your phone, camera or recording app. Perfection is not required; a few minor mistakes are okay. Add a YouTube link, or upload a saved video file for private evaluation.
  4. Submit your video for review.Choose free Public Evaluation for community feedback using a Public or Unlisted YouTube video. Choose paid Private Evaluation for RTV admin feedback using a YouTube link or a video file. Review the charge before paying.
  5. Check your result and collect your points.After review, return to your submission to see the result and any feedback. If approved, collect your points. If more practice is needed, use the feedback to prepare another recording. Only approved private evaluations count toward certificates.