SILENT NIGHT CHRISTMAS HYMN
(1) Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright ’round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. (2) Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth! Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth! (3) Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly hosts sing, “Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!” ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Historical Background: "Silent Night" was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818 for St. Nicholas Church, Oberndorf, Austria. The song was written during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, when the church's organ was malfunctioning. Joseph Mohr, the church's pastor, approached Gruber to create a song for guitar and vocals. Gruber composed the melody, and Mohr wrote the lyrics. Story Behind the Song: On Christmas Eve, 1818, Pastor Joseph Mohr faced a crisis. The church's organ was broken, and the congregation was expecting a special Christmas service. Mohr approached Franz Xaver Gruber, the church's music director, to create a song that could be performed with guitar accompaniment. Gruber quickly composed the melody, and Mohr wrote the lyrics. The song's original title was "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night). It was first performed at the Christmas Eve service, with Gruber on guitar and Mohr singing. The congregation loved the song, and it quickly spread throughout Austria. In 1839, the song was translated into English by John Freeman Young, and its popularity grew globally. Today, "Silent Night" is one of the most recorded and beloved Christmas carols worldwide. Musical Features: 1. Simple, yet powerful melody 2. Iconic guitar introduction 3. Soothing harmonies 4. Builds to a joyful climax Cultural Significance: 1. Translated into over 300 languages 2. Performed worldwide 3. Featured in films, TV shows, and commercials 4. Iconic Christmas song Notable Recordings: 1. Bing Crosby (1935) 2. Frank Sinatra (1948) 3. Elvis Presley (1957) 4. Mariah Carey (1994) 5. Pentatonix (2014) Interesting Facts: 1. Originally titled "Stille Nacht" 2. Written during a snowstorm 3. First performed on Christmas Eve, 1818 4. Considered one of the most recorded songs in history Title: "Silent Night, Holy Night" Genre: Christian Hymn, Christmas Carol Style: Traditional, Classical, Sacred Sub-Style: Gospel Hymn, Praise Hymn, Contemplative Hymn Mood: Peaceful, Calm, Reverent, Joyful Tempo: Slow (66-76 BPM) Moderate (86-96 BPM) for some arrangements Time Signature: 3/4 Waltz-like rhythm Josef Mohr, ca.1817 v. 1,3 tr. by John F. Young, 1863 v. 2,4 tr. by Anonymous/Unknown copyright status is Public Domain Subject: Christmas Scripture: Luke 2:8-9,16 Stille Nacht [.xml] Franz X. Gruber, ca.1820 copyright status is Public Domain Key: B♭ Meter: 6.6.9.9.6.6 Instruments: Piano, Organ, Acoustic Guitar, Strings, Woodwinds Vocal Style: Congregational, Choral, Classical Harmony: Traditional hymn harmony Four-part harmony (SATB) Structure: Verse-Chorus Three verses, with a repeating chorus Lyrics: Written by Joseph Mohr (1816) Translated by John Freeman Young (1863) Theological Themes: 1. Incarnation 2. Nativity 3. Peace 4. Salvation 5. Worship Liturgical Use: 1. Christmas Eve services 2. Advent ceremonies 3. Special events (e.g., concerts, cantatas) 4. Personal devotion and meditation ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Faithful Hymns is a channel where we share timeless hymns in the public domain classic songs of faith and worship, freely available for all to appreciate and share. Subscribe for regular updates on uplifting music for every season.
