Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht
December 23, 2010 (Thursday)
I don’t know about you, but when asked to name Christmas Carols, “Silent Night” is always the first to come to mind. The beautiful old hymn, written in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria, by a priest, Joseph Mohr (music by schoolteacher Franz Gruber), has endured for nearly 200 years. The original title is, “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht” (Silent Night, Holy Night). For me, hearing it always evokes feelings of peace, love and joy.
I can never think of this song without thinking of the 1914 Christmas truce, when it was sung by troops in German, English and French. The soldiers came out from their trenches and mingled, sharing family photos, etc. It was Christmas Eve. This was a very disturbing event for the military brass, but I’m sure the Heavenly armies of angels approved.
This song can be sung with full symphonic orchestra accompaniment, or with a guitar or harmonica. It is hardly possible to do it the wrong way. Hearing it and singing it is one of the best experiences of Christmas. It has been translated into 44 languages. Most well-known musical artists have at least one recording of it. It was translated into English in 1859.
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
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
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 ”