Franz Gruber
Silent Night
Released Album
Recent Album
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Juniper HansonOctober 11, 2020
Works Info
Composer:Franz GruberAverage_duration:2:27"Silent Night" is a popular Christmas carol composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818. The carol was first performed on Christmas Eve in the St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria. The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, a young priest who had recently been assigned to the church. The carol has since become one of the most beloved and widely performed Christmas songs in the world. The carol is composed of six verses, each of which is sung to the same melody. The first verse begins with the famous line, "Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright." The second verse describes the scene of the birth of Jesus, with the shepherds watching over their flocks by night. The third verse praises the newborn Christ child, while the fourth verse calls on all to join in singing praises to God. The fifth verse speaks of the peace and joy that the birth of Jesus brings, while the final verse is a prayer for peace and salvation. The melody of "Silent Night" is simple and gentle, with a slow tempo and a lilting rhythm. The melody is in a major key, which gives the song a bright and joyful feeling. The harmonies are also simple, with mostly diatonic chords that support the melody without distracting from it. The overall effect is one of peacefulness and serenity, which perfectly captures the mood of the Christmas season. "Silent Night" is typically performed in a slow and reverent manner, with a soloist or small group singing the first verse and the congregation joining in for the remaining verses. The song is often accompanied by a guitar or other stringed instrument, which adds to the gentle and intimate feeling of the performance. In conclusion, "Silent Night" is a timeless Christmas carol that has been beloved by generations of people around the world. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics capture the essence of the Christmas season, and its gentle and peaceful mood make it a perfect addition to any holiday celebration.More....