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Franz Xaver Gruber was an Austrian primary school teacher, organist, and composer who is best known for composing the melody of the Christmas carol "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" (Silent Night). Here are some interesting facts about the song and its composer:

1. Creation of "Silent Night": "Silent Night" was composed in 1818 in the small village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. Gruber composed the melody, and the lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, a priest.

2. Premiere Performance: The first performance of "Silent Night" took place on Christmas Eve in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf. Gruber played the guitar, and Mohr sang the song.

3. Lost Manuscript: The original manuscript of "Silent Night" was thought to be lost for many years. It was discovered in the 1990s in a trunk at the Zillertal Museum in Austria.

4. Translations: "Silent Night" has been translated into numerous languages, making it one of the most widely translated and performed Christmas carols around the world.

5. UNESCO Recognition: In 2011, "Silent Night" was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This recognition highlights the cultural significance of the carol.

6. Gruber's Background: Apart from being a composer, Franz Xaver Gruber was a schoolteacher and organist. He served as the organist at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf for many years.

7. Later Versions: Gruber made several arrangements of "Silent Night" in the years following its composition, adapting it for different vocal and instrumental settings.

8. Popular Recording: The version of "Silent Night" by Bing Crosby is one of the best-selling singles of all time. Crosby recorded the song in 1935 and re-recorded it in 1947.

9. Legacy: Franz Xaver Gruber's composition has left a lasting impact on Christmas music, and "Silent Night" continues to be a cherished part of holiday celebrations worldwide.

These facts highlight the historical and cultural significance of Franz Xaver Gruber's composition, "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht."