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"Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht," commonly known as "Silent Night," is a popular Christmas carol composed by Franz Xaver Gruber. Here are some interesting facts about the carol and its composer:

1. Origins and Composition:

   • "Silent Night" was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber, a schoolteacher, and the lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, a priest in the town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.
   • The carol was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 at the St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf.

2. The Guitar Connection:

   • Gruber composed the melody for "Silent Night" to be played on the guitar. This was unusual for the time, as many hymns were typically accompanied by the organ. The choice of the guitar made the carol accessible to a broader audience.

3. Lost Manuscript:

   • The original manuscript of "Silent Night" was thought to be lost for many years. However, in the 1990s, a manuscript was discovered in the archives of the Museum Carolino Augusteum in Salzburg, Austria. It was found in a forgotten folder labeled "Guitar Pieces."

4. Translations and Global Impact:

   • "Silent Night" has been translated into hundreds of languages, making it one of the most widely translated and performed Christmas carols in the world.
   • The carol's simple and evocative melody has contributed to its enduring popularity and widespread appeal.

5. Recognition by UNESCO:

   • In 2011, "Silent Night" was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition reflects the cultural significance and universal appeal of the carol.

6. Memorial Chapel:

   • In Oberndorf, where the carol was first performed, there is a Silent Night Chapel (Stille-Nacht-Kapelle) as a memorial to the composition. The chapel stands on the site of the original St. Nicholas parish church.

7. Anniversary Celebrations:

   • The 200th anniversary of the composition of "Silent Night" was celebrated in 2018 with various events and performances held around the world.

8. Legacy:

   • Franz Xaver Gruber continued his career as a teacher and organist. While he composed other music, "Silent Night" remains his most famous and enduring work.

"Silent Night" continues to be a cherished part of Christmas celebrations, embodying the spirit of peace and tranquility associated with the holiday season.