We have a collection of 78 arrangements for Franz Xaver Gruber - Silent Night
What Christmas carol was first performed in a small Austrian church in 1818? Learn!
"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 song:
Origin: The carol was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber, a school teacher, in the small village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.
Lyrics: The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, a young priest from the same village. The song was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 at St. Nicholas parish church.
Guitar Accompaniment: Gruber composed the melody for the song to be accompanied by a guitar. The original score was for two solo voices, choir, and guitar.
Lost Manuscript: The original manuscript of "Silent Night" was thought to be lost until 1995 when a manuscript in Mohr's handwriting was discovered.
Translations: The carol has been translated into hundreds of languages, making it one of the most widely translated and performed Christmas songs globally.
UNESCO Recognition: In 2011, "Silent Night" was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This recognition highlights its cultural significance and enduring popularity.
Recordings: The song has been recorded by numerous artists across various genres, contributing to its status as one of the most recorded songs in the history of music.
Celebrating Bicentennial: In 2018, the world celebrated the 200th anniversary of "Silent Night." The Austrian government organized various events to mark the occasion.
"Silent Night" remains a timeless and cherished Christmas carol that continues to evoke the spirit of the holiday season around the world.