Christmas Carol Spotlight: Silent Night – The history of and lyrics to “Silent Night.” #SilentNight

Christmas Carol Spotlight: Silent Night

In 2018, this popular Christmas carol celebrated the 200th anniversary of its first performance. The lyrics were written by Austrian Roman Catholic priest Joseph Mohr in 1816. Over the years, the melody has been credited to the likes of legendary composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. However, a manuscript handwritten by Mohr and discovered in 1995 revealed that the Austrian composer Franz Xaver Gruber composed the music to this beloved song.

Silent Night Lyrics

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.

Lyrics written by Joseph Mohr

Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsforchristmas.com

Christmas Carol Spotlights

1. A-Z of Christmas Music
2. Auld Lang Syne
3. Deck the Halls
4. The First Noel
5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
7. Jingle Bells
8. Let it Snow!
9. Little Drummer Boy
10. O Christmas Tree
11. O Holy Night
12. Silent Night
13. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Be sure to check out these Christmas Songs with Storied Past!

Article compliments of MetroCreative. HL20A253