“Silent Night” is one of the most beloved and widely recognized Christmas carols in the world. Its origins can be traced back to a small village in Austria, Oberndorf bei Salzburg, in the year 1818.
The carol was composed under somewhat unusual circumstances. The church organ in Oberndorf had been damaged, and a replacement was not available in time for Christmas Eve. The local priest, Joseph Mohr, had written a poem expressing the peace and tranquility of Christmas Eve, and he asked the church organist, Franz Xaver Gruber, to compose a simple melody to accompany it. Gruber composed the melody on the same day, and the carol was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818, with Mohr singing the tenor part and Gruber singing the bass.
The carol quickly spread beyond the borders of Austria and gained popularity throughout Europe and eventually the world. Its simple and beautiful melody, combined with the heartfelt lyrics, has made it a timeless classic. Today, “Silent Night” is sung in numerous languages and is a cherished part of Christmas celebrations around the globe.
Adapted and arranged for Piano Trio
Score & Individual Parts
