Author: The French lyrics were written by Placide Cappeau (1808-1877) and the melody was composed by Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) who composed the score for the ballet Giselle. The song was first performed in 1847 during a Christmas Eve mass in Roquemaure. It was later translated from French to English by John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893).
Intereating Fact: This Christmas carol was played live over the radio on December 24, 1906. The Christmas radio show was broadcasted by Reginald Fessenden from Brant Rock, Massachusetts.
Lyrics (Excerpt):
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world1 rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Chorus
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.
Music Sheet: Sheet music from 8Notes.Com
