Author: Originally written in German as Stille Nacht by Josef Mohr (1792-1848), an Austrian priest. The tune was composed by Franz X. Gruber (1787-1863), an organist and school teacher. This Christmas carol was first performed at the Church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf, Austria on Christmas day 1818.
Interesting Fact: In 1995 a manuscript written by hand by Josef Mohr was discovered. The said manuscript is believed to date back to 1820 and it reveals that the lyrics were written in 1816 by Mohr but the music was composed two years later by Gruber.
Lyrics (Excerpt):
English
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
German
Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute heilige Paar.
Holder Knab im lockigten Haar,
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!
Music Sheet: Free sheet music for bass, clarinet, oboe, flute, violin, trumpet, saxophone, big-note version for kids and guitar.
