🇬🇧 Silent Night, Holy Night
Origin:
“Silent Night, Holy Night” was first performed on December 24, 1818 in Oberndorf near Salzburg, Austria. It was created in Arnsdorf and Oberndorf.
Lyricist:
The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, an Austrian assistant priest.
Composer:
The melody was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, an Austrian teacher and organist.
Notable Facts:
- The song is recognized as UNESCO cultural heritage.
- It is one of the most performed and translated Christmas songs in the world.
Famous pop and contemporary versions include: Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé etc.. But I personally prefer:
🇬🇧 Simon & Garfunkel version – “7 O’Clock News / Silent Night” (1966)
- Released on the album “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” (1966).
- The track blends a gentle rendition of “Silent Night” sung by the duo with a realistic newscast reporting disturbing current events of the 1960s (Vietnam etc.).
- The juxtaposition creates a powerful commentary on peace versus political turmoil.
Audio: