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Revision as of 04:46, 1 December 2005 by Hattrem (talk | contribs) (first broadcast)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)"O Holy Night" is a well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" by Placide Cappeau (also known as "Cantique de Noël"). It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight in 1855. Note the abolitionist reference in the third verse ("for the slave is our brother"). "O Holy Night" may have been the first piece of music to be broadcast via radio.
The carol has been recorded by various artists, including memorable renditions from artists such as Enrico Caruso, Jussi Björling ("O helga natt"), Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, Nana Mouskouri, Charlotte Church, Linda Eder, Jewel, Glenn Medeiros, and Josh Groban.
It was also sung by Trey Parker's Eric Cartman character on a Christmas-themed episode of the animated series South Park; fans were so amused by it that this recording is often played on radio stations around Christmas.
The highest note, near the end of the song, is used to light the Rich's Great Tree in Atlanta each Thanksgiving night.
Lyrics
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Note that the second and third choruses are often replaced with a refrain of the first.
Media
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External links
- The Hymns and Carols of Christmas – the history of "O Holy Night"
- Easybyte – easy piano music for "O Holy Night"
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