The Story Of The Christmas Carol "Silent Night"

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The Story Of The Christmas Carol "Silent Night"

There are some stories which through out the ages seem to inspire people far beyond their own time; it being as if they live forever to be told on and on to future generations; so they too might be motivated. As these stories capture the essence of a particular moment in history or a person, who is for the most part greatly admired. These stories perhaps not being overly important in the grand scheme of the history of the world yet hold a sort of symbolic importance which perhaps lends some meaning to a much larger event.

As an example of one of these stories, one could mention the inspiration which Julius Caesar is said to have taken when he looked at a statue of Alexander (the great) which caused him to feel ashamed that he up until that point in his life had not done anything which could be considered any where near as grand as his idol. Another example of this might be, the encouragement most Americans receive when they hear about the honesty expressed by a very young George Washington. It being the first American president who supposedly chops down a cherry tree belonging to his father and then confesses with all the honesty in the world that it was he; who had performed the deed. Of course, there are some who might argue with a certain degree of reason on their side that these stories though perhaps pleasant, are hardly confirmed by historical evidence. As they are those which might be true but can not be proven weather or not they are. It being a case where, after so many years, it would be almost an impossibility for evidence to either confirm or deny them yet these stories carry such a beauty about them that it is almost of no consequence if they did or did not occur. As is the case of Beethoven perhaps writing one of his most loved pieces for a little girl by the name of Elise whom it is rumored; he wished to make happy with a melody which would be just right for her.

The story of how the Christmas carol silent night was written, is one of these stories, which though questionable in its authenticity, does not cease to be one of the most inspirational in the history of music. As it shows how a great piece of music can come almost from any source and all it takes is a sudden burst of inspiration to create a masterpiece; not only to go around the world but to last through out the ages. As for the story of Silent Night and the events that led up to its composition, they are as follows.
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It was almost two centuries ago (back in 1819) in Austria, on Christmas eve that a man by the name of Franz Xaver Gruber; found himself in a spot of trouble. It was but a few hours before the Christmas sermon was due to start that he discovered that the church organ had been damaged by mice. It being these small creatures who had eaten parts of it which were absolutely necessary in order that it might be played. This making the organ unusable or at least for that evening yet all was not lost as Gruber did have a guitar. This also being an instrument which he could play yet the problem was that he did not have any music for it.

Gruber however did have a poem entitled "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" ("Silent Night" in English) which had been written by a priest by the name of Joseph Mohr which he liked very much and it was with the idea of putting this poem to music, so that it might be played and sung at that night's sermon that he took his guitar to compose music for it. Gruber in fact did not have much time as the sermon was due to start that very evening yet he had the inspiration to create something which he hoped would be at least good enough to please those who would be in attendance. It was under these circumstances that Gruber set out to put the words of this poem by Mohr in to music, as he took his guitar and created one of the loveliest Christmas melodies ever written. Gruber's music being one which not only manages to capture the spirit of Mohr's words but that of the night before Christmas, in which there is so much anticipation and emotions; just waiting for the following day to be fulfilled.

It was on that night, so many years ago that those who were fortunate enough to attend that particular sermon were treated to the Christmas carol which became known as "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht". This carol in fact endearing itself so much to those who heard it that night that soon afterwards, word spread of this delightful piece of music which in a few years managed to make its way through out the world. This carol, in fact taking on such a popularity all over the world, in so many languages and countries which celebrate Christmas that many people came to think of it; as one written in their own country with very few knowing of its origins. This, factor of course not being overly important, as what really matters is that "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" went on to become one of the best loved Christmas carols of all time.

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