SKU: A0.548488

Silent Night arranged for French Horn & Piano with new harmony for the third verse. Score: 2 pg. Part: 1 pg.

Silent Night

Origins

Father Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics for a new Christmas Carol. He wanted the new carol for his Christmas Eve Mass. With only a couple of hours until the service, He asked organist and schoolteacher Franz Gruber to write a melody and simple accompaniment to go with the lyrics. The result is probably the most famous of all Christmas carols – Silent Night.

First Performance

Perhaps because the organ was undergoing repairs, or to make sure the accompaniment was easy enough, Mohr asked Gruber to write it for the guitar. Mohr played the guitar, and both Mohr and Gruber gave the world premiere performance at the Christmas Eve Mass in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf in Salzburg.

Original Score

Eventually, the original score became lost, and consequently, Mohr's name was largely forgotten.  Though the public originally recognized Gruber as the composer, many people over time began rumors that a more famous composer was responsible. Thus, they floated the names of Haydn, Mozart, and even Beethoven. Authorities eventually settled the matter when a manuscript in Mohr’s handwriting turned up in 1820. Consequently, we learn that Mohr wrote the lyrics in 1816, and Gruber composed the melody in 1818.

Popularity

Nonetheless, Silent Night is still very popular. Singers have performed this song in nearly every genre and in multiple languages. Perhaps the most famous version is the one Bing Crosby crafted. This version is the third best-selling physical single recording in the history of recorded music. This particular recording was released in 1935 and sold at least 30 million copies.

Only two songs have ever sold more. Elton John released Candle in the Wind in 1997 and sold 33 million copies. The record for most copies ever sold goes to Bing Crosby. He released White Christmas in 1942 and sold 50 million physical copies.

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SKU: A0.548477

Traditional Christmas song arranged for Horn in F and Piano. Third verse features new harmony. Score: 2 pg. Part: 1 pg.

Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger is a popular Christmas song published originally sometime in the later 19th century and performed throughout the world. In England, it is considered one of the two most popular carols of all time; a 1996 poll ranked it as a tie for second place. To begin with, many thought it was written by Martin Luther, but now the song is considered to be absolutely American. The most common musical arrangements are by William Kirkpatrick (1895) and James R. Murray (1887). The melody was first published, as Luther's Cradle Hymn, by James R. Murray. Then, came a confusing series of explanations about how Martin Luther wrote the song. Murray even went so far as to suggest that Luther wrote it for his children. As a result, the song has become known as simply Mueller. Nobody knows who this Mueller actually is, but the name stuck.

Popularity

By the 1880’s the cradle song was being performed in church. By the 1990’s the song was becoming the most popular Christmas song of all time. It was sung in school, in church, and at home by nearly everyone.

Other musical settings

The first musical setting published with the lyrics appeared in the Little Children's Book for Schools and Families (1885). The title was Away in a Manger. This edition is the first one not to attribute the song to Martin Luther.

Charles H. Gabriel was the first arranger to present the third verse. He also composed and published a large number of different arrangements of the song. In one of his settings, he supplies a chorus for each verse with asleep sung in canon. Another prevalent preparation uses the lyrics to the melody Flow Gently, Sweet Afton. Yet another arrangement dating uses the lyrics to an old Normandy Carol.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions of this product at www.jamesguthrie.com

SKU: A0.1314622

An exciting arrangement of eight popular swinging xmas carols arranged for French Horn & Piano; in an up-beat and somewhat jazzy manner. This challenging set of carols, offers players in general, something very different for those Christmas concerts and recitals, give them a go, and I am sure that you won’t be disappointed!

The set includes: Ding Dong Merrily On High, Silent Night,We Three Kings,Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Deck the Halls & Good King Wenceslas.

The part is all written out with jazz inflections and articulation included. The Piano part is all written out, but also includes the jazz chords for players who wish to comp. These Carols are playable by moderately advanced performers and are perfect for parties, church services, busking & recitals. Range is very moderate, nothing high at all.

Need an anthem fast? They are ALL in my store!All my anthem arrangements are also available for Orchestra, Recorders, Saxophones, Wind, Brass and Flexible band. If you need an anthem urgently for an instrumentation not in my store, let me know via e-mail, and I will arrange it for you FOC if possible!

Reviewer Chet Heflin Date 29th Sep 2006

Bluesy Xmas! Keith Terrett has done an outstanding job of injecting jazz and blues into these holiday favorites. The writing beginning in measure 13 of Ding Dong Merrily On High is outstanding. Check out the wonderful contrast in movement between the flute and bass. This arrangement of Xmas carols would be a wonderful addition to any future holiday program. Well done Keith! Have fun! Caroling (singing carols in the street) is one of the oldest customs in Great Britain, going back to the Middle Ages when beggars, seeking food, money, or drink, would wander the streets singing holiday songs.

SKU: A0.1503030

Hey there! Ready to bring the peaceful and heartwarming melody of Silent Night to life? Let’s make some beautiful music together!

Perfect for Christmas services, holiday concerts, or a cozy winter evening, this arrangement captures the gentle beauty of the season. Let the timeless melody fill the room with calm and serenity.

Silent Night • Christmas Song | french horn sheet music w/ piano accompaniment

Our edition | Benzaiten Editions

About the song | Silent Night

SKU: A0.1503031

Hey there! Ready to bring the peaceful and heartwarming melody of Silent Night to life? Let’s make some beautiful music together!

Perfect for Christmas services, holiday concerts, or a cozy winter evening, this arrangement captures the gentle beauty of the season. Let the timeless melody fill the room with calm and serenity.

Silent Night • Christmas Song | french horn sheet music w/ piano accompaniment (chords)

Our edition | Benzaiten Editions

About the song | Silent Night