SKU: A0.726114

The beloved “O Holy Night� began as a poem in French on the nativity of Jesus.

Placide Cappeau (1808–1877), the author of the original lyrics, was asked in 1843 to write a Christmas poem to celebrate the recent renovation of the church organ in his home town. He obliged with “Minuit, chrétiens,� which begins with the words “Midnight, Christians, this is the solemn hour of God descending to us as man.�

The music to Cappeau's poem was written by the French composer, organist, and music critic Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) and published in 1847 under the title “Cantique de Noël.�

In 1855, John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893), recognized as America's first influential music journalist and critic, translated and paraphrased Cappeau's text into the well-known “O Holy Night.�

This arrangement features the natural singing style of two trombones in a duet with piano accompaniment. Includes both bass clef and Bb treble clef trombone parts; may be effectively performed by euphoniums or cellos as well.