Trumpet Duet Trumpet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.760413 Composed by Adolphe-Charles Adam. Arranged by Raymond Fenech. Christmas,Holiday,Pop,Praise & Worship,Traditional. Score. 15 pages. Raymond Fenech #3636735. Published by Raymond Fenech (A0.760413). O Holy Night is a well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem Minuit, chrétiens (Midnight, Christians) written by a wine merchant and poet, Placide Cappeau (1808–1877). In both the French original and the English version of the carol, as well as many other languages, the text reflects on the birth of Jesus and on humanity's redemption. The Duration is approx. 3.38 minutes and the level is Early Intermediate. This arrangement could be played with the Drum Set. O Holy Night is catered for school concerts, but could also be played in other concerts as well.

Tenor Saxophone Duet Tenor Saxophone - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.760394 Composed by Raymond Fenech. Arranged by Raymond Fenech. Christmas,Holiday,Pop,Praise & Worship,Traditional. Score. 17 pages. Raymond Fenech #3629893. Published by Raymond Fenech (A0.760394). O Holy Night is a well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem Minuit, chrétiens (Midnight, Christians) written by a wine merchant and poet, Placide Cappeau (1808–1877). In both the French original and the English version of the carol, as well as many other languages, the text reflects on the birth of Jesus and on humanity's redemption. The Duration is approx. 3.38 minutes and the level is Early Intermediate. This arrangement could be played with the Drum Set. O Holy Night is catered for school concerts, but could also be played in other concerts as well. The level is Intermediate.

C Instrument - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1345241 By Peggy Duquesnel. By Traditional. Arranged by Peggy Duquesnel. Christian,Christmas,Folk,Holiday. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 1 pages. Duquesnel Music Publishing #930180. Published by Duquesnel Music Publishing (A0.1345241). This lead sheet arrangement in the Key of G is a good range for alto and baritone voices. This traditional French Carol  Cantique de Noel is known in english as O Holy Night. This is easy to read and play with piano or guitar and sing-a-long. Good for children's choirs, school and adult vocal ensembles. See the interpretaiton of the french lyrics in english below.Cantique de Noel Mi-nuit Chre-tiens c'est l'heu-re so-len-nel-le Ou l'hom-me Dieu des-cen dit jus-qu'a nous Pour ef-fa-cer la tache o-ri-gi-nel-le Et de son pere ar-re-ter le cour-roux Le monde en-tier tres sail-le d'es-pe-ran-ce A Cet-te nuit qui lui donne un sau-veur Peu- plea ge-noux at-tends ta de-li-vran-ce NO-EL NO-EL Voi-  ci le re- demp-teur NO-EL NO-EL Voi-ci le-le re-demp-teur.English Translation:Midnight, Christians, its the solemn hourWhen God-man descended to usTo erase the stain of original sinAnd to end the wrath of his FatherThe entire world thrills with hopeOn this night that gives it a SaviourPeople kneel down, wait for your deliveranceChristmas, Christmas, here is the RedeemerChristmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer.

C Instrument - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1350338 By Peggy Duquesnel. By Traditional. Arranged by Peggy Duquesnel. Christian,Christmas,Folk,Holiday. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 1 pages. Duquesnel Music Publishing #935130. Published by Duquesnel Music Publishing (A0.1350338). This traditional French Carol  Cantique de Noel is known in english as O Holy Night. This is easy to read and play with piano or guitar and sing-a-long. Good for children's choirs, school, church and adult vocal ensembles. See the interpretaiton of the french lyrics in english below.Cantique de Noel Mi-nuit Chre-tiens c'est l'heu-re so-len-nel-le Ou l'hom-me Dieu des-cen dit jus-qu'a nous Pour ef-fa-cer la tache o-ri-gi-nel-le Et de son pere ar-re-ter le cour-roux Le monde en-tier tres sail-le d'es-pe-ran-ce A Cet-te nuit qui lui donne un sau-veur Peu- plea ge-noux at-tends ta de-li-vran-ce NO-EL NO-EL Voi-  ci le re- demp-teur NO-EL NO-EL Voi-ci le-le re-demp-teur.English Translation:Midnight, Christians, its the solemn hourWhen God-man descended to usTo erase the stain of original sinAnd to end the wrath of his FatherThe entire world thrills with hopeOn this night that gives it a SaviourPeople kneel down, wait for your deliveranceChristmas, Christmas, here is the RedeemerChristmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer.

C Instrument - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1350334 By Peggy Duquesnel. By Traditional. Arranged by Peggy Duquesnel. Christian,Christmas,Folk,Holiday. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 1 pages. Duquesnel Music Publishing #935126. Published by Duquesnel Music Publishing (A0.1350334). This lead sheet arrangement in the Key of G is a good range for alto and baritone voices. This traditional French Carol  Cantique de Noel is known in english as O Holy Night. This is easy to read and play with piano or guitar and sing-a-long. Good for children's choirs, school and adult vocal ensembles. See the interpretaiton of the french lyrics in english below.Cantique de Noel Mi-nuit Chre-tiens c'est l'heu-re so-len-nel-le Ou l'hom-me Dieu des-cen dit jus-qu'a nous Pour ef-fa-cer la tache o-ri-gi-nel-le Et de son pere ar-re-ter le cour-roux Le monde en-tier tres sail-le d'es-pe-ran-ce A Cet-te nuit qui lui donne un sau-veur Peu- plea ge-noux at-tends ta de-li-vran-ce NO-EL NO-EL Voi-  ci le re- demp-teur NO-EL NO-EL Voi-ci le-le re-demp-teur.English Translation:Midnight, Christians, its the solemn hourWhen God-man descended to usTo erase the stain of original sinAnd to end the wrath of his FatherThe entire world thrills with hopeOn this night that gives it a SaviourPeople kneel down, wait for your deliveranceChristmas, Christmas, here is the RedeemerChristmas, Christmas, here is the RedeemerYouTube Link.

C Instrument - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1350336 By Peggy Duquesnel. By Traditional. Arranged by Peggy Duquesnel. Christian,Christmas,Folk,Holiday. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 1 pages. Duquesnel Music Publishing #935128. Published by Duquesnel Music Publishing (A0.1350336). This traditional French Carol  Cantique de Noel is known in english as O Holy Night. This is easy to read and play with piano or guitar and sing-a-long. Good for children's choirs, school and adult vocal ensembles. See the interpretaiton of the french lyrics in english below.Cantique de Noel Mi-nuit Chre-tiens c'est l'heu-re so-len-nel-le Ou l'hom-me Dieu des-cen dit jus-qu'a nous Pour ef-fa-cer la tache o-ri-gi-nel-le Et de son pere ar-re-ter le cour-roux Le monde en-tier tres sail-le d'es-pe-ran-ce A Cet-te nuit qui lui donne un sau-veur Peu- plea ge-noux at-tends ta de-li-vran-ce NO-EL NO-EL Voi-  ci le re- demp-teur NO-EL NO-EL Voi-ci le-le re-demp-teur.English Translation:Midnight, Christians, its the solemn hourWhen God-man descended to usTo erase the stain of original sinAnd to end the wrath of his FatherThe entire world thrills with hopeOn this night that gives it a SaviourPeople kneel down, wait for your deliveranceChristmas, Christmas, here is the RedeemerChristmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer.

C Instrument - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1350339 By Peggy Duquesnel. By Traditional. Arranged by Peggy Duquesnel. Christian,Christmas,Folk,Holiday. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 1 pages. Duquesnel Music Publishing #935131. Published by Duquesnel Music Publishing (A0.1350339). This traditional French Carol  Cantique de Noel is known in English as O Holy Night. This is easy to read and play with piano or guitar and sing-a-long. Good for children's choirs, school and adult vocal ensembles. See the interpretaiton of the french lyrics in english below.Cantique de Noel Mi-nuit Chre-tiens c'est l'heu-re so-len-nel-le Ou l'hom-me Dieu des-cen dit jus-qu'a nous Pour ef-fa-cer la tache o-ri-gi-nel-le Et de son pere ar-re-ter le cour-roux Le monde en-tier tres sail-le d'es-pe-ran-ce A Cet-te nuit qui lui donne un sau-veur Peu- plea ge-noux at-tends ta de-li-vran-ce NO-EL NO-EL Voi-  ci le re- demp-teur NO-EL NO-EL Voi-ci le-le re-demp-teur.English Translation:Midnight, Christians, its the solemn hourWhen God-man descended to usTo erase the stain of original sinAnd to end the wrath of his FatherThe entire world thrills with hopeOn this night that gives it a SaviourPeople kneel down, wait for your deliveranceChristmas, Christmas, here is the RedeemerChristmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer.

Piano,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548680 Composed by Adam. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3410445. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548680). Duration: 4:56. Score 5 pg. 44 ms. Solo part: 2 pg. Piano part: 3 pg. Cantique de Noël The French composer Adolphe Adam was already famous as a composer of many successful ballets and operas. Then, in the 1840’s he wrote his most famous work - O Holy Night. The original song title was Minuit Chretiens or Cantique de Noël.  Placide Cappeau provided the original song lyrics. The song was first performed in Roquemaure by the opera singer Emily Laurey at midnight mass in 1847. It became very popular among the French, much the way that Silent Night was famous elsewhere. In the 1850’s John S. Dwight, a Unitarian minister and music teacher translated the song into English.   Adolphe Adam In his younger years, Adam studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He also played the timpani in the Conservatoire orchestra. Adam used his savings and borrowed money to open a new opera house - the fourth opera house in Paris in 1847. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848 forced him to close. He taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1849 until his death in 1856. Placide Cappeau The poet Cappeau was an advocate of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.  Voltaire was renowned for criticizing the Catholic church, religious intolerance, and dogma in general. Consequently, Cappeau made the Redeemer figure in his song a kind of reformer of injustices, in particular, the problem of original sin. To begin with, people recognized Cappeau’s theology as eccentric, probably even doubtful. Theology In the earlier form of Minuit, the Christ figure descends to intervene with His Father’s plan to punish mankind.  Traditional doctrine pronounces that Christ came from love, not to intervene. This version also declares that Christ appeared to expunge the original sin of Adam. Cappeau removed this part from his poem years later, because he just didn’t believe it.  He preferred to portray Christ as the reformer of disparity and unfairness. Before long, the writer/politician Alphonse de Lamartine referred to the Minuit as the the Marseillaise of religion. Most French churchmen agreed with this idea but certainly did not consider it a tribute.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com

E-Flat Clarinet,Piano - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548683 Composed by Adam. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3410473. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548683). Duration: 4:56. Score 5 pg. 44 ms. Solo part: 2 pg. Piano part: 3 pg.Cantique de Noël The French composer Adolphe Adam was already famous as a composer of many successful ballets and operas. Then, in the 1840’s he wrote his most famous work - O Holy Night. The original song title was Minuit Chretiens or Cantique de Noël.  Placide Cappeau provided the original song lyrics. The song was first performed in Roquemaure by the opera singer Emily Laurey at midnight mass in 1847. It became very popular among the French, much the way that Silent Night was famous elsewhere. In the 1850’s John S. Dwight, a Unitarian minister and music teacher translated the song into English.   Adolphe Adam In his younger years, Adam studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He also played the timpani in the Conservatoire orchestra. Adam used his savings and borrowed money to open a new opera house - the fourth opera house in Paris in 1847. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848 forced him to close. He taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1849 until his death in 1856. Placide Cappeau The poet Cappeau was an advocate of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.  Voltaire was renowned for criticizing the Catholic church, religious intolerance, and dogma in general. Consequently, Cappeau made the Redeemer figure in his song a kind of reformer of injustices, in particular, the problem of original sin. To begin with, people recognized Cappeau’s theology as eccentric, probably even doubtful. Theology In the earlier form of Minuit, the Christ figure descends to intervene with His Father’s plan to punish mankind.  Traditional doctrine pronounces that Christ came from love, not to intervene. This version also declares that Christ appeared to expunge the original sin of Adam. Cappeau removed this part from him poem years later, because he just didn’t believe it.  He preferred to portray Christ as the reformer of disparity and unfairness. Before long, the writer/politician Alphonse de Lamartine referred to the Minuit as the the Marseillaise of religion. Most French churchmen agreed with this idea but certainly did not consider it a tribute.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com

B-Flat Clarinet,Piano - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548671 Composed by Adam. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3410427. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548671). Duration: 4:56. Score; 5 pg., 44 ms. Solo part: 2 pg. Piano part: 3 pg.Cantique de Noël The French composer Adolphe Adam was already famous as a composer of many successful ballets and operas. Then, in the 1840’s he wrote his most famous work - O Holy Night. The original song title was Minuit Chretiens or Cantique de Noël.  Placide Cappeau provided the original song lyrics. The song was first performed in Roquemaure by the opera singer Emily Laurey at midnight mass in 1847. It became very popular among the French, much the way that Silent Night was famous elsewhere. In the 1850’s John S. Dwight, a Unitarian minister and music teacher translated the song into English.   Adolphe Adam In his younger years, Adam studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He also played the timpani in the Conservatoire orchestra. Adam used his savings and borrowed money to open a new opera house - the fourth opera house in Paris in 1847. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848 forced him to close. He taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1849 until his death in 1856. Placide Cappeau The poet Cappeau was an advocate of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.  Voltaire was renowned for criticizing the Catholic church, religious intolerance, and dogma in general. Consequently, Cappeau made the Redeemer figure in his song a kind of reformer of injustices, in particular, the problem of original sin. To begin with, people recognized Cappeau’s theology as eccentric, probably even doubtful. Theology In the earlier form of Minuit, the Christ figure descends to intervene with His Father’s plan to punish mankind.  Traditional doctrine pronounces that Christ came from love, not to intervene. This version also declares that Christ appeared to expunge the original sin of Adam. Cappeau removed this part from his poem years later, because he just didn’t believe it.  He preferred to portray Christ as the reformer of disparity and unfairness. Before long, the writer/politician Alphonse de Lamartine referred to the Minuit as the the Marseillaise of religion. Most French churchmen agreed with this idea but certainly did not consider it a tribute.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com

Piano,Tenor Saxophone - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548677 Composed by Adam. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3410441. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548677). Duration: 4:56. Score 5 pg. 44 ms. Solo part: 2 pg. Piano part: 3 pg.Cantique de Noël The French composer Adolphe Adam was already famous as a composer of many successful ballets and operas. Then, in the 1840’s he wrote his most famous work - O Holy Night. The original song title was Minuit Chretiens or Cantique de Noël.  Placide Cappeau provided the original song lyrics. The song was first performed in Roquemaure by the opera singer Emily Laurey at midnight mass in 1847. It became very popular among the French, much the way that Silent Night was famous elsewhere. In the 1850’s John S. Dwight, a Unitarian minister and music teacher translated the song into English.   Adolphe Adam In his younger years, Adam studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He also played the timpani in the Conservatoire orchestra. Adam used his savings and borrowed money to open a new opera house - the fourth opera house in Paris in 1847. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848 forced him to close. He taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1849 until his death in 1856. Placide Cappeau The poet Cappeau was an advocate of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.  Voltaire was renowned for criticizing the Catholic church, religious intolerance, and dogma in general. Consequently, Cappeau made the Redeemer figure in his song a kind of reformer of injustices, in particular, the problem of original sin. To begin with, people recognized Cappeau’s theology as eccentric, probably even doubtful. Theology In the earlier form of Minuit, the Christ figure descends to intervene with His Father’s plan to punish mankind.  Traditional doctrine pronounces that Christ came from love, not to intervene. This version also declares that Christ appeared to expunge the original sin of Adam. Cappeau removed this part from his poem years later, because he just didn’t believe it.  He preferred to portray Christ as the reformer of disparity and unfairness. Before long, the writer/politician Alphonse de Lamartine referred to the Minuit as the the Marseillaise of religion. Most French churchmen agreed with this idea but certainly did not consider it a tribute.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com

Instrumental Duet Bassoon,Instrumental Duet,Piano - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548686 Composed by Adam. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and parts. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3410489. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548686). Duration: 4:56. Score 5 pg. 44 ms. Solo part: 2 pg. Piano part: 3 pg.Cantique de Noël The French composer Adolphe Adam was already famous as a composer of many successful ballets and operas. Then, in the 1840’s he wrote his most famous work - O Holy Night. The original song title was Minuit Chretiens or Cantique de Noël.  Placide Cappeau provided the original song lyrics. The song was first performed in Roquemaure by the opera singer Emily Laurey at midnight mass in 1847. It became very popular among the French, much the way that Silent Night was famous elsewhere. In the 1850’s John S. Dwight, a Unitarian minister and music teacher translated the song into English.   Adolphe Adam In his younger years, Adam studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He also played the timpani in the Conservatoire orchestra. Adam used his savings and borrowed money to open a new opera house - the fourth opera house in Paris in 1847. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848 forced him to close. He taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1849 until his death in 1856. Placide Cappeau The poet Cappeau was an advocate of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.  Voltaire was renowned for criticizing the Catholic church, religious intolerance, and dogma in general. Consequently, Cappeau made the Redeemer figure in his song a kind of reformer of injustices, in particular, the problem of original sin. To begin with, people recognized Cappeau’s theology as eccentric, probably even doubtful. Theology In the earlier form of Minuit, the Christ figure descends to intervene with His Father’s plan to punish mankind.  Traditional doctrine pronounces that Christ came from love, not to intervene. This version also declares that Christ appeared to expunge the original sin of Adam. Cappeau removed this part from his poem years later, because he just didn’t believe it.  He preferred to portray Christ as the reformer of disparity and unfairness. Before long, the writer/politician Alphonse de Lamartine referred to the Minuit as the the Marseillaise of religion. Most French churchmen agreed with this idea but certainly did not consider it a tribute.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com

Piano,Tuba - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548679 Composed by Adam. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3410443. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548679). Duration: 4:56. Score 5 pg. 44 ms. Solo part: 2 pg. Piano part: 3 pg.Cantique de Noël The French composer Adolphe Adam was already famous as a composer of many successful ballets and operas. Then, in the 1840’s he wrote his most famous work - O Holy Night. The original song title was Minuit Chretiens or Cantique de Noël.  Placide Cappeau provided the original song lyrics. The song was first performed in Roquemaure by the opera singer Emily Laurey at midnight mass in 1847. It became very popular among the French, much the way that Silent Night was famous elsewhere. In the 1850’s John S. Dwight, a Unitarian minister and music teacher translated the song into English.   Adolphe Adam In his younger years, Adam studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He also played the timpani in the Conservatoire orchestra. Adam used his savings and borrowed money to open a new opera house - the fourth opera house in Paris in 1847. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848 forced him to close. He taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1849 until his death in 1856. Placide Cappeau The poet Cappeau was an advocate of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.  Voltaire was renowned for criticizing the Catholic church, religious intolerance, and dogma in general. Consequently, Cappeau made the Redeemer figure in his song a kind of reformer of injustices, in particular, the problem of original sin. To begin with, people recognized Cappeau’s theology as eccentric, probably even doubtful. Theology In the earlier form of Minuit, the Christ figure descends to intervene with His Father’s plan to punish mankind.  Traditional doctrine pronounces that Christ came from love, not to intervene. This version also declares that Christ appeared to expunge the original sin of Adam. Cappeau removed this part from his poem years later, because he just didn’t believe it.  He preferred to portray Christ as the reformer of disparity and unfairness. Before long, the writer/politician Alphonse de Lamartine referred to the Minuit as the the Marseillaise of religion. Most French churchmen agreed with this idea but certainly did not consider it a tribute.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com

Cello,Piano - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548673 Composed by Adam. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas. Score and part. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3410433. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548673). Cantique de Noël The French composer Adolphe Adam was already famous as a composer of many successful ballets and operas. Then, in the 1840s, he wrote his most famous work - O Holy Night. The original song title was Minuit Chretiens or Cantique de Noël.  Placide Cappeau provided the original song lyrics. The song was first performed in Roquemaure by the opera singer Emily Laurey at midnight mass in 1847. It became very popular among the French, much like Silent Night was famous elsewhere. In 1850, John S. Dwight, a Unitarian minister and music teacher, translated the song into English.   Adolphe Adam Adam studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire in his younger years. He also played the timpani in the Conservatoire orchestra. Adam used his savings and borrowed money to open a new opera house - the fourth opera house in Paris in 1847. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848 forced him to close. He taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1849 until he died in 1856. Placide Cappeau The poet Cappeau was an advocate of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. Voltaire was renowned for criticizing the Catholic church, religious intolerance, and dogma in general. Consequently, Cappeau made the Redeemer figure in his song a kind of reformer of injustices, particularly the problem of original sin. To begin with, people recognized Cappeau's theology as eccentric, probably even doubtful. Theology In the earlier form of Minuit, the Christ figure descends to intervene with His Father's plan to punish humanity. Traditional doctrine pronounces that Christ came from love, not to intervene. This version also declares that Christ appeared to delete the original sin of Adam. Cappeau removed this part from his poem years later because he didn't believe it. He preferred to portray Christ as the reformer of disparity and unfairness. Before long, the writer/politician Alphonse de Lamartine called the Minuit the Marseillaise of religion. Most French churchmen agreed with this idea but did not consider it a tribute.    

Piano,Trombone - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548678 Composed by Adam. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3410439. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548678). Duration: 4:56. Score 5 pg. 44 ms. Solo part: 2 pg. Piano part: 3 pg. Cantique de Noël The French composer Adolphe Adam was already famous as a composer of many successful ballets and operas. Then, in the 1840’s he wrote his most famous work - O Holy Night. The original song title was Minuit Chretiens or Cantique de Noël.  Placide Cappeau provided the original song lyrics. The song was first performed in Roquemaure by the opera singer Emily Laurey at midnight mass in 1847. It became very popular among the French, much the way that Silent Night was famous elsewhere. In the 1850’s John S. Dwight, a Unitarian minister and music teacher translated the song into English.   Adolphe Adam In his younger years, Adam studied organ and composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He also played the timpani in the Conservatoire orchestra. Adam used his savings and borrowed money to open a new opera house - the fourth opera house in Paris in 1847. Unfortunately, the Revolution of 1848 forced him to close. He taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1849 until his death in 1856. Placide Cappeau The poet Cappeau was an advocate of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.  Voltaire was renowned for criticizing the Catholic church, religious intolerance, and dogma in general. Consequently, Cappeau made the Redeemer figure in his song a kind of reformer of injustices, in particular, the problem of original sin. To begin with, people recognized Cappeau’s theology as eccentric, probably even doubtful. Theology In the earlier form of Minuit, the Christ figure descends to intervene with His Father’s plan to punish mankind.  Traditional doctrine pronounces that Christ came from love, not to intervene. This version also declares that Christ appeared to expunge the original sin of Adam. Cappeau removed this part from his poem years later, because he just didn’t believe it.  He preferred to portray Christ as the reformer of disparity and unfairness. Before long, the writer/politician Alphonse de Lamartine referred to the Minuit as the the Marseillaise of religion. Most French churchmen agreed with this idea but certainly did not consider it a tribute.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com