One of the most famous songs of Christmas was celebrated Tuesday as it approaches its 200th anniversary, with a concert at the New York City church where “Silent Night” is believed to have been sung in the United States for the first time and where a priest was the first to publish an English translation of the Austrian carol.
The performance of the carol by Austria's Kroll Family Singers and ensembles from Trinity Church took place at the Alexander Hamilton memorial in the Trinity churchyard. The singers stood in front of the memorial in the darkened yard as onlookers gathered and horns from passing cars beeped on nearby streets.
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht
A school choir singing in church. /VCG File Photo
The world's most famous charismas melody was believed to have debuted in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria. The composer was France Xaver Gruber and the lyrics were written by a priest named Joseph Mohr.
The original was written in German with the title "Stille Nacht" translated into English as "Silent Night."
The carol has achieved worldwide appeal since its first performance on Christmas Eve 192 years ago. It is now considered as one of the most recorded songs in the world and part of Austria's cultural heritage.
In China, as Christmas gains popularity, the song is known by many people who are willing to share the holiday spirit.
Although the Chinese translation of the lyric is not that familiar, its beautiful rhythm is often played during festivals.
(With inputs from AP)