O Holy Night (Cantique De Noel)
Year: 1847
Written By: Placide Cappeau
O Holy night is one of the most famous and well-loved Christmas
carols of all time. However, few know its beginnings. O Holy night
was not always an English Christmas carol. For that matter, it
wasn't even a Christmas song at all.
The beloved Christmas song started as a Christmas poem called
Minuit Chatiens. It was written by Placide Cappeau in 1847. A
parish priest asked the simple wine merchant who moonlighted as a
poet to write the song for him. He wrote the poem then decided it
needed music. Cappeau took the poem to Adolphe Adam who put the
words to music.
It wasn't until 1855 that the song was translated into English by
John Dwight Sullivan and still longer before it made its first
musical debut. On Christmas Eve 1906, an inventor named Reginald
Fessenden broadcast it for the first time on an AM radio station.
First he played it in French and then in English. O Holy Night was
played on the violin and the final verse was put to words. The
Christmas song has the distinction of being the second piece of
music played on the radio.
In both the French version and the English version, the focus of
the song is on the birth of Jesus and the salvation his birth
brought to mankind. The song has been sung in church's, on the
street by carolers and is heard often on radios and television
every Christmas.
Many versions of the song now exist and it has been performed by
the religious and non-religious alike. From school choirs to
solos in the church this song is widely popular and loved by all.
However, not just the churches and schools like this song. It has
been sung and performed by such gospel singers as The Mormon
Tabernacle Choir, Smoky Norful, and Third day.
Not to be outdone there are quite a few popular stars that have
belted out O Holy Night during the Christmas Holidays. Those most
worthy of mention are Bing Cosby, Celine Dion, and the great
Martina McBride.
There is even some debate as to who is the best artist rendition
of the popular song. Some vote for Bing Cosby, others for Martina
McBride and even more for The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Regardless
of who you think is the better singer one thing everyone can agree
on is that O Holy Night is one of the best Christmas songs of all
time.
Lyrics
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
O Holy Night (Cantique De Noel) Christmas Videos (Click to Play)
Rate Different Artist Versions of O Holy Night (Cantique De Noel)
| Artist Name | Current Rating | Your Rating | Preview |
|---|
| Andrea Bocelli | | | |
| Pavarotti | | | |
| Kenny G | | | |
| Alicia Keys | | | |
| Andy Williams | | | |
| Anne Murray | | | |
| Arcade Fire | | | |
| Barenaked Ladies | | | |
| Bing Crosby | | | |
| Burl Ives | | | |
| Carpenters | | | |
| Carrie Underwood | | | |
| Celine Dion | | | |
| Celtic Woman | | | |
| Charlotte Church | | | |
| Christina Aguilera | | | |
| David Archuleta | | | |
| David Foster | | | |
| Destiny's Child | | | |
| Ella Fitzgerald | | | |
| Glee | | | |
| Harry Connick Jr | | | |
| Indigo Girls | | | |
| Jackie Evancho | | | |
| Jessica Simpson | | | |
| Jewel | | | |
| Jim Nabors | | | |
| John Legend | | | |
| Johnny Mathis | | | |
| Josh Groban | | | |
| Katharine Mcphee | | | |
| Mahalia Jackson | | | |
| Mariah Carey | | | |
| Martina Mcbride | | | |
| Michael Bolton | | | |
| Nat King Cole | | | |
| Natalie Cole | | | |
| Neil Diamond | | | |
| Nsync | | | |
| Patti Labelle | | | |
| Pavarotti | | | |
| Perry Como | | | |
| Randy Travis | | | |
| Ray Conniff | | | |
| Reba Mcentire | | | |
| Selah | | | |
| Sufjan Stevens | | | |
| Susan Boyle | | | |
| The Ventures | | | |
| Third Day | | | |
| Trans Siberian Orchestra | | | |
| Weezer | | | |
| Whitney Houston | | | |
| Kenny Rogers | | | |
| Wayne Newton | | | |
| Faith Hill | | | |
| John Denver | | | |
| Oak Ridge Boys | | | |
| The Temptations | | | |
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