Sometimes it can feel the world has become more gritty and harsh since the days of old. Yet even in those moments, there still exists rays of light that pierce through the sky with hope, love, and tranquility.
The Christmas season has officially begun, and what better way to celebrate one of the most joyous times of the year than with a powerful hymn known as ‘Silent Night’? Only that it is accompanied by the soulful, compassionate vocal melodies from the legendary Spanish tenor opera singer Placido Domingo, followed by the majestic background music of The Piano Guys and the charming choir of the Cathedral School Choristers.
What is ‘Silent Night’ About?
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht translated in German as “Silent Night” is a well-known Christmas Carol that was composed by Francis Xavier Gruber in 1818 with lyrics written by Joseph Mohr in a small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. Because it is well known, the song has been covered by hundreds of artists, including Bing Crosby whose cover makes it the 4th best selling single of all time.
When the carol was created in 1818, most Christian-based music had only one purpose in mind: reinforce ongoing class distinctions. While Bachs or Handel’s music represented the power of the king and church, “Silent Night” conveyed a message of hope for ordinary people. Gruber along with this lyricist buddy Joseph Mohr incorporated this message in a musical format as a symbol of salvation against a political order that had split their village up between Bavaria and Austria and has forced it to secularize.
Soon after “Silent Night” became an inspiration for anyone who wanted to do good for others, regardless of race, color, or creed.
The Song As It Went
The song opens up with the soft keynotes from the Piano Guys In the middle of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York City in the harmonious vocals from tenor legend Placido Domingo. You can tell from the expressions on his face and the way he delivered the song how emotional and heartfelt he delivered each and every lyric.
Every time Jon Schmidt’s fingers touch the keys of his piano….
. . . and every time Stephen Sharp Nelson’s bow struck the cords of his cello, the atmosphere gave off a very peaceful and serene sensation that is powerful enough to warm even the coldest of hearts.
A Beautiful Song with a Beautiful Message
Everything from the camera work and the shots that captured Domingo’s performance, along with that of the Piano Guys and the Cathedral School Choristers, was well executed and truly captures the spirit and gentle message of this magical coral that Gruber and Mohr had put their heart and soul into.
The entire song was so well put together that no other justice can be done over here.
Watch below for this stunning rendition of one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time.
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