Getting close to the holiday season? Add a seasonal classic to your ʻukulele repertoire!
Silent Night Musings
The poem “Silent Night” (Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht), penned by Austrian priest Joseph Mohr in 1816, was set to music two years later on Christmas Eve in Oberndorf, Austria. After the church organ broke down, Franz Xaver Gruber, the church organist, set Mohr’s poem to music and performed it during Mass with guitar accompaniment. This song not only saved the day but also created a melody that has been cherished and enjoyed by millions across two centuries.
Here is a translation of the German lyrics:
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Study Tips
Melody
An andante or moderato tempo is recommended for Silent Night. Apply a gentle accent to the downbeat to enhance the triple meter feel.
Most of the melody is in the first position. However, at measure 17, the climax phrase, a shift up to the fifth position is required. If you need a review of 5th position notes, study the Sanoe chapter.
Chords
For the accompaniment, I began with a simple thumb strum, played once per measure. As the piece gained momentum, I transitioned to a gently rippling P-i-m-a-m-i arpeggio in each measure.
Silent Night Musings
Study Tips
Melody
Listen to the Track
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