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O Holy Night

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For other uses, see O Holy Night (disambiguation).
"O Night Divine" redirects here. For the Trace Bundy album, see O Night Divine (album).

Cantique de Noël
O Holy Night
by Adolphe Adam
Front cover of the 6th edition of "Cantique de Noël", 1852
Native nameMinuit, chrétiens
GenreClassical, Christmas
TextPlacide Cappeau
LanguageFrench, English
Composed1847 (1847)
Recording
Performed by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band

"O Holy Night" (original title: Cantique de Noël) is a sacred song about the night of the birth of Jesus Christ, described in the first verse as "the dear Saviour", and frequently performed as a Christmas carol. Based on the French-language poem Minuit, chrétiens, written in 1843 by poet Placide Cappeau, it was set to music by composer Adolphe Adam. The English version, with small changes to the initial melody, is by John Sullivan Dwight.

In modern times, the song has been covered multiple times, including by Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Lauren Daigle.

Origin and composition

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Placide Cappeau (left), the lyricist, and Adolphe Adam (right), the composer, of "O Holy Night"

The carol "O Holy Night" is derived from the poem Minuit, chrétiens, written by poet Placide Cappeau in 1847, a wine commissionaire and a part-time poet.[1] Cappeau wrote Minuit, chrétiens in celebration of recent stained glass renovations at a local church in Roquemaure, France. It was a church he frequently attended, and it was written per the request of the church's parish priest Maurice Gilles, to be premiered at their Midnight Mass.[2][3] Cappeau, was friends with Emily Laurey a singer, and Laurey had connections to the famous opera composer Adolphe Adam (he had written his most famous work, Giselle, just a few years prior). The plan was to refer the writing to Adam upon Cappeau's arrival to Paris while on a business trip, where Adam was located.[4] As such, Cappeau wrote Minuit, chrétiens on December 3, 1847, during a stagecoach ride from Mâcon to Dijon, about a six-hour difference.[4][5]

Cappeau's understanding of Christian theology was derived from Jesuit educators at the Collège de France in Paris.[2] The words are based on the Nativity of Jesus, specifically from the Gospel of Luke, and was inspired by hypotheticals of being a present witness of the moment.[3] His poem was generally anthemic, reflective of Cappeau's socialist and abolitionist views. Minuit, chrétiens spoke commands to kneel and demonstrate humility before God. Its opening line, which spawned early controversy for the song adaptation, reads: "Midnight, Christian! It is the solemn hour when the Man-God descended unto us, to erase original sin, and to stop the wrath of his Father."[2] The original French text more directly refers to the Christian gospel message.[6]

Cappeau was proud of his work on Minuit, chrétiens, and requested Adolphe Adam set the poem to music within the same trip. His beliefs regarding Christianity are merely speculative, although it is known that he was raised in a non-Christian environment, and he would frequently play organ in churches within Paris and had a Catholic funeral.[4][5] The composition was completed within a few days of the original request,[7] and Cappeau referred to the new carol as "Cantique de Noël".[5]

The most popular English rendition of "Cantique de Noël" was translated by American music critic and minister John Sullivan Dwight in 1855. An ordained Unitarian, he departed from the ministry industry to instead pursue a career in music and teaching.[1] Dwight was influenced by the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson.[5] Although there is some margin of translation error, it is accepted that Dwight took some creative liberties with some major line alterations.[5][8] "O hear the angel voices [...] O night divine" is derived from "Await your deliverance [...] Behold the Redeemer" and "With all our hearts we praise his holy name" is derived from "It is for us that he was born, that he suffered and died."[8] An additional English translation of the song, "O Night Divine" was done by American musician Hart Pease Danks, who was influenced by Dwight's version as early as 1885, and both competed in popularity.[2]

Lyrics

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Sheet music for "Cantique de Noël" as it appears in the Social Evenings collection by G. Schirmer Inc., 1871. The lyrics display both the original French by Placide Cappeau and its English translation by John Sullivan Dwight.
"Cantique de Noël" (Placide Cappeau, 1847) "O Holy Night" (English translation by John Sullivan Dwight, 1855)

Minuit ! Chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle
Où l'homme Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous,
Pour effacer la tache originelle
Et de son père arrêter le courroux:
Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance
A cette nuit qui lui donne un sauveur
Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance
Noël ! Noël ! Voici le Rédempteur !
Noël ! Noël ! Voici le Rédempteur !

De notre foi que la lumière ardente
Nous guide tous au berceau de l'enfant
Comme autrefois, une étoile brillante
Y conduisit les chefs de l'Orient
Le Roi des Rois naît dans une humble crèche,
Puissants du jour fiers de votre grandeur,

A votre orgueil c'est de là qu'un Dieu prêche,
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur !
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur !

Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave,
La terre est libre et le ciel est ouvert
Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave
L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer,
Qui lui dira notre reconnaissance?
C'est pour nous tous qu'il naît, qu'il souffre et meurt:
Peuple, debout ! chante ta délivrance,
Noël ! Noël! chantons le Rédempteur !
Noël ! Noël! chantons le Rédempteur !

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 soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from the orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, your King, before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!

History

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"Cantique de Noël" first premiered at the intended Midnight Mass at Requamaure in 1847. "Within a generation or so" according to Christmas carol historian William Studwell, "Cantique de Noël" had been translated to many languages and received many renditions. One of the earliest publications was an organ arrangement around 1855.[4] The song saw large popularity throughout France as early as 1864, where the Catholic music journal Revue de Musique Sacrée stated that the song "has been performed at many churches during Midnight Masses" and "is sung in the streets, social gatherings, and at bars with live entertainment." In 1848 France underwent a revolution;[2] "Cantique de Noël" was praised by French poet Alphonse de Lamartine as "a religious Marseillaise",[9] in reference to the 1792 song that became the national anthem of France, which worried some amidst the revolution.[5] Additionally, many leaders within the Christian church criticized the song's "militant tone and dubious theology", according to America magazine. They particularly opposed the line "Et de son Père arrêter le courroux” ("to cease the wrath of his Father"), which they felt depicted an angry and vengeful God in contrast to Jesus. This resulted in the song's exemption from Catholic hymnals. Most of the song's derision was targeted toward the individuals, however: early Catholic music critics derided Cappeau as a socialist and a drunk, and his wane from Christianity in his later years also garnered criticism;[4] Adam too received negative reception when early rumors spread that he was Jewish. A notable example of this was in 1930, when Catholic composer Vincent d’Indy wrote an article that erroneously included Adam's name in a list of Jewish composers, altogether declaring they were motivated purely for financial gain as opposed to the article's subject Richard Wagner.[2]

Ernest Gagnon (left), and John Sullivan Dwight (right) popularized "O Holy Night" in North America.

Revue de Musique Sacrée declared "Cantique de Noël" "debased and degenerated" in 1864, recommending that the song "go its own way, far from houses of religion, which can do very well without it."[2] This did not expunge the song's spread in popularity internationally, however. Canadian composer and folklorist Ernest Gagnon first heard the song performed at a Midnight Mass at the Church of Saint-Roch, and imported it to Canada in 1858, starting in Quebec at a Midnight Mass performance by the eldest daughter of René-Édouard Caron.[10] Although some concern of the song began in Ecclesiastic circles there as well, the song became very popular in the country, and it became tradition for soloists to perform the song at Midnight Masses.[2] On September 22, 1936, the Catholic Church in Canada banned "O Holy Night" from being performed in churches, along with other songs including wedding marches, the Canadian national anthem, and many versions of Ave Maria, including those by composers such as Franz Schubert, Charles Gounod, Pietro Mascagni, and Jules Massenet.[11] Per the secretary of the archbishop, the reason for the ban of these songs was the desire for the promotion and exclusive use of Gregorian chant and Gregorian music.[11]

John Sullivan Dwight first discovered "O Holy Night" while researching songs to critique for his publication Dwight's Journal of Music. Dwight praised the song, but as an abolitionist, also resonated with its themes of equality: "Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love, and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name all oppression shall cease!" This perfectly captured views of abolishing slavery, which was the primary source of opposition amidst the ongoing American Civil War. His publishing of "O Holy Night" saw high levels of popularity in the United States, especially within the North.[3] Although disputed due to a lack of formal documentation, the first song played over a radio broadcast is usually attributed to inventor Reginald Fessenden's performance of "O Holy Night" on violin in 1906.[12]

Meanwhile, it was still common to be discriminatory of the song in France after World War II; French composer Auguste Sérieyx notably would rebuke those who performed the song on organ and in choirs, and the priests who "tolerate or encourage them." By 1956 the song was "expunged from many dioceses due to the emphatic aspect of its lyrics as much as the music itself, and the contrast they provide with the holiday liturgy", according to Paris publication Le Dictionnaire du Foyer Catholique.[2]

Since the song's creation, there have been demonstrations of spiritual usage of the song within Christian circles. One legend states that in 1870, French troops sung the song on Christmas Eve during the Franco-Prussian War during trench warfare, and combat temporarily ceased. In 2004, the song was sung by a Catholic priest to a dying American Marine soldier while deployed in Fallujah, Iraq.[2]

Modern usage

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William Studwell stated in his book The Christmas Carol Reader that "O Holy Night" is "the most popular carol in France and belongs in the upper echelon of carols on an international basis."[4] It is common tradition in French and Canadian culture to have a solo performance at Midnight Mass. Its difficult higher registers result in anticipation that its wide range of notes be sung on pitch.[2][13][10]

In recent history the song has commonly been covered by various musicians for various Christmas album collections, in a variety of genres and song styles. Popular covers of the song include renditions by Michael Crawford, Mariah Carey, NSYNC, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Ella Fitzgerald, Carrie Underwood, Andrea Bocelli, Jennifer Hudson, and Kelly Clarkson. In a 2010 survey conducted by Zogby International, "O Holy Night" was ranked as the most popular Christmas song, preceding "White Christmas" and "The Christmas Song".[14]

On record charts

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This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

The song has been recorded by numerous pop, classical, and religious singers. Several renditions by popular artists have appeared on record charts:

Charts

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Certifications

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Mariah Carey version

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Certifications for "O Holy Night" by Mariah Carey
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[48] Gold 40,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[49] Gold 35,000‡
United States (RIAA)[50] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Nobbman, Dale (2000). Christmas Music Companion Fact Book. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 36. ISBN 9781574240672.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Ivry, Benjamin (November 19, 2020). "A brief history of 'O Holy Night,' the rousing Christmas hymn that garnered mixed reviews". America. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Collins, Ace (2001). Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. pp. 132–138. ISBN 9780310873877.
  4. ^ a b c d e f William, Studwell (2012). The Christmas Carol Reader. Taylor & Francis (published October 12, 2012). pp. 84–86. ISBN 9781136591457.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Howse, Christopher (December 24, 2022). "Sacred Mysteries: O Holy Night – an unlikely mix of words and music". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  6. ^ Leeman, Barbara; Leeman, David (October 6, 2020). Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season. Moody Publishers. ISBN 9780802498854.
  7. ^ Gray, Helen T. (December 23, 2000). "Musical memories". The Spokesman-Review. pp. E4. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Baum, Michael (November 1, 2013). "Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity". Touchstone. p. 4.
  9. ^ Sortais, Gaston (September 20, 1911). "Bulletin d'Histoire de l'Art". Études (in French). 128: 838.
  10. ^ a b Bronze, Jean-Yves (December 6, 2003). "The Minuit, Chrétiens in Québec". La Scena Musicale. 9 (4). Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  11. ^ a b "Canadian Prelate Bans Music in Catholic Churches". The Day. September 22, 1936. p. 3. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  12. ^ Fung, Brian (December 24, 2013). "Merry Christmas! 107 years ago tonight, Americans heard the world's first radio show". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  13. ^ Forget, Dominique (December 24, 2017). "Minuit, chrétiens et l'aigu fatidique". Québec Science. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  14. ^ ""O Holy Night" Tops the Charts". USA Today Magazine. Vol. 139, no. 2787. December 1, 2010. p. 9.
  15. ^ "Mariah Carey Chart History (Holiday 100)". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  16. ^ "Mariah Carey 'O Holy Night'". RIAA.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  17. ^ "Certificazioni - FIMI". Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  18. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (22.12.1994 – 27.12.1994)" (PDF). Dagblaðið Vísir – Tónlist. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2019. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  19. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research. p. 49. ISBN 978-0-89820-177-2.
  20. ^ Whitburn 2008, p. 263.
  21. ^ "Chart History: Celine Dion – Holiday 100". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  22. ^ ""All I Want For Christmas": Which Song Renditions Top the Tree?". Nielsen.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  23. ^ "Chart History: Josh Groban – Adult Contemporary". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  24. ^ Whitburn 2008, p. 166.
  25. ^ "Glee Cast Chart History (Holiday Digital Song Sales)". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  26. ^ "Tribute to schoolboy is chart hit". Heraldscotland.com. November 24, 2012. Archived from the original on August 25, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  27. ^ "'O Holy Night' – Ladywell Primary School". Officialcharts.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  28. ^ "Lauren Daigle – Christian AC History". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  29. ^ "Chart History: Lauren Daigle – Hot Christian Songs". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  30. ^ "Chart History: Lauren Daigle – Christian Airplay". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  31. ^ "Top Singles (Week 52, 2023)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  32. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (22.12.1994 – 27.12.1994)" (PDF). Dagblaðið Vísir – Tónlist. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2019. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  33. ^ "Mariah Carey – O Holy Night". Top Digital Download. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  34. ^ "Dutch Single Tip 30/12/2023" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  35. ^ "South Korean International Singles (Week 51, 2012)". Circle Chart. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  36. ^ "Mariah Carey Chart History (Holiday 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  37. ^ Whitburn 2008, p. 49.
  38. ^ "Martina McBride Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  39. ^ "Celine Dion Chart History (Holiday 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  40. ^ "Josh Groban Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  41. ^ "Josh Groban Chart History (Holiday 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  42. ^ "Josh Gracin Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  43. ^ "Glee Cast Chart History (Holiday Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  44. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  45. ^ "Lauren Brant Chart History (Hot Christian Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  46. ^ "Lauren Brant Chart History (Christian AC)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  47. ^ "Lauren Brant Chart History (Christian Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  48. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Mariah Carey – O Holy Night". Music Canada. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  49. ^ "Italian single certifications – Mariah Carey – O Holy Night" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved December 30, 2023. Select "2021" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "O Holy Night" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  50. ^ "American single certifications – Mariah Carey – O Holy Night". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
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