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The Story of Silent Night
Contributed by
Elizabeth_Dandy
on
Tuesday, 2nd December 2003 @ 12:41:25 PM in AEST
Topic:
InspirationalPoems
|
In an Austrian hamlet stand a little church
whose musical bells can be heard for miles
calling the people to worship.
SILENT NIGHT
A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM FRANZ GRUBER
Around Anno Domini 1802, a small town's organist
hand trained his choir for an oratorio
to be presented during Christmas Mass
for the edification of clergy and town folk alike.
***
On entering the choir loft for rehearsal one night
the merry singer troop stopped at a dismaying sight;
the organ bellows were gnawed straight through
by hungry mice! - now what to do?
Franz Gruber, the organist, was in utter despair,
He saw the bellows were beyond repair.
He trudged home through deep snow, swallowing many a tear;
there would be no music for Christmas, no carols, no cheer.
***
As he paced up and down in his room dejectedly
his eyes caught an out-of-tune, old and forgotten guitar,
but when he sadly plucked on its rusty strings
a tune seemed to come to him like on angel's wings.
Father Mohr felt empathy with Franz’s plight;
he offered to forge some lyrics and to stay overnight;
Suitable lyrics were wanted for the new song to be-
words that would nestle and flow with its melody.
***
They spent the night humming, singing, and strumming,
jotting down notes, groping for rhyme and verse;
forgetting their cares and the very late hour,
they rested a minute and then resumed to rehearse.
***
When morning dawned there had been given birth
to a new song to be treasured by heaven and earth.
The church was packed, - the faithful with delight
heard for the very first time "SILENT NIGHT“.
***
On Christmas Eve each year, due homage is paid
to composer Franz Gruber, and a wreath is laid
On his grave in the city Hallein -a hallowed site
while the town brass band blows softly 'SILENT NIGHT".
Copyright ©
Elizabeth_Dandy
... [
2003-12-02 12:41:25]
(Date/Time posted on
site)
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Re: The Story of Silent Night
(User Rating: 1 )
by lovingcritters on
Tuesday, 2nd December 2003 @ 12:58:49 PM AEST
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a Message)
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Oh ED what a stupendous, splendid write.
I've always known the history of Silent Night
But now that I know you, It will always seem even more of a delight. The pictures, the presentation...the whole feeling, emotion, and the beautiful poem just bring this lovely song closer to home.
My how I enjoy your poems, ED....a real trooper you are to be! But I'm especially enjoying your tradition and all the finery. Wonderful customs from your grand land!
Thanking you for sharing so we too could understand!
Warm Love,
ConSue, |
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Re: The Story of Silent Night
(User Rating: 1 )
by Ilhar on
Tuesday, 2nd December 2003 @ 05:04:23 PM AEST
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a Message)
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Wonderfully done....very well presented...a beautiful tribute to perserverence and faith...and a song sung by many a choir on
Christmas eve with much heart.
Shari |
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