Silent Night

Description

This arrangment of “Silent Night” respects the integrity of a beloved carol while introducing fresh ideas. While the melody is usually set in triple meter, this version is set in 4/4. The simplicity of the melody allows for interesting harmonic choices in the background, which arranger Clifton Jones fully took advantage of, starting with quartal harmonies later changing to jazz inflected chords.

Program Notes

“Silent Night” is one of the most popular and beloved Christmas carols. The melody was written in 1818 by Franz Gruber, and the lyrics by Joseph Mohr. It was first performed that year in Oberndorf, Austria. It has been arranged and performed in countless versions for band, choir, and orchestra.

This arrangement respects the traditions of Silent Night, while introducing fresh ideas. The melody is usually set in triple meter, but in this version it’s in 4/4. The introduction features sustained quartal harmonies to accompany the melody, but it soon changes to jazz-inflected chords. The simplicity of the melody allows for interesting harmonic choices in the background. This setting of “Silent Night” was written in memory of Bobbie Dixon, and is dedicated to the College Station High School Symphonic Band, College Station, Texas, directed by Michael Dixon.