Author “Silent Night” – born

ON THIS DATE

Josef Mohr was born 12/11/1792 at Salzburg, Austria. He was the illegitimate child of Anna Schoiber and Franz Josef Mohr who deserted her.  The poet grew up in a small damp room with his mother, his grand-mother, Maria, two half-sisters and his cousin Theresia. The ladies earned their living by spinning and knitting.  The Roman Catholic cathedral choir-master, Johann Hiernle heard Josef sing, recognized the boy’s musical talent, and helped him receive an education thus allowing Josef to leave behind his sad origin.

Mohr seems tied to December: born this month, his famous song is sung this month and he died this month: the 5^th on 1848.  “Silent Night! Holy Night!” was first sung on a Christmas Eve to the accompaniment of Franz Gruber’s guitar.  It was first heard in North America in 1839. 

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.

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Josef Mohr – birth, Dec 11, 1792

“Silent Night”    (stanzas 2,3)

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light;
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Josef Mohr was born this date in 1792 in Salzburg, Austria.  He died 12/5/1848.

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