Silent Night (PDF file for download)
Advanced Level
Suitable for offertories, specials, concerts, recitals. Not for congregational accompaniment.
Here are some notable musical moments that reflect the lyrics:
Verse 1:
Ab major (warm key)
- Inner voice melody, surrounded by flowing outer voices, just like describing all the things "round yon virgin mother and child."
Verse 2: Db major (even warmer key)
- "Shepherds quake" (quick notes quivering)
Ascending and descending glissando on black notes for "glories stream from heaven afar" and "heav'nly hosts"
- 4 part harmony for "alleluia," like a choir - Some diminished and half diminished harmonic choices towards the end, as Jesus was born to die for our sins. (bitter sweet)
Ultimately ending the verse in the tonic key, but in the transition modulating using the enharmonic parallel minor (as a ii6-V-I of the next key)
Verse 3: B major (bright key)
- Crescendo + scale to a high octave melody, to emphasise the wonderful "Son of God, love's pure light"
- Both hands have turns at ascending arpeggio patterns to represent "Radiant Beams with the dawn of redeeming grace"
- Ends as quietly as the beginning to bring the first sentiments of Jesus' humble birth.
