Matt Huffman sent us this Barbershop Quartet recording of the first verse of “Stille Nacht! Heil’ge Nacht!”. It’s the original version of the Christmas song, “Silent Night” – which was first written as a poem in German by Joseph Mohr in 1816. Below the mp3 recording you’ll find the German lyrics, followed by an English translation.

Listen to the Barbershop Quartet version of Still Nacht – 1st verse – mp3

Stille Nacht! Heil’ge Nacht!
(German Lyrics)

Stille Nacht! Heil’ge Nacht!
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hoch heilige Paar.
Holder Knab’ im lockigen Haar,
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht! Heil’ge Nacht!
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Alleluja,
Tönt es laut bei Ferne und Nah:
"Jesus der Retter ist da!"
"Jesus der Retter ist da!"

Stille Nacht! Heil’ge Nacht!
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb’ aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund’.
Jesus in deiner Geburt!
Jesus in deiner Geburt!

Here’s the English translation of “Stille Nacht”. The translation is of the German song – it’s not the English song “Silent Night” – which is different…

Silent Night, Holy Night
(English Translation of the German Original)

Silent night, holy night,
All’s asleep, alone awake
Only that faithful, holy couple.
The nice boy with curly hair,
Sleeps in heavenly peace,
Sleeps in heavenly peace!

Silent night, holy night,
To the shepherds first announced,
By the angels’ Alleluia,
Is sounding aloud from far and near:
“Jesus the Savior is here.”
“Jesus the Savior is here.”

Silent night, holy night,
O Son of God, lovingly laughs,
From your divine mouth!
Now, the hour of salvation rings for us,
Jesus, in thy birth,
Jesus, in thy birth!

Many thanks to Matt Huffman for the recording. English translation by Lisa Yannucci and Monique Palomares.

Here’s a link to the long version of Stille Nacht

Here are some recent holiday music posts you might enjoy…

Short Holiday Jazz Animation
Yiddish version of Oh, Chanukah with YouTube video and lyrics
English Video of Oh Chanukah with lyrics
Video and Lyrics of Willie Take Your Little Drum
Patapan video in French with Lyrics and Translation
Good King Wenceslas with lyrics, back-story and video