The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #107311 Message #2224118
Posted By: KT
28-Dec-07 - 11:51 PM
Thread Name: Chords Add: Silent Night
Subject: RE: Silent Night - dont tell the folk police
Leeneia, a few years back, I had the good fortune of spending Christmas in Salzburg. On Christmas Eve, we spent the early part of the evening in Oberndorf, where Silent Night was first performed. It was loaded with tourists, like myself, and very cold and clear and lovely . Standing outside in the bitter cold with at least a thousand other people, I was intrigued by the utter darkness, save for the twinkling stars on that clear night, and the white lights that glowed from the two Christmas trees marking the entry to that tiny historical chapel. Oh yes, there were also loads of lights from the led screens on all the tourists' movie cameras....missing the moment in order to preserve it for later. It was quite remarkable to be there in that very old town in front of that very old chapel hearing that very old song, and surrounded by very new technology ...
After Oberndorf, we went back to Salzburg for the Midnight Mass in the huge, ancient cathedral there. At the end of the service, they dimmed the lights, except for the white ones on the two trees on the altar, while a lone guitarist played Silent Night. Though the church was packed with folks from all over the world, you could have heard a pin drop. Enchanting.