Introduction
A very popular Christmas carol is Oh Holy Night (sometimes O Holy Night).
Translated from Placide Cappeau’s original 1847 French poem “Cantique de Noël” by John Sullivan Dwight, the English version has a few variations with minor lyrical and melody changes. Composer Adolphe Adam originally set the poem to music.
Here we offer a simple version which can be played as a performance or as an accompaniment to singers, perhaps at a carol concert.
Some versions are written in 4/4 time, others in 6/8 time. We have chosen 6/8 time here because we think it makes the score easier to read, although it does create a few extra tied notes. 6/8 time is comprised of six eighth notes (quavers) per measure.
In this time signature, it might be easier to think of each bar as having two distinct, heavier beats, each subdivided into three. It could thus be counted 1 & a 2 & a.
Oh Holy Night Melody
Below is the music manuscript for the melody alone of Oh Holy Night. We have included chord markings above the musical stave which can be used by any musician to add harmony.
It’s worth practicing the melody line on its own first, paying attention to timing. The smallest/shortest note is the eighth/quaver note. There are also quarter notes (crotchets), dotted quarter notes, and both half and dotted half notes (minims). Pay attention to long tied notes at the end of each phrase.
Oh Holy Night Bass Line
Here we provide a very simple single note baseline, which is generally the bass note of each accompanying chord.
Oh Holy Night Chords
Finally, here is Oh Holy Night with left-hand chord accompaniment. We have used chord inversions, which both adds interest to the arrangement and makes for easier transitioning between chords.
English Lyrics
Below are the English lyrics (not a direct translation) — all or part of which are commonly sung. As stated, there may be slight variations so do check which version is being used if you are accompanying or performing this piece.
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from the orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, your King, before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
