O Holy Night

As many of you may know, O Holy Night is one of my favorite Christmas songs of all time.  I am constantly searching for wonderful new recordings.  I have several that I love.  So, I thought I would give y'all a few of my favorite versions to listen to.  Enjoy.





(This is David Phelps performing one of the biggest and highest version I've ever heard)


O Holy Night was the first song ever played over the radio.  It was performed on a violin, live, in Canada.



(This is Mariah Carey singing one of the most fun versions ever, with her trademark whistle tones)


The original song is in French, written by traveling salesman Placide Cappeau (text) and a Jew names Adolph Adam (music).  It was entitled Cantique de Noel (Christmas Hymn), but also refered to by its first lyrics Minuit Chrétiens.  



(We also have Celine Dion, one of the great pop power houses.  She sounds just like the CD when she sings live, which is awesome to me.  I also love how she just holds out the long note, and showcases her power)


Here are the original words and a translation:

Minuit, chrétiens, c’est l’heure solennelle Où l’Homme-Dieu descendit jusqu’à nous, Pour effacer la tache originelle, Et de son Père arrêter le courroux. Le monde entier tressaille d’espérance, À cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur. Peuple, à genoux, attends ta délivrance Noël! Noël! Voici le Rédempteur! Noël! Noël! Voici le Rédempteur!	Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour When God as man descended among us To expunge the stain of original sin And to put an end to the wrath of his father. The entire world thrills with hope On this night which gives us a savior. People, on your knees, attend your deliverance. Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer! Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!
De notre foi que la lumière ardente Nous guide tous au berceau de l’Enfant, Comme autrefois une étoile brillante Y conduisit les chefs de l’Orient. Le Roi des rois naît dans une humble crèche; Puissants du jour, fiers de votre grandeur, À votre orgueil, c’est de là que Dieu prêche. Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur! Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur!	The ardent light of our Faith, Guides us all to the cradle of the infant, As in ancient times a brilliant star Conducted the Magi there from the orient. The King of kings was born in a humble manger; O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur, It is to your pride that God preaches. Bow your heads before the Redeemer! Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave, La Terre est libre et le Ciel est ouvert. Il voit un frère où n’était qu’un esclave, L’amour unit ceux qu’enchaînait le fer. Qui lui dira notre reconnaissance? C’est pour nous tous qu’il naît, qu’il souffre et meurt. Peuple, debout! Chante ta délivrance. Noël! Noël! Chantons le Rédempteur! Noël! Noël! Chantons le Rédempteur!	The Redeemer has broken all shackles. The earth is free and heaven is open. He sees a brother were there was once but a slave; Love unites those who restrain the sword. Who will tell him our gratitude? It is for us all that he was born, that he suffered and died. People, stand up, sing your deliverance! Christmas! Christmas! Let us sing the Redeemer! Christmas! Christmas! Let us sing the Redeemer!

(This is more funny that anything else.  Its Sarah Brightman performing at the Vatican.  I don't actually care for her much, but her face when she hits the high note is priceless...)