O Holy Night
I wrote this arrangement to sing with my friend, Marianne Larsen, in our annual Christmas Concert. We are both sopranos, so both parts are high. One is melody throughout, while the other sings above and below the melody to create beautiful but unexpected harmonies. My hope with this arrangement was to remake a beloved carol so that the new harmonies and melodic alterations would not distract, but rather bring new meaning and depth to the familiar lyrics.
In 2014, I rearranged this for SSA. Thanks to the 2014 Kennewick Stake Relief Society Christmas Choir for the recording.
~Rachel
Voicing: Duet (two high voices)
Accompaniment: Piano
Topics: Christmas
Lyrics: John Sullivan Dwight, based on the French Poem by Placide Cappeau
Music: Adolphe Adam
Arranged: Rachel P. Mohlman
LYRICS
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd 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 angels' 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 come the wise men from Orient land.
The Kind of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need,to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love on 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! O praise His Name forever,
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim.
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim.