Erich Kunzel (also known as Erich Kunzel Jr.) (March 21, 1935, New York Cit… Read Full Bio ↴Erich Kunzel (also known as Erich Kunzel Jr.) (March 21, 1935, New York City - September 1, 2009). American conductor. A talented timpanist and music arranger at his high school in Greenwich, Connecticut, he received his first music degree from Dartmouth College. He also studied at Harvard and Brown University. From 1960 to 1965 he conducted the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. From 1965 to 1977 he was principle conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. His popular recordings of classical music on the Telarc label have mostly been made as director of Cincinnati Pops Orchestra since 1977.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra board of trustees created The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in 1977. Since then Erich Kunzel's efforts have made the "Pops" into an internationally known ensemble with half a dozen best-selling recordings a year and almost weekly subscription concerts.

http://erichkunzel.com/

Silent Night
Erich Kunzel Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,

Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.

Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Silent Night" by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra paint a vivid picture of the serene and holy atmosphere surrounding the birth of Christ. The verse begins with "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" which translates to "Silent night, holy night." The first two lines speak of the peacefulness and stillness of the night, and highlight the contrast between it and the newborn baby's alertness. The third line mentions the "traute hochheilige Paar" or the "holy couple," referring to Mary and Joseph. The fourth line mentions the baby Jesus or the "holder Knabe im lockigen Haar" or "holy child with curly hair." The second verse talks about the announcement of Christ's birth by the angels to the shepherds, and the resounding chorus of Hallelujah from near and far, heralds the arrival of the savior. The final verse speaks of God's son, his love for mankind, and the joyous occasion that is his birth, signifying the beginning of hope for humanity.

Line by Line Meaning

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Quiet night, holy night,

Alles schläft einsam wacht
All is asleep, only one keeps watch

Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Only the dear high and holy couple.

Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Sweet boy with curly hair,

Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Sleep in heavenly peace!

Hirten erst kundgemacht
First made known to the shepherds

Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Through the angels' Hallelujah,

Tönt es laut von fern und nah
It sounds loudly from far and near

Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, the Savior is here!

Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Son of God, oh how he laughs

Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Love from thy divine mouth,

Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
When the hour of salvation strikes us.

Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in your birth!

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, ANDREA WASSE, JASON SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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