O Holy Night

The beloved “O Holy Night” began as a poem in French on the nativity of Jesus.

Placide Cappeau (1808–1877), the author of the original lyrics, was asked in 1843 to write a Christmas poem to celebrate the recent renovation of the church organ in his home town. He obliged with “Minuit, chrétiens,” which begins with the words “Midnight, Christians, this is the solemn hour of God descending to us as man.”

The music to Cappeau’s poem was written by the French composer, organist, and music critic Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) and published in 1847 under the title “Cantique de Noël.”

In 1855, John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893), recognized as America’s first influential music journalist and critic, translated and paraphrased Cappeau’s text into the well-known “O Holy Night.”

This arrangement features the natural singing style of two trombones in a duet with piano accompaniment. Includes both bass clef and Bb treble clef trombone parts; may be effectively performed by euphoniums or cellos as well.

Piano score, bass clef and Bb treble clef solo parts — $5.99

See more Advent and Christmas Music for Trombone | See all Instrumental Solos