Silent Night

There are few Christmas carols more universally known and loved than "Silent Night." It's simple, unadorned melody offers solace to a modern, hectic world. The lullaby-like quality of the meter brings to mind images of the babe being rocked gently in his mother's arms. I knew that I would write an arrangement of this carol, and it seemed to flow from my thoughts almost complete with only a few small tweaks. It is inspired by memories of holding a glowing candle in the church as the congregation sings, lit only by the warmth of candlelight. There is also a somewhat haunting quality reminding me of Christmases past and those loved ones who are no longer with us.