Is there a definitive German-language version of "Stille Nacht"?

Cafe Society
1

Was looking through this old thread and wondered about “Stille Nacht” (English: Silent Night).

Now, it’s a very famous song that’s been recorded thousands of times in many languages. What I am wondering about, specifically, is if there is one particular German-language version that is most renowned in German-speaking countries? Is there perhaps a German/Austrian/Swiss Bing Crosby out there who made a name with “Stille Nacht”?

In the old thread, I linked to a hauntingly beautiful version in German by Nana Mouskouri. Since her version was released in 2000, I thought there must be an older, more traditional version in the collective German-language discography.

2

It was a poem before it was set to music, so I guess that’d be the definitive text.

3

I think the OP is more asking about a definitive recording, not lyrics.

4

In that case, I’d have to go with the Vienna Boys’ Choir.

5

Thanks for this. They’ve got many recorded versions, with different singers over the years. I am checking out the 1958 and 1961 releases first (might be the same recording, not sure).

It occurred to me after I posted the OP that there could perhaps be a small handful of much-loved German-language versions – it might be hard to single one out. So if anyone would like to offer up more versions, please feel free.

6

Agreed.

7

For that matter–and this is probably a thread in its own right–are there really definitely English versions of traditional Christmas carols in English? I mean, I could think of a number of fairly contemporary ones (within the last 70 years or so), but those all tend to be the first recordings or the first popular version of modern Christmas/winter songs (see Bing Crosby’s many holiday songs, for instance.) Like what is the definitive “Jingle Bells”? (Originally a Thanksgiving song, though.) Or “The First Noel”? Or even the English version of “Silent Night”? (Maybe Elvis?)

8

Come to think of it, I was thinking of Stille, Stille, Stille by the VBC, which is a much prettier song than Silent Night.

9

On right side of page, a score from an original autograph. http://www.stillenacht.at/en/text_and_music.asp

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, melody as in original, accompaniment somewhat similar to original. - YouTube