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This version of “Silent Night” is an augmented instrumental arrangement by Franz Gruber of the famous guitar accompaniment.
In this subsequent “original” version scored for guitar, string trio, and two horns, the verses are sung as duets with the full choir taking up the refrain.
The editor/ arranger’s brilliant notes indicate this version is in the “form of an Austrian ländler dance,” of which the original manuscript is in the possession of the famous von Trapp family.
This edition with Bruce Larson’s descant and violin obbligato is a treasure trove for any serious, or sentimental, musician!