Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Summer 2024 19 By Jayne I. Hanlin I have sung, played, and listened to "Silent Night" ("Stille Nacht") many times. Until recently, however, I knew neither the name of the Austrian composer — Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863) — nor the history of this very popular Christmas carol. In Oberndorf, twelve miles north of Salzburg, is an octagonal memorial chapel marking the site of the former St. Nicholas Church. "Silent Night" was the collaboration of curate Joseph Mohr, who penned the words, and organist Franz Gruber, who composed the melody. eir two voices debuted the beloved carol on Christmas Eve in 1818, accompanied by Mohr on the guitar; a choir joined in at the end of each verse. Although the carol was successful, it never provided financial benefits to these lifelong friends. In Hallein, eighteen miles south of Salzburg, is the composer's former residence at Gruberplatz 1. Since 1993, it has been the Silent Night Museum. Above the entrance is a bust of Gruber by Hans Baier and nearby, a memorial grave. In 1835, Gruber and his family moved to the second floor of the house. Only four of his twelve children survived him. His son Felix became choirmaster and continued to reside in the house aer his father's death. e museum exhibits Gruber possessions, many bequeathed to the City of Hallein by his grandson Felix and stored in Dürrnberg's saltworks during World War II. Of particular note in the collection are Mohr's 18th-century guitar (played by Bing Crosby in two televised Christmas shows!), Gruber's embroidered wallet, his diary (which included daily expenses), photographs, three of seven autographs of the carol, and even two self-portraits in pastel and watercolor. Two large, framed oil portraits — one of Franz, the other of Katharina, his third wife — hang on the wall. Audio stations enable visitors to listen to the carol and his other compositions. A treasure map in the children's room guides young visitors around islands. In one corner, there is a miniature house where children can arrange possessions of Maria Gruber, Franz's second wife. ere are also puzzles and games for entertainment. e museum is open daily throughout the year from 9 AM to 5 PM. Available at the entrance desk is Silent Night Museum Hallein, an informative publication about the museum and Gruber. I purchased one for €10. Jayne I. Hanlin is an initiate of Alpha Omicron and current member of the St. Louis Alumnae chapter. Mrs. Hanlin, the sister of famed pianist Malcolm Frager, is the co-author of Learning Latin Through Mythology (Cambridge University Press, 1991). A Wld of Music The Silent Night Museum The Silent Night Association lists other related sites of interest: www.stillenacht.at/en/museums

• Cover