Silent Night - Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Men and Women
"Composed in 1818 by schoolmaster and organist Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics written by parish priest Father Joseph Mohr, the song went on to become the most popular song in the world, according to Sigrid Pichler of the Austrian Tourist Office in New York. “It’s the most bought, downloaded and recorded song in all musical genres, including classical, rock and other popular versions, even rap,” said Pichler.
In Austria, the sites that are part of the history of the beloved song are kicking out all the stops. Of course the original church where “Silent Night” was first heard, St. Nikolai in Oberndorf, is a kind of pilgrimage site. Every year on December 24, you can hear the bells chime to the tune of the world-renowned Christmas carol from the church tower." "