The Humble Origins of ‘Silent Night’

This undated score, written by Joseph Mohr and titled “Weynachts Lied” (“Christmas Carol”), is the earliest known surviving copy of “Silent Night.” Salzburg Museum. Public Domain

One of the world’s most famous Christmas carols, “Silent Night,” is celebrating its 200th birthday this year.

Over the centuries, hundreds of Christmas carols have been composed. Many fall quickly into obscurity.