The Holy Night (Noël) (Four Tone Pictures, No. 3)

Dudley Buck (March 10, 1839 – October 6, 1909) was an American composer, organist, and writer on music. He published several books, most notably the Dictionary of Musical Terms and Influence of the Organ in History, which was published in New York City in 1882. He is best known today for his organ composition, Concert Variations on the Star-Spangled Banner, Op. 23, which was later arranged into an orchestral version.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Buck was the son of a merchant who gave him every opportunity to cultivate his musical talents. After attending Trinity College, he studied in Leipzig at the Leipzig Conservatory where he was a pupil of Louis Plaidy. He then pursued further studies in Dresden and Paris. On returning to America he held positions of organist in Hartford, Chicago, and Boston. In 1875 Buck went to New York City to assist Theodore Thomas as conductor of orchestral concerts, and from 1877 to 1902 was organist at Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn. By this time he had become well known as a composer and virtuoso organist.

"The Holy Night" was published by Schirmer in 1891 as the third of "Four Tone Pictures." It is dedicated to the Brooklyn organist and composer, John Hyatt Brewer (1856-1931).

I would characterize this piece as an "organ cantata". There is an introduction, a joyful chorus of angels, several statements of "Holy Night" (Silent Night), a "soprano solo-recitative, and a grandiose march-like setting of "Adeste Fideles", which sounds sort of like hearing Sousa playing in church on Christmas morning, but the work is VERY appealing!

Buck gives this verse-motto at the beginning, and asks that it be included in concert programs:

"There were shepherds in the filed, Keeping watch over their flocks by night."

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of Buck, and one of J.H. Brewer.

I wish ALL a Merry Christmas!

Tomorrow: "Christmas" - Arthur Foote

"The Maker of the sun and moon" - Geistliche Nachtingall, Vienna 1649