Franz Xaver Gruber
(1787-1863)

The composer of "Silent Night!" was born November 25th 1787 in Hochburg (Upper Austria). From an early age he was educated in music, especially by the organist of the parish Burghausen. Eventhough he was supposed to carry on his fathers business as a weaver, his father allowed him to study to become a teacher. On year after his graduation (1806, Ried im Innkreis) he was employed as a teacher and organist of Arnsdorf. From 1816 onwards, he also played the organ of the neighbouring town of Oberndorf, where he et Joseph Mohr and where he composed the world famous tune only two years later. Gruber continues his musical career in Berndorf and Hallein, where he eventually dies at the age of 76. (Courtesy of www.stillenacht.info)