A single set of string quartet parts for Liszt's beautiful and evocative 'O heilige Nacht'

Scored for Tenor (or Soprano) Solo, Female Choir and Organ, and also playable with piano or string quartet accompaniment. The version with organ accompaniment is RM107.

Subtitled Weihnachtslied nach einer alten Weise (A Christmas Song in an olden style), Liszt's O heilige Nacht is a gentle and evocative setting which should be accessible to choirs and ensembles of all ages and abilities. The solo line can be successfully be divided between singers and the effective vocal divisions create a simple and atmospheric work which has been forgotten for far too long.

The lyrical vocal lines and descriptive word-painting demonstrate his love of the voice, set against a very simple but supportive accompaniment. O heilige Nacht was composed in the late 1870s, first performed in Rome on Christmas Day in 1881 and published the following year.

The string quartet parts are simple and supportive, possibly also playable by small string orchestra, providing a sustained and effective accompaniment for the lyrical and beautiful vocal lines.

Franz Liszt (1811-1886) is remembered today for his prolific and virtuosic output for the piano, but he was also a very fine orchestral and vocal composer. This accessible choral work is published to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Liszt's birth in 1811.