Franz Xaver Gruber Gallery

Franz Xaver Gruber

In 1854 the origin of Silent Night was documented by Franz Xaver Gruber on a request by the Royal Prussian Court Orchestra in Berlin to the Benedictine Monastery in Salzburg, where they hoped to find the original song which they presumed had been composed by Michael Haydn. Franz Gruber's document describing his involvement with the carol are the only words written from first-hand knowledge about "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" They are a valuable resource for anyone who has an interest in the background of the world's best-loved carol.

Steinpoints�lde/Hochburg

Steinpointsvlde

Gruber's birthplace in Upper Austria

Dining area

Replica of the dining area at Steinpointsvlde.

weaving loom

Gruber's father worked at a loom similar to this. He wanted young Franz to follow in his footsteps.

Nov. 25, 1787 - F.X. Gruber is born in Steinpoints�lde/Hochburg, Upper Austria
1805-06 - He serves a music apprenticeship at Burghausen under H. Georg Hartdobler
July 22, 1806 - High school graduation diploma is awarded to Gruber in Ried
1807: Gruber prepares for the teaching profession in Salzburg
July 6, 1807 - Gruber marries Elisabeth Fischinger in Arnsdorf
Nov. 12, 1807 - Gruber becomes teacher, sexton and organist in Arnsdorf
1816 - Gruber assumes additional postition as temporary organist in Oberndorf
Dec. 24, 1818 - "Silent Night" is played and sung for the first time in Oberndorf by Gruber and Mohr
Aug. 25, 1825 - Elisabeth Gruber dies
Jan. 24, 1826 - Maria Breitfuss becomes Gruber's second wife
Jan. 27, 1829 - Gruber becomes a teacher in Berndorf
1833 - Gruber is appointed Director of the town-parish choir in Hallein
Apr. 26, 1841 - Gruber's second wife, Maria, dies
Jan. 25, 1842 - Katharina Wimmer from B�ckstein becomes Gruber's third wife
Dec. 31, 1854 - Gruber writes his "Authentic reason for the composition of the Christmas song"
July 6, 1863 - Gruber dies at the age of 76 and is buried in the churchyard at Hallein

Gruber's Grandson

Franz Gruber's grandson plays Joseph Mohr's guitar at the 100th anniversary of "Silent Night" 1918

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