Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) was a French composer of several stage and ballet productions. He took this melody to his close friend, poet Cappeau de Roquemaure, who wrote the lyrics. They titled their collaboration Cantique de Noel. The English words we sing today were written by American clergyman and musical scholar John Sullivan Dwight. At first, French church officials denounced Adam’s composition for its “lack of musical taste and total absence of the spirit of religion.” Today, the deeply moving vocal solo is one of the most popular Christmas carols.

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