Christmas Special: Leonard sings "Silent Night"

Post by **jarkko** » Wed Dec 18, 2002 10:40 am

Our Christmas Special is now open - don't miss it: Leonard sings "Silent
Night", Winter Quiz makes you guess at the title of Elizabeth Laishley's
new artwork, and our Season's greeting shows an Ice Flower created by
Eija. The page will be available only for limited time. Link on the front
page at http://www.leonardcohenfiles.com under "Latest Updates". Welcome!

Jarkko
The Leonard Cohen Files

babz · Post by **babz** » Wed Dec 18, 2002 5:18 pm

Thank you, Jarkko, Eija, Elizabeth and Leonard!
"All is bright!"

Heavenly peace to all,
Barbara

Psychofishy · Post by **Psychofishy** » Wed Dec 18, 2002 6:35 pm

wow

sounds really great
hmm.. wonder if i can let them play that in church with christmas

hehe

thanks people

and thank you very much Leonard..

Greetz
Ruud

tomsakic · Post by **tomsakic** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 1:37 pm

Excellent!
Few days ago, I was thinking: one more Cristmas, and I still don't have Golden Voice Vol. 2 with that performance... And then I realised how stupid I am: I've recently got Rare Live Songs Vol. 2, and I skiped that song because it was strange to me listen it out of Cristmas season! So I have it!
This is excellent, Jarkko, thanks in the name of all who have not that unofficial recording! It can make Cristmas nicer!
Tom

George.Wright · Post by **George.Wright** » Thu Dec 19, 2002 3:19 pm

It would be nice for a Christmas single. It's also good to see the Essencial Album getting UK TV prime advertising!!!!!
With leonard back in the greater public perception, it would be an ideal time to release a DVD..................
Georges

neveranygood · Post by **neveranygood** » Sun Dec 22, 2002 7:43 am

Thanks Jarkko, for making this available. Although I've heard this song who knows how many times, over the years, and by who knows how many people, I've never had a favorite version of it. I do now. Thanks again. Bob

lightning · Post by **lightning** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 4:50 am

The Silent One sings "Silent Night" and breaks the silence.

Linda · Post by **Linda** » Mon Dec 30, 2002 8:00 pm

Nice version of Silent Night. I would like to hear LC sing all the verses of the song. What a nice Christmas present that would be.

Thank you for the cd my friend.

Andrew McGeever · Post by **Andrew McGeever** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 4:21 am

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel's "Silent Night", from their "Parsley,Sage, Rosemary & Thyme" album in 1966, nailed the song on the crucifix of war.
Which American Vietnam veteran will be the first to say that was "nice"?
George Bush, are you listening?
Expecting replies,
Andrew.

Kush · Post by **Kush** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 7:36 am

Andrew,
Do you mean the one that is with the backdrop of 6 O'clock news ? That is indeed innovative once heard it can never be forgotten or confused with any other but I wouldnt call it "nice". It had a bitter edge to it.....
Actually, it took me awhile to realize that was LC singing here....his voice sounded really mellow.

Andrew McGeever · Post by **Andrew McGeever** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 4:04 pm

Dear Kush,
Yes, the "Silent Night" to which I refered has the backdrop of the 6 o'clock news, and yes, I agree that it is a bitter song. In fact, the juxtaposition makes it a spine-chilling experience to hear.
My use of "nice" was deliberately ironic: several previous correspondents had refered to how "nice" was Leonard's live version. I can't listen to that song/hymn without recalling S&G's comfort-shattering treatment.
Yours, as aye,
Andrew.

Linda · Post by **Linda** » Wed Jan 01, 2003 4:28 am

Why imply something different about a beautiful hymn that was written back in the late seventeen hundreds or early eighteen hundreds. Leonards version is beautifully song, as are many others. Very nice

Kush · Post by **Kush** » Wed Jan 01, 2003 9:01 pm

Because because because.......it is not necessary to always question the validity of others appreciation of certain things in certain ways, sometimes in more than one way, sometimes in opposite ways, sometimes from different perspectives, sometimes through someone else's eyes.
Please listen to S&G version first to know what we are talking about. Nothing is being implied about the hymn/song....it is how we experience it and within which context....the S&G version makes us experience it by contrasting it to the reality of 6 o'clock news. It makes me think.

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Thu Jan 02, 2003 3:56 am

And wasn't Silent Night the song that the WWII soldiers began to sing from the trenches on Christmas Eve, and the Germans from the other side of the hill began to as well? Upon hearing each other, they crept toward one another and struck a Christmas truce to not fire and, instead, communed and sang together, and the next day played football, before returning to war the day after Christmas. No blood was shed.

As I recall, there was a visual element to this, as well.....the soldiers from each side lighting matches and lighters to show their desire for peace as they crept.

Linda · Post by **Linda** » Thu Jan 02, 2003 7:06 am

Because for me there is only one Silent Night. How and where it might be sung differs, but does not change the song. I have not listened to the S&G song but have read through it. I will use it my way, you use it yours.

Christmas Special: Leonard sings "Silent Night"

Christmas Special: Leonard sings "Silent Night"

A Generous Gift

Silent Night

Silent Night