Silent Night
The Miracle Of Christmas

“Calgary musician Michael Hope’s new CD, Silent Night, is a quiet evocation of the gentler more contemplative aspects of Christmas. Hope’s light baritone lulls and soothes in a selection of traditional and more modern tributes to the season.”

-THE CALGARY HERALD (Top 10 Pick - Holiday CDs of 2002)

$20.00 CDN/$20.00 US
Order your personally autographed copy by E-MAIL click here to e-mail us directly with your ordering requests and delivery instructions.

The miracle of Christmas is beautifully expressed with Michael’s deeply personal interpretations of traditional Christmas music. This album explores the Christmas story with beloved melodies such as Away in A Manger and Oh Holy Night with the unique accompaniment of classical harp. The CD’s theme of peace culminates with David Foster’s modern classic The Prayer. 

Accompanying Michael on the album is award-winning Canadian harpist GIANETTA BARIL one of the finest harpists of her generation. A deeply passionate musician, her playing is renowned for its extraordinary warmth and grace. 

TRACK LISTING

1.   I Wonder As I Wander  X
2.   Oh Holy Night 
3.   Jesus Christ The Apple Tree 
4.   Greensleeves (harp solo) 
5.   Silent Night  X
6.   Joseph’s Lullaby 
7.   Away In A Manger 
8.   It Came Upon A Midnight Clear 
9.   In The Bleak Midwinter 
10. Gesu Bambino 
11. Oh Little Town Of Bethelehem (harp solo) 
12. Sweet Little Jesus Boy 
13. The Prayer  

ALBUM CREDITS

Vocals: Michael Hope, 
Harp: Gianetta Baril 
Music arrangements and adaptations by Gianetta Baril and Michael Hope
Engineered, Mixed And Mastered by Chris Daniels, The Audio Lab
Produced by Michael Hope 
Jacket Design: Tona W. Ohama
Photography: Trudie Lee Photography
Manufacturing: Canada Disc and Tape, Calgary, Alberta
Recorded June–August 2002 at the Audio Lab, Calgary Alberta


THE MAKING OF THE “SILENT NIGHT” – Michael Hope

Strangely enough, we recorded this album on some on a few of the hottest days of the year. June 23-25 and August 9, 2002…

The temperature outside was 30 degrees C, and we had to refrain from putting on the air 
conditioning at The Audio Lab (where the recording took place) in order to protect the harp from going out of tune! (This lovely and graceful instrument is indeed very delicate and sensitive. The slightest change in climate can knock its strings out of whack….). It occurred to me at the time, however, that with the amount of snow Calgary can get on any given day, maybe Christmas music was not so out of place….

A special inclusion in this album is David Foster’s The Prayer. Not a Christmas song per se, it’s lovely Italian lyric expresses a sentiment for a peace, hope and better world. Appropriate Christmas thoughts indeed. The theme of this CD is peace. Peace for the world, heavenly peace, and of course, peace and quiet! I hope that is reflected, not only in our performance of The Prayer but in all of the music on the album. 

That being said, perhaps it is a strange coincidence that on the very day that recorded this album, the leaders of the G-8 nations were meeting a short distance away to 
discuss global issues, and do their part to bring about change for our troubled world. 
Interesting to note: several takes of these songs were ruined by the sound of military 
reconnaissance helicopters taking a pass over the studio! But, as you can hear, everything 
turned out fine. Hope you like it! -Michael Hope

FULL TEXT OF “THE PRAYER”

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go, and help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way
Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe

La luce che tu dai nel cuore restera.
The light that you give will remain in our hearts
A ricordarci che l'eterna stella sei. 
and remind us that you are the eternal star.
Nella mia preghiera quanta fede c'e. 
In my prayer there is so much faith…

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe

Sogniamo un mondo senza piu violenza, 
We dream of a world without any violence
un mondo di giustizia e di speranza. 
a world of justice and hope.

Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino,
Everyone gives a hand to his neighbor
simbolo di pace ...di fraternita. 
symbol of peace...of brotherhood.
La forza che ci dai e’il desiderio che
The strength that you give us is the desire
ognuno trovi amor intorno e dentro se. 
that everyone finds love around and in ourselves.

Let this be our prayer, just like every child
Needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.

E la fede che hai acceso in noi
And the faith that you have lit in us
Sento che ci salvera
I feel will save us.