TV magazine “Land and People” on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. on ORF 2
St. Pölten (OTS) – The song heard at Christmas like no other, sung in over 300 languages around the world, was first heard in 1818. The search for clues surrounding “Silent Night, Holy Night” leads “Land und Leute” to Hochburg in the Innviertel in Upper Austria, the birthplace of Franz Xaver Gruber. He composed the melody that touches millions of people worldwide in just one day: December 24th. The assistant priest Joseph Mohr had asked him for music for his poem.
Franz Xaver Gruber grew up in Hochburg, went to school and learned to play the piano on an improvised piano made of wooden splints that he had clamped between wooden beams. So he did his finger exercises while he originally had to learn the craft of weaving. Only later did he receive piano and organ lessons and became the composer whose song is heard around the world at Christmas.
And “Country and People” will also get you in the mood for the big celebration on December 23rd with these Christmas themes:
*Young Christmas
The pre-Christmas period is particularly celebrated by the students of the HBLA in Sitzenberg-Reidling, Lower Austria. From Secret Santa to decorating the tree, the focus is on spending time together.
*Advent like back then
No electricity, no stress, just Advent – in Zachgraben in western Styria there is Christmas spirit in the fresh air. On an atmospherically decorated forest path, handicrafts, nature experiences and culinary delights await those seeking peace and quiet.
*Advent magic at Lake Neusiedl
The Advent mile in Rust am See, Burgenland, enchants in its own unique way. The decorated, historic town houses with their inviting courtyards and the charm of the wintry, romantic Lake Neusiedl provide a pre-Christmas atmosphere.
*Rural Christmas
In Carinthia’s Mölltal, the “Land and People” team learns about the enormous importance of the nativity scene in the region – is there when Christmas decorations are made from wool and smokes houses, farms and stables with the farmers to avoid accidents.
Editor: Mag. Sabine Daxberger-Edenhofer
Questions & Contact:
ORF regional studio for Lower Austria
M.Sc. Sofia Nastasijevic
02742/2210-23572