[Chorale] Masterpieces of chorales. Recommended popular pieces.

Hymn No. 312: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”Charles Crozat Converse

Hymn No. 312: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

This is a beloved hymn by Charles Crozat Converse, who also worked as a lawyer.

The original lyrics are said to have been written by someone who suffered the profound sorrow of losing a fiancée twice.

The warm, enveloping melody—overflowing like a prayer to a friend who shares every burden—soothes the heart.

Composed around 1868, the piece’s composer, Converse, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1895.

It’s a recommended song to listen to when you want to quietly reflect or drift off to sleep with a sense of peace.

Hymn No. 109: Silent Nightfranz Xaver Gruber

Hymn No. 109: Silent Night

A Christmas carol beloved around the world.

The music was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, with the original lyrics by Joseph Mohr.

The well-known anecdote tells that in 1818, because the church organ had broken, the piece was born as a song with guitar accompaniment.

Its melody, like a lullaby, gently conveys the tranquility of the holy, hushed night and the tender devotion of watching over the Christ child.

Translated into more than 300 languages, the story of soldiers singing it to one another during World War I has been passed down as a symbol of peace.

Combining solemnity with warmth, this song is perfect for quietly listening on a winter’s night when you want to spend a calm, peaceful moment.

The Promised LandUematsu Nobuo

The Promised Land

This piece is notable for its sacred, hymn-like chorus.

The composer is Nobuo Uematsu, world-renowned as a master of video game music, and he has crafted it into a solemn, chorale-style work.

The Latin lyrics seem to convey fundamental questions—why humans bear sin and suffer, and where life returns—as well as sorrow toward an inescapable fate.

The track is included on the soundtrack FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, released in September 2005.

In the film, it is used as an insert song during a moving scene in which the characters ascend to the heavens.

It’s recommended for nights when you want to quietly immerse yourself in a grand, epic world.

Canterbury ChoraleJan Van der Roost

Jan Van der Roost / Canterbury Chorale

Canterbury Chorale is a famous wind band piece composed by Belgian composer Jan Van der Roost.

Inspired by Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, in the southeast of England, its melody unfolds deeply and serenely, flowing at an unhurried pace.

As it builds toward the climax, more instruments join in, powerfully evoking the cathedral’s solemn atmosphere.

While most ensembles choose technically demanding free selections with dramatic contrasts for wind band competitions, the Kanto Daiichi High School Wind Ensemble’s performance—earning a gold medal at the national contest with this single chorale—stands out as truly exceptional.

The majestic, organ-like sonority achieved by the wind band is sure to be moving.

Highly recommended as a chorale piece for those involved in wind band music.

The beautiful day is overHeinrich Isaac

The Beautiful Day Is Over [3D Band Book], from page 28

A melody steeped in melancholy that sings of the beauty of days gone by and the poignancy of their end.

This time, we present a work by Heinrich Isaac, a master of Renaissance music.

In the late 15th century, Isaac served as a court composer to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, and alongside his majestic sacred music, he produced numerous secular songs that deeply move the heart.

This piece captivates with its warm harmonies that seem to gently accept the close of happy days and cherish the beauty of the past.

Its calm, slightly sentimental atmosphere offers a character distinct from glittering chorales.

It is a perfect choice for moments of reflection at the end of the day, or for autumn nights when you wish to engage with music at leisure.

Oh, the joy of living in the name of GodJohann Hermann Schein

Oh, the joy of living in the name of God [3D Band Book], from page 26

A solemn chorale by the German composer—and poet—Johann Hermann Schein.

Schein served as Kapellmeister at Leipzig’s St.

Thomas Church, a post later held by Bach.

This work is included in the 1627 hymnal he compiled, Cantional oder Gesangbuch Augsburgischer Confession.

The lyrics overflow with praise for God and the joy of living in faith.

His text painting is superb, creating a sense of unity as if the words of prayer themselves have become the melody.

Listening to the majestic harmonies is cleansing, leaving you with a pure and peaceful feeling.

It’s a perfect piece for stepping away from a busy daily life and quietly turning inward.

Lord, from the depths of the abyssJ.S.Bach

Ah, O Lord, Out of the Deep [Hymnal Second Volume No. 227] — Shuichi Toma, Symphonia Collegium OSAKA, Osaka H. Schütz Chamber Choir

This is a majestic work that turns a soul’s urgent cry, echoing from the depths of profound anguish, into music.

It is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach, known as the father of music, premiered in Leipzig in October 1724.

Based on a hymn by Martin Luther, the piece explores the deep themes of confessing sin and the hope for forgiveness.

The four trombones doubling the choir create a weighty sonority that sets a solemn atmosphere and profoundly moves the listener.

This work is recommended for times when your heart feels heavy or on quiet nights when you want to face yourself.

Its powerful progression, which seems to find a sure light beyond suffering, gives you the courage to step forward into tomorrow.