[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.

O Thou, God the FatherJ.S.Bach

O thou, God the Father [3D Band Book], from page 16

Johann Sebastian Bach, the father of music.

The Orgelbüchlein, a collection of organ pieces that Bach left around 1713 during his Weimar period, contains many masterpieces.

This work, one of the pieces from that collection, is an arrangement of a chorale based on the Lord’s Prayer.

Its calm yet noble melody, together with the delicately ornamented inner voices, seems to embody the very spirit of deep prayer.

It was originally performed in church services as an introduction to hymns sung by the congregation.

On a night when you wish to quiet your heart, or in the morning when you want to begin the day with a pure mind, imagine the sound resonating in a church and listen, savoring each and every note.

Ave verum corpusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart: Ave verum | Easter from King’s 2022

A work by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart whose quiet, prayer-like resonance is deeply captivating.

Among such pieces, I would like to introduce a chorale that conveys a celestial beauty.

Composed in June 1791, near the very end of his life, this piece is said to have been written for a friend while Mozart stayed at a spa where his wife was convalescing.

The sole instruction in the score, “sotto voce” (softly), speaks volumes about its introspective character.

Its pure melody and crystalline harmonies—singing of Christ’s sacrifice and salvation—offer a profound emotional impact that belies its mere 46 measures.

Many may recognize its majestic strain from its memorable use in the film “Lorenzo’s Oil.” An imperishable masterpiece, perfect for moments when you wish to calm the heart.

Hymn No. 112: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”George Frideric Handel

Hymn No. 112: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

This famous hymn is said to have been inspired by the works of Baroque master George Frideric Handel.

As one of the quintessential Christmas carols, it is known around the world—the very song you often hear resounding from churches in winter.

Its charm lies in the triumphant, fanfare-like melody that bursts forth from the opening.

It’s a hopeful tune that seems to brighten the heart just by listening.

The grand vision of all nature simultaneously celebrating the arrival of the Savior blends magnificently with the solemn harmonies.

With original lyrics dating back to 1719, this piece is the perfect number for anyone seeking a majestic and moving choral work for Christmas.

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 original lyrics by Joseph Mohr.

The famous anecdote tells that in 1818, because the church organ was broken, it was first performed with guitar accompaniment.

The serenity of a hushed, holy night and the tender love watching over the Christ child are expressed in a lullaby-like melody that gently nestles close to the heart.

Translated into more than 300 languages, its 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 piece is perfect for quietly listening on a winter’s night when you wish to spend a calm, peaceful time.