[Chorale] Masterpieces of chorales. Recommended popular pieces.
In the world of classical music, chorales are frequently featured in wind ensemble and orchestral performances.
With their solemn resonance and profound spirituality, chorales hold a special place in music history.
Many masterpieces, starting with the works of Bach, continue to captivate musicians around the globe to this day.
In this article, we present a selection of exquisite chorale pieces that will resonate deeply with both performers and listeners.
Whether you are encountering chorales for the first time or already appreciate their allure, you are sure to discover something new.
Enjoy these treasures of music, woven from beautiful melodies and rich harmonies.
- [Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
- [Chorale] Masterpieces of chorales. Recommended popular pieces.
- A cappella masterpieces: Recommended songs where beautiful harmonies shine (Western and Japanese music)
- Japanese gospel: recommended Japanese songs with a gospel-like style
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Masterpieces of Celtic music. Recommended Irish music.
- [Nostalgic Collection] Classic oldies masterpieces. Recommended popular songs
- [Irish Folk Songs] Surprisingly Familiar Masterpieces and Standards of Ethnic Music
- Beautiful, lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classic songs.
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- [Classical] Masterpieces of oratorios. Recommended classical music.
- [Wind Ensemble] Recommended Western pop songs for concerts: timeless classics from every era
- [Choral Songs You Can Sing in English] Recommended Pieces for Choral Competitions Too!
[Chorale] Masterpieces of chorales. Recommended popular pieces (21–30)
Oskar Lindberg – Gammal fäbodpsalm från Dalarna (Old Swedish Tune from Dalecarlia)Oskar Lindberg
It is the hymn “Gammal fäbodpsalm från Dalarna,” composed by Oskar Lindberg, a Swedish composer, church organist, and teacher/professor.
His Requiem, composed in 1912, is said to be one of the most influential works in the history of Swedish worship.
Hymne au Saint SacrementOlivier Messiaen
“Hymne au Saint Sacrement (Hymn for the Blessed Sacrament)” was composed by Olivier Messiaen, born in Avignon, France, a composer of contemporary music who was also an organist, pianist, and music educator.
Olivier Messiaen was one of the composers who led European contemporary music from the first half to the second half of the 20th century.
[Chorale] Masterpieces of chorales. Recommended popular pieces (31–40)
“Chorale Mass” (Solemn Mass No. 4) Corbo — Gounod: Missa solemnis No. 4Charles Francois Gounod
Composed by Charles Gounod, a composer born in Paris, Kingdom of France, the “Missa solemnis No.
4” is also notable because he wrote the de facto national anthem of the Vatican, the “Hymn and March of the Pontiff.” He served concurrently as the choirmaster and church organist of Saint-Eustache Church, later working as a conductor and composing choral works, and in the latter part of his life he focused mainly on sacred music.
Consisting of five movements, it begins with a majestic sound from the pipe organ, followed by a quiet entry by the choir, expressing the importance of prayer.
Hymn No. 98: Glory in the HighestFelix Mendelssohn
Gloria in Excelsis (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) was composed by Felix Mendelssohn, a composer and keyboardist born in Berlin in the Kingdom of Prussia.
It is a very famous Christmas hymn, and even people who don’t know the title have likely heard it during the Christmas season.
Franz Tunder (1614-1667): Herr Gott dich loben wirFranz Tunder
This is the chorale prelude “Herr Gott, dich loben wir,” composed by Franz Tunder, a 17th-century German composer and organist.
Throughout his life, Franz Tunder served as the organist of St.
Mary’s Church.
He is regarded as one of the most important figures of the North German organ school.
Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassenHeinrich Isaac
This is “Innsbruck, I Must Leave Thee,” composed by Heinrich Isaac, a composer of the Franco-Flemish school of Renaissance music who is said to have been from Flanders.
It is a very beautiful choral piece.
Its enchanting melody was later adapted into a Lutheran chorale.
the Lord Jesus of SakaeLowell Mason
It is “Coronation” (“All hail the power of Jesus’ name”) composed by the American Massachusetts-born musician Lowell Mason.
This hymn is one of the four great English hymns, with lyrics written by Isaac Watts.
In Japan, it is known as Japan Evangelical Hymnal No.
158, “Jūjika ni Kakari shi” (“On the Cross”).