[Chorale] Masterpieces of chorales. Recommended popular pieces.

Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

Johann Sebastian Bach’s works are cherished both as healing music and as pieces that color the many moments of life.

This composition conveys an unwavering devotion to the object of one’s faith—and the inner peace it brings—through warm, majestic harmonies.

The lyrics depict a deep sense of gratitude toward a sustaining presence, one that helps us keep hope even in difficult circumstances.

This piece is the closing chorale of the church cantata “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben,” which Bach composed in 1723.

Its popularity has transcended the classical realm; it’s also well known for the hit 1971 cover by the British band Apollo 100.

Perfect for celebratory occasions like weddings, it also offers a cleansing, moving experience when listened to in quiet moments of self-reflection.

At the end of the wilderness

At the End of the Wilderness — Angels We Have Heard on High — Lyrics/Translation [CC]

This is a captivating number with a majestic, melancholic sound reminiscent of a Western.

It’s the song that brought singer Yuzo Yamashita to wide recognition.

Released in November 1972 as the theme for the TV period drama “Hissatsu Shikakenin,” it’s included on the album “Uta, Sono Shuppatsu” (Song, Its Departure).

In the desolate world painted by the lyricist, the protagonist’s profound inner spirit—bearing a merciless fate yet holding fast to his convictions—is conveyed through Yamashita’s richly emotive vocals.

The dramatic structure, ascending from silence to a climactic peak, is breathtaking.

It’s a soul-stirring track for those who want to immerse themselves in highly narrative music.

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.

The morning star shinesPhilipp Nicolai

The star of dawn shines [3D Band Book], from page 12

Among the great masterpieces of solemn chorales, this work shines with an especially radiant sense of hope—truly worthy of the title “Queen of Hymns.” Its author, Philipp Nicolai, was both a theologian and a poet.

Around 1597, amid a desperate situation in which as many as thirty graves were dug in a single day due to a plague outbreak, he wrote this piece to bring comfort to the people.

Its majestic melody, like the morning star piercing the darkness, sinks deeply into the heart.

Published in 1599 in the hymnal Frewdenspiegel deß ewigen Lebens, it soon became widely known, and later Johann Sebastian Bach composed cantatas based on this melody.

When the heart is weary or the night is still, its sacred harmonies seem to gently enfold the soul.

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.

Come, let us praise God together.J.S.Bach

Now then, let us praise God together [from 3D Band Book, page 14]

A majestic chorale composed by Bach, the father of music.

Born in Germany in 1685, Bach created works suffused with profound spirituality.

This piece evokes a powerful yet warm vision of communal prayer in praise of God.

Its four-part texture weaves rich harmonies that recall the sound of an organ resounding through a church, filling the heart with purity.

The work has also been included in educational collections for wind band and has been performed by many who are learning ensemble fundamentals.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to immerse yourself in music in a quiet space or enjoy performing while feeling a sense of unity with your companions.

Lend your ear to this musical treasure, where beautiful melodies interlace.

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.