[Christmas] Classical music to listen to at Christmas: recommended sacred Christmas songs

Hallelujah from the oratorio MessiahGeorg Friedrich Händel

Handel, Messiah – Hallelujah

Some of you may have sung it in chorus during junior high or high school.

This piece is a movement from Handel’s oratorio Messiah.

The title comes from the English reading of “Messiah,” meaning the Savior, and the lyrics are taken from the Bible.

Centered on the life of Jesus Christ, the work comprises solos, ensembles, and choruses—including the famous Hallelujah—and its performance lasts about two hours.

Hallelujah is filled with praise and, with its bright and lively choral writing, is a masterpiece often performed on its own.

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HATSUMI

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In the City of DavidHenry Gauntlett

Once in Royal David’s City

A hymn long beloved in Britain that sings of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

It gently portrays the humility of the infant Jesus born in the stable in the City of David and the love of his mother Mary.

At King’s College, Cambridge, it has reportedly been sung since 1919 as the piece that opens the Christmas Eve service.

In Japan as well, it is included in hymnals and cherished in church Christmas services.

It is the perfect song for those who wish to welcome the holy night quietly, enveloped in a sacred atmosphere.

Symphony No. 9 “Choral,” Fourth MovementLudwig van Beethoven

Karajan Beethoven “Ode to Joy” 1986

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is considered a year-end classic in Japan.

The piece consists of four movements, with the most famous being the fourth movement, which leads into the “Ode to Joy.” It begins with powerful orchestral tones and later features the familiar “Ode to Joy” chorus.

Many people in Japan even practice singing this section as the year draws to a close.

How about enjoying this classic, filled with the hope of spending joyful days through Christmas and from year’s end into the New Year?

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SAKI

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Chorale: Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

Best Version of Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring by Bach (With Lyrics)

One piece from Bach’s Cantata No.

147, “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben,” written for the service on July 2, 1723.

This day is a joyous feast known as the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The work consists of ten movements, and this final movement is particularly famous.

The Japanese title “Shu yo, hito no nozomi no yorokobi yo” is derived from the English title “Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”

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HATSUMI

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“Waltz of the Flowers” from the ballet The NutcrackerPyotr Tchaikovsky

[2.7 million views] Tchaikovsky: “Waltz of the Flowers” from The Nutcracker | Ballet Music [Full Orchestra Performance] Bologna Opera House Philharmonic [Conducted by Hiroshi Yoshida]

One of the most popular pieces from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker.

The opening harp solo is exceptionally beautiful; the melody then passes to the horn, and the strings take up a brilliant, sparkling tune.

Light and melodic in character, it’s often performed during the Christmas season.

That’s because the story follows a girl who receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve and travels through a dream world with it.

Orchestras around the world frequently program it at Christmastime.

A highly recommended classical piece to enjoy during the holidays.

This child is truly the Son of God (the newborn Jesus).furansu min’yō

He Is Born, the Divine Child / Il est né, le divin Enfant

A traditional French Christmas carol filled with joy in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

It originated in the 19th century and was first published in 1862.

Characterized by a bright, lively melody, the lyrics depict the birth of the Son of God foretold by prophets over 4,000 years.

While expressing wonder at His birth in the humble setting of a stable, the song praises Jesus’ beauty and the perfection of God’s grace.

Covered by many artists, including Édith Piaf and Annie Lennox, it is especially often performed during the Christmas season.

It also lends itself beautifully to the piano with its delicate tone—why not give it a try?

Let’s decorate with holly.sanbika

Tradition: Let's Decorate with Holly (Orchestral arrangement by P. Breiner) [Naxos Classical Curation #Christmas] / Traditional: Deck the Halls (orchestral arrangement)

Deck the Halls” is one of the most famous hymns sung during the Christmas season.

Its light, lively rhythm is pleasant to the ear and helps elevate the festive mood of Christmas.

Because the piece is built around the repetition of a simple melody, it’s also recommended for beginners to practice and perform.

It may be less familiar than some other classics, but its catchy tune makes it easy to enjoy.

There’s also an orchestral arrangement by Peter Breiner—known for unique projects like “The Beatles Go Baroque”—that reimagines the piece in a Baroque style.

It’s a great recommendation for those who love orchestra and Baroque music and want to savor the Christmas spirit.

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Hane Keisuke

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