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

Miniature Overture from The Nutcracker (ballet music)Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Ballet Music: Overture [Naxos Classical Curation #Comical]

As the opening of the ballet The Nutcracker, this “Miniature” Overture is, true to its name, an utterly charming piece.

Cellos and double basses never appear, and the low-register woodwinds and brass sit out as well.

Scored only for middle- and high-register instruments, it’s a somewhat unusual work.

The Nutcracker tells the story of a girl who receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve and journeys through a dream world with it.

The Miniature Overture is well known as the opener of the orchestral suite that arranges the ballet’s music for concert performance.

Since the story is set at Christmas, orchestras often perform it during the holiday season—so why not consider attending a concert?

March from The Nutcracker (ballet)Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite, No. 2. “March”

This is a piece of classical music performed by orchestras around the country during the Christmas season.

It was composed by the Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and it’s a charming number whose opening trumpet line serves as a clear introduction to a marching tune.

The quick, scurrying lines in the woodwinds and strings evoke an image of children, toys, or perhaps even small animals.

The Nutcracker consists of multiple suites, and beyond the ballet, the orchestral suite—arranged to be easy to listen to—is particularly well known.

The version most people often hear is this orchestral suite.

Since the story is set on Christmas Eve, it is frequently performed during the holiday season.

Violin Concerto “Peace (Christmas Concerto)”Antonio Lucio Vivaldi

A. VIVALDI: Violin Concerto in E major RV 270a, Concerto Köln

One of Vivaldi’s violin concertos, also known as the “Christmas Concerto.” While it reflects the Baroque era’s Christmas—different in mood and imagery from today—the piece has a very gentle, delicate ensemble sound compared with Vivaldi’s other works, evoking a sense of peace that’s perfect for the season.

If you’re looking for a classical piece that suits Christmastime, this one is absolutely essential! It’s a staple on winter classical concert programs.

Highly recommended for violinists seeking Christmas repertoire in the classical tradition, as well as for anyone wanting to enjoy Christmas music performed on the violin.

Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op. 6 No. 8 “Christmas”Arcangelo Corelli

Arcangelo Corelli : Christmas Concerto op.6 n.8 – Herbert von Karajan and Berliner Philharmoniker

Arcangelo Corelli was an Italian composer, conductor, and violinist.

His collection of concerti grossi was published in 1712.

The Christmas Concerto, in G minor, features melodies for strings such as viola and violoncello, evoking a peaceful and sacred Christmas atmosphere.

Corelli was 25 years older than Antonio Vivaldi, famous for The Four Seasons, and 32 years older than George Frideric Handel, composer of the Hallelujah Chorus, and he influenced the techniques of violinists of his time.

This work, Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op.

6, No.

8 “Christmas,” exudes a solemn character and is recommended for those interested in the values and religious views surrounding Christmas in that era.

Noel at MidnightYoshimatsu Takashi

Takashi Yoshimatsu / 'Noël at Midnight' Pleiades Dances, Op. 51, Pf. Ayuko Higuchi

This piece is from Japanese composer Takashi Yoshimatsu’s collection Pleiades Dances, Book V.

Glittering Christmas celebrations are wonderful, but this is a piece I’d especially like you to hear on a quiet night spent alone.

On piano it sounds even more beautiful, shimmering with transparency.

It might be nice to listen while reflecting on the past year.

The “Pleiades” in the collection’s title refers to the seven sisters of Greek mythology and the Pleiades star cluster, and the works were written as an attempt at “a newly shaped set of preludes for the modern piano.” Midnight Noel is the sixth piece in Pleiades Dances, Book V.

Listening to it will surely lead you into a calm, gently hushed Christmas.

sleddingLeroy Anderson

Christmas Orchestra / Anderson: Sleigh Ride — Junpei Fujita, conductor / Tanpopo Symphony Orchestra

An orchestral piece composed by Leroy Anderson in 1948.

The continuous sleigh bells create an atmosphere that evokes falling snow.

While riding a lively rhythm, a warm melody is woven by various instruments.

It shifts into a jazz-like performance at times, and at the end the trumpet imitates a horse’s neigh—making it a delightfully enjoyable piece to listen to!

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Concerto for Two TrumpetsAntonio Lucio Vivaldi

Vivaldi – Trumpet Concerto for 2 Trumpets

It is an original work composed by Vivaldi for two trumpets, and, as the title suggests, its defining feature is that the two trumpets take the lead as soloists.

Other instruments appear as well, but in this piece they play a supporting role.

It is occasionally performed at spring concerts, but more often it is programmed for Christmas concerts.