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

O Magnum MysteriumWilliam Byrd

Byrd: O magnum mysterium

This is a piece published in 1607 by William Byrd, who was born in England.

It sings of the ineffable mystery of Christ’s birth and the joy it brings.

When it resounds in a church, this choral work creates a perfect mood, making you feel as if you’re listening to the voices of angels.

Imagining it being sung in a distant country’s church may inspire a sense of solemnity.

Rather than treating Christmas as just an event, it’s also worthwhile to explore its religious imagery.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Christmas OvertureSamuel Coleridge-Taylor

Christmas Overture: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a conductor-composer who gained popularity in the United States, died young at the age of 37, but after his death his masterpieces were reworked by various arrangers.

This staple Christmas piece, the Christmas Overture, was rearranged by Sydney Baynes in 1925, thirteen years after Coleridge-Taylor’s death.

It was then that the work became widely known, and it remains a beloved American Christmas classic to this day.

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Ryo

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Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – From Ryuichi Sakamoto: Playing the Piano 2022

A masterpiece that brilliantly fuses Eastern and Western musical elements, this film score was created by Ryuichi Sakamoto in 1983 and won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.

Its graceful pentatonic melody is interwoven with the delicate timbres of synthesizer and glass harp, bringing a gentle sense of expansiveness to the heart.

Re-arranged as a solo piano album titled “Coda,” the work also received high acclaim worldwide as the soundtrack to the film “Merry Christmas, Mr.

Lawrence.” Cherished by many artists, including Hikaru Utada and Sarah Brightman, this gem continues to offer profound emotion—an ideal, soothing background for quiet nights or moments when you wish to calm your mind.

Adeste Fideles / O Come, All Ye Faithful

Adeste Fideles Pavarotti Notre Dame

As the Christmas season draws near, the atmosphere in town suddenly changes and becomes lively, doesn’t it? Amid that mood, this piece is one that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Composed in the 18th century, this hymn is sung in various languages, including Latin, English, and Japanese.

Its solemn melody and lyrics celebrating the birth of Christ resonate deeply.

While it’s a classic often performed at Christmas concerts and church Masses, it’s also perfect for a quiet Christmas night spent with family.

Highly recommended for those who wish to return to the essence of Christmas.

Coventry Carol

ANÚNA : The Coventry Carol (arr. Michael McGlynn)

If you wish to reflect on the solemn holy nights of Europe, this is the piece for you.

It’s a traditional carol that originated in 16th-century England, with roots in medieval religious drama.

In a tone filled with sorrow, it expresses the helplessness of mothers trying to protect their young children.

A quiet lullaby in three-part harmony, it is mainly sung a cappella.

It became widely known after the BBC broadcast it at Christmas in 1940, during World War II, from the ruined cathedral in Coventry following the bombing.

It is often used in TV shows and film soundtracks during the Christmas season, and has been covered by many artists.

Highly recommended for those who wish to offer a quiet prayer.

There is No Rose of Such Virtue

There is no rose of such virtue – Anon., John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers

Composed in the 15th century, this medieval English carol praising the virtues of the Virgin Mary is one of the indispensable classics of Christmas.

It is characterized by its delicate harmonies written in unaccompanied polyphony and lyrics that interweave Latin and English.

Benjamin Britten’s 1942 arrangement is highly regarded for its rich emotional expression suited to women’s chorus.

Sting also included it on his 2009 album “If On a Winter’s Night…,” offering a quiet and solemn musical experience.

It’s the perfect piece for those who wish to contemplate a solemn European Christmas Eve.

Why not immerse yourself in the work’s sacred atmosphere as time gently unfolds?

fir tree

VOCES8: O Tannenbaum

This is a Christmas carol based on a traditional folk song from northern Germany.

Johann August Zarnack and Ernst Anschütz collaborated on the lyrics.

The fir tree is the type of tree used for Christmas trees, and it also grows naturally in Japan.

Since there are Japanese lyrics as well, it’s nice to sing this song while decorating the Christmas tree or have it performed as a children’s chorus at a Christmas party!

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SAKI

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