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

Christmas OratorioCamille Saint-Saëns

Camille Saint-Saëns – Christmas Oratorio – Op. 12 – Royal Opera Theater Orchestra

When people think of a “Christmas Oratorio,” many probably imagine Bach’s work.

If you’ve only ever listened to Bach’s, I encourage you to try this piece by Saint-Saëns as well.

Comprising ten movements, it balances a consistent unity with distinctive character in each.

Its overall atmosphere is dreamlike, making it a perfect fit for Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Be sure to give it a listen.

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Ryo

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Festival of CarolsEdward Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten – A Ceremony of Carols

A “Festival of Carols” begins with harp and singing—sacred female chorus resonating through the church, gentle hymns that evoke nostalgia.

Then the male chorus joins, turning it into a splendid carol.

At 24 minutes, this long carol unfolds in many sections and is a thoroughly enjoyable piece.

The instrumentation is only harp, a very simple arrangement that all the more brings out the carol’s charm.

European Christmas is classical and wonderful, isn’t it?

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Mayumi

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a small treeEric Whitacre

Child of Wonder (From the Sacred Veil)

These are the tracks included on Eric Whitacre’s album The Sacred Veil.

Eric Whitacre is an American composer known for his choral and wind band works.

In 2012, he won a Grammy Award in the choral category.

The Sacred Veil is a collection of 12 pieces imbued with a range of life’s emotions, including love, loss, and new beginnings.

The final piece, “little tree,” is a beautiful work that conveys both a quiet, hidden sorrow and a hopeful resolve to look forward and take a new step.

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yuri

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Glory in the highestFelix Mendelssohn

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

A Christmas carol with lyrics by Charles Wesley and music by Felix Mendelssohn, known as one of the four great English hymns.

Its original form is the Festgesang, a cantata for male chorus and orchestra composed for the 400th anniversary celebration of the invention of printing.

The lyrics introduce Christ and offer words of praise to Him—perfect for Christmas.

A romantically inclined recommended way to listen is to hear it in a church at Christmastime while contemplating Christ.

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SAKI

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Christmas treeFranz Liszt

Liszt: Weihnachtsbaum Suite, S.186 – Transcription by Vladimir Horowitz: 10. Ehemals

This collection consists of pieces Liszt composed for his grandchild between 1874 and 1876.

One can’t help but envy a grandchild who received a gift like this.

It contains twelve pieces, all related to Christmas.

Why not listen and let your thoughts drift to Christmas in distant lands? Most of the works are based on Christmas carols, but the 11th and 12th pieces are more virtuosic and depict the homelands of Liszt and his wife, Carolyne.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Ombra mai fuGeorg Friedrich Händel

Kathleen Battle – Ombra mai fù

Ombra mai fu, presented at the beginning of Act I of the opera Serse composed by the German-born musician Handel.

It is a song in which the Persian king Xerxes sings of his love for the beautiful shade of a plane tree.

Over an accompaniment that unfolds with a flowing melody, the singing conveys a sense of calm and gentleness.

From the solo interweaving aria and recitative, one can sense the musicality and artistry of this composer, known as a leading figure of late Baroque music.

Lend an ear to this nature-praising classic that perfectly suits the magical atmosphere of Christmas.

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mutō

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The Childhood of ChristHector Berlioz

Berlioz : L’Enfance du Christ

In Japan, it’s often forgotten, but Christmas is originally an event celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Of course, listening to festive tunes is one way to enjoy it, but many people also want to hear melodies with a sacred feel.

For those listeners, I highly recommend this masterpiece composed by Hector Berlioz, The Childhood of Christ.

It’s a vocal work in three parts, with a profoundly somber atmosphere that leaves a strong impression.

The story is well developed, too, so it’s a piece you’ll definitely want to listen to while reading a Japanese translation.

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Ryo

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