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

Ave MariaJ.S.Bach/Gounod

Celtic Woman – Ave Maria

A hymn that Charles Gounod, a French composer, published in 1859 by adding a melody to “Prelude No.

1” from Book I of Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier.

As one of the three great Ave Marias, it is beloved around the world.

Today, it is a popular piece frequently performed during the Christmas season, as a sacred song at weddings, and as an encore piece at concerts.

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HATSUMI

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CanonJohann Pachelbel

Pachelbel – Canon In D Major. Best version.

This is a popular piece of classical music often heard at weddings, composed by Pachelbel.

The chord progression used in Canon is known as the “Canon progression” and is frequently used in Japanese music as well.

With its joyful feel, this piece is perfect for a lovely Christmas day or night.

Since it’s often used as an introduction to classical music, it might be a great choice to practice in the lead-up to Christmas!

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SAKI

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Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach

Air – Johann Sebastian Bach

This is a piece by Bach that is often used as background music in Japanese TV shows and films.

Its nickname, “Air on the G String,” comes from the fact that it can be played using only the G string, the lowest of the violin’s four strings.

Above all, this piece captivates listeners with the violin’s beautiful tone.

That sound also suits the bright, elegant atmosphere of Christmas perfectly.

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SAKI

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Chorale: Come, Savior of the NationsJ.S.Bach

Bach, BWV 659, Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland (sheet music) – Bach, “Come now, Savior of the Heathen” (with sheet music)

A hymn composed by Bach, the father of music.

It is based on the Christian chant “Come, Redeemer of the Nations,” attributed to Ambrose of Milan.

The sound of the pipe organ—indispensable to Bach’s music—creates a solemn atmosphere.

Unlike the bright and festive Christmas songs filling the streets, this is best listened to with a pure heart while offering prayers in a church, as a hymn praising God.

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SAKI

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MagnificatJ.S.Bach

Bach – Magnificat BWV 243 – Van Veldhoven | Netherlands Bach Society

Here is a piece composed in 1723 by Bach, a master of Baroque music who wrote many sacred works.

He later revised the piece by changing its key, but the original version in E-flat major includes four Christmas insert movements.

Filled with joy for God, this brilliant music—featuring trumpets and timpani—will enhance the Christmas spirit.

It’s also fun to compare the original draft with the revised version, so I highly recommend giving both a listen.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Star CarolJohn Rutter

Star Carol – John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, City of London Sinfonia

Composed in 1972 by the distinguished British composer John Rutter, this work is characterized by an atmosphere brimming with the joy of Christ’s Nativity.

Its easily memorable melody and the story of people guided by the Star of Bethlehem beautifully capture the essence of Christmas.

Since its premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1972, it has remained beloved by many choirs.

The performance by the Cambridge Singers under Rutter’s own baton is especially well known.

How about listening to this piece on a quiet Christmas night with your family? You’re sure to enjoy a special time enveloped in a sacred atmosphere.

God is With UsJohn Tavener

King’s College Cambridge 2014 #18 God is with us, John Tavener

When it comes to music that quietly and majestically celebrates the arrival of Christmas, this piece is indispensable.

Composed by John Tavener, a composer renowned for sacred music, and released in 1987, it is based on the Orthodox Church’s Christmas Eve liturgy.

The lyrics, which include quotations from the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, proclaim the birth of Christ the Savior with the central theme of the “presence of God.” Its interplay of stillness and grandeur beautifully conveys the sacredness of Christmas.

Written as an homage to the choirmaster of Winchester Cathedral, the piece is often performed at Christmas Eve services and continues to move many listeners deeply.

It’s a perfect recommendation for those who wish to spend Christmas in a solemn atmosphere.