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

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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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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