[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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Sleigh Ride (No. 3 from Three German Dances)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart: Three German Dances, K. 605 No. 3 in C major “Sleigh Ride” [Naxos Classical Curations #Christmas]

Composed on February 2, 1791, this is a piece by Mozart.

The one nicknamed “Sleigh Ride” is the most famous, and its character is entirely different from the other two pieces.

Although originally written for orchestra, it’s also included in piano study collections, so those who have played the piano may be familiar with it.

It’s a very cute and cheerful piece, perfect for Christmas.

Ave verum corpusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Ave Verum Corpus

A four-part mixed chorus composed by Mozart.

It was written for a choral conductor who cared for Mozart’s wife during her convalescence, and it is regarded as one of Mozart’s late masterpieces.

The pianist Liszt arranged the piece for piano, and Tchaikovsky left an orchestral arrangement.

The solemn choral writing is ideal for listening in a calm setting—such as in a church—while offering prayers.

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SAKI

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In Terra PaxOgikubo Kazuaki

Chorus “IN TERRA PAX” Mixed Choir (SATB) Version YouTube

This piece is a choral work composed by a Japanese musician.

It is relatively recent, a mixed-voice choral suite written by Kazuaki Ogikubo in 1990.

Its origin goes back to 1985, when Masao Tsurumi wrote a poem about the Vietnam War and Ogikubo set it to music as a choral piece; building on that, he created this suite on the themes of war and peace.

During the Christmas season, rather than simply being festive, why not take the opportunity to reaffirm the preciousness of life?

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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“Winter” from The Four Seasons, a violin concertoAntonio Lucio Vivaldi

Vivaldi – Four Seasons (Winter)

A piece by Vivaldi with a strikingly intense violin timbre that evokes severe cold.

Among Vivaldi’s violin concerto collections, the works depicting spring, summer, autumn, and winter are collectively known as The Four Seasons.

In Winter, he portrays the biting chill that makes one shiver, the warmth of spending time in a room by the fireplace, and the cautious steps taken across ice while longing for spring’s arrival.

If you listen to it while you’re running late to meet for a Christmas date, it might just help you get there faster!

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SAKI

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Christmas GreetingEdward Elgar

Edward Elgar – “A Christmas Greeting” Op. 52 (audio + sheet music)

This piece was written in 1907 by Elgar—known for works such as Salut d’Amour—during his stay in Rome.

Accompanied by violin and piano, a beautiful high-register chorus sings lyrics penned by Elgar’s wife, Alice.

Although the accompaniment is unconventional, Elgar’s craftsmanship brings it together with great beauty, evoking the feeling of being surrounded by angels.

Comparing it with his other works may help you appreciate the unique character of his music, and can be quite enjoyable.

Please give it a try.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Glory in the highestFelix Mendelssohn

Charles Wesley / Mendelssohn : Hark! the herald angels sing

It is a classic Christmas hymn and is regarded in the United Kingdom as one of the four great hymns, alongside pieces such as “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” It was composed by the German composer Felix Mendelssohn, who left numerous works ranging from orchestral pieces to piano miniatures.

Originally written as a celebratory song commissioned by the city of Leipzig in Germany, it has since become a Christmas staple.

The beautifully interwoven voices of the choir and the solemn lyrics praising Jesus make it perfect for a quietly elegant, grown-up Christmas.

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yuri

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