[Choral Songs] Recommended for cultural and school festivals! Classic choir pieces & the latest popular songs

Close your eyesHirai Ken

16 - Close Your Eyes

This is a song that became a massive hit as the theme for the film adaptation of the best-selling novel “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World.” The aching sense of loss over someone precious is heartbreaking, and Ken Hirai’s high tones and clear, translucent voice further convey that pain.

Arranged for three-part mixed chorus, it’s a piece that heals sorrow and makes the experience even more moving.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

This song, released by Yo Hitoto in 2004, was written after she received an email from a friend in the United States when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred.

It has been covered by many artists and arranged for choral performance as well.

As a song that prompts reflection on peace and love, it is one that we hope will continue to be passed down and sung.

It’s also a piece that is likely to delight parents and other audience members who come to watch.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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The Wheat SongNakajima Miyuki

Song of Wheat (Music by Miyuki Nakajima; Choral arrangement by Masaya Ishiwaka)

It became a hit as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Massan.

Using modes from Scottish music, its powerful lyrics and rhythmic sound enable a dynamic performance unique to mixed four-part chorus.

The four-part harmonies make it a piece that is both compelling to listen to and rewarding to sing.

Carrying YouInoue Azumi

Joe Hisaishi - Carrying You: 800-Person Chorus at the Budokan

It was released in 1986 as the theme song for the film Castle in the Sky.

With its narrative-like melody, the powerful harmonies in the chorus deeply resonate with listeners.

Since it’s a well-known Studio Ghibli song that many people are familiar with, it has high recognition and is highly recommended.

Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu

The 35th Chorus Contest, 2nd Year Class 3H, Free Song: “Eyes of the Heart”

It’s a song by musician Kyu Sakamoto, who released numerous hits.

The same year Sakamoto passed away after being caught in the Japan Airlines Flight 123 crash, a junior high school teacher arranged the song as a choral piece.

It spread by word of mouth, and today it is widely known as a choral work.

It’s a beautiful song about love.

GiftsSuperfly

Superfly『Gifts』(Music Video)

A song by Superfly released in the fall of 2018.

At the beginning of the video, vocalist Shiho Ochi singing a cappella outdoors, with distant cicadas chirping, is deeply moving.

The theme of encouraging each other to keep going makes it an excellent choice for choral performance as well.

The lyrics carry a very strong message, making it a perfect song for conveying your feelings to someone.

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Murakami Shinpei

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My BalladSakushi sakkyoku: Matsui Takao

My Ballad

There are three versions of this piece: a three-part mixed-voice version in A major, a two-part equal-voice version in A major, and a three-part female-voice version in B-flat major.

In the three-part versions, the parts never divide, but in the two-part equal-voice version there are sections where each part divides.

Please practice it well.