[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
Hymns and sacred songs beloved around the world.
Hymns and sacred songs are known as songs that praise the Christian God, but in Japan—where many people are Buddhist—their recognition is by no means high.
There are many excellent pieces, but the difficulty is that they can be hard to find.
This time, we’ve picked out some famous works among hymns and sacred songs.
We also explain in detail the background of each piece and the meaning of the lyrics, so even those without prior knowledge of hymns and sacred songs can enjoy it.
How about soothing a heart worn down by daily stress with hymns and sacred songs?
Please sit back and enjoy!
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[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs. Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (41–50)
Hymn No. 370 “Awake, O My Soul”Philip Doddridge
“Awake, my soul” is the oldest morning hymn among English hymns and one of the four great English hymns.
The original author was Bishop Thomas Ken, a 17th-century English poet.
He composed it while serving as a special fellow at Winchester College for the religious instruction of the students there, and it later came to be used in worship.
Hymn No. 294: ‘Abundant Is Thy Grace’William Bradbury
This is a hymn whose lyrics were written in 1862 by Joseph H.
Gilmore, a Baptist pastor in Philadelphia, United States, and set to music by William Bradbury.
It is said to have been written based on Psalm 23 in the Old Testament: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”
Oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, Act III: See, the Conqu’ring Hero ComesGeorg Friedrich Händel
When you hear “the awards ceremony song,” isn’t this the melody many people think of? This famous tune, beloved in settings ranging from school sports days to many other occasions, was written in the 1740s by the Baroque master George Frideric Handel.
In fact, within the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, this piece is performed as the people greet a hero returning victorious from battle with jubilant celebration.
Not only does it have a background perfectly suited to award scenes, but its dignified, stately melody impressed even Beethoven, who wrote a set of variations on its theme.
It’s said that Handel originally composed it for a different work, then incorporated it into this piece himself as a confident showpiece.
A song that proclaims the glory of victory in resounding tones—truly a triumphant march worthy of the name.
abundant in beauty and blessingsSakushi: Josefu H. Girumoa / Sakkyoku: Uiriamu Buraddoberī
“Mimegumi Yutakeki” contains lyrics about being led by the Lord amid abundant blessings and deepening one’s faith.
It is a well-known hymn frequently sung in Japan.
The words were written by Joseph H.
Gilmore in 1862 under the title “He Leadeth Me,” and the tune was composed by William Bradbury in 1864.
God is love.Sakushi: Mitani Taneyoshi / Sakkyoku: Fushō
“God is love” is a representative work by Mitani Tanekichi, Japan’s first music evangelist.
In the 1900 Gospel Hymns it is in 9/8 time, but in the 1909 Revival Hymns and the 1967 Hymnal, Second Part, it is in 6/4 time.
In the 1958 Seika hymnal, the fourth verse is by Nakata Ugo, and the lyrics have also been altered.