[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 (71–80)
Morning Has BrokenNeil Diamond
This hymn, known in Japan under the title “A Rain-Wet Morning,” evokes the sounds of a beloved homeland, doesn’t it? That’s because it’s a hymn based on an old Gaelic folk tune from Scotland.
Delivering it with a steady, assured voice is Neil Diamond, a musician from Brooklyn, New York.
Standing alongside the likes of Elton John and Barbra Streisand, he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Lord of All HopefulnessThe O’Neill Brothers Group
It is a hymn with lyrics written by Jan Struther in 1931.
It is a hymn that places hope in God, and its distinctive feature is that the melody comes from a traditional folk tune from County Meath, Ireland.
Because of this, arrangements of the piece evoke a strong sense of British regional tradition.
Incidentally, it was performed as the first song at the wedding of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan.
JerusalemThe Oxford Trinity Choir
The British patriotic song “Jerusalem” is a choral piece with organ accompaniment composed in 1916 by the Englishman Charles Parry.
For people in the UK, it is said to be a song for encouraging one another to rise above challenges and crises with a sense of patriotism.
Drawing on the legend that Jesus Christ once came to ancient England, it’s a piece that conveys a powerful resolve to overcome hardship and strive for the radiant world made by the divine.
Hymnal, Second Part No. 216: “Angels Singing”William Chatterton Dix
It is a Christmas carol with lyrics written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix to the melody of the old English folk tune “Greensleeves.” The song recounts the Nativity of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament.
The term “messenger” (omikata/angel) refers to a bearer of tidings and, in Christianity, denotes the Lord’s messenger (an angel).
Dear Lord and Father of MankindChoir of King’s College
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, based on the long narrative poem “The Brewing of Soma,” is a hymn imbued with an earnest prayer to God and sung in chapels around the world.
This rendition is performed by the Choir of King’s College, featuring a magnificent crescendo that unfolds in step with the song’s scenes.
At times sung as if speaking, at others with resolute power to convey conviction, the hymn conveys profound thematic depth.
Please lend an ear to the gentle voices and melodies that bring peace to the heart.
Hymn No. 109: Silent Nightfranz Xaver Gruber
A Christmas carol beloved around the world.
The music was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, with original lyrics by Joseph Mohr.
The famous anecdote goes that in 1818, because the church organ was broken, the piece was created with guitar accompaniment.
The tranquility of a hushed, holy night and the tender love watching over the Christ child are expressed in a lullaby-like melody that gently nestles close to the heart.
Translated into more than 300 languages, its story of soldiers singing it to one another during World War I has been passed down as a symbol of peace.
Combining solemnity with warmth, this song is perfect for quietly listening on a winter’s night when you wish to spend a calm, peaceful time.
Hymn No. 112: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”George Frideric Handel
This famous hymn is said to have been inspired by the works of Baroque master George Frideric Handel.
As one of the quintessential Christmas carols, it is known around the world—the very song you often hear resounding from churches in winter.
Its charm lies in the triumphant, fanfare-like melody that bursts forth from the opening.
It’s a hopeful tune that seems to brighten the heart just by listening.
The grand vision of all nature simultaneously celebrating the arrival of the Savior blends magnificently with the solemn harmonies.
With original lyrics dating back to 1719, this piece is the perfect number for anyone seeking a majestic and moving choral work for Christmas.