[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 (61–70)
Hymn II No. 196: “The Savior Is Waiting”Ralph Carmichael
This is a hymn whose lyrics were written based on Revelation 3:20 in the Old Testament: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
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.
O Thou, God the FatherJ.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach, the father of music.
The Orgelbüchlein, a collection of organ pieces that Bach left around 1713 during his Weimar period, contains many masterpieces.
This work, one of the pieces from that collection, is an arrangement of a chorale based on the Lord’s Prayer.
Its calm yet noble melody, together with the delicately ornamented inner voices, seems to embody the very spirit of deep prayer.
It was originally performed in church services as an introduction to hymns sung by the congregation.
On a night when you wish to quiet your heart, or in the morning when you want to begin the day with a pure mind, imagine the sound resonating in a church and listen, savoring each and every note.
All Beautiful the March of DaysMac Frampton
This is a hymn written by Mac Frampton in 1984.
A hymn is, in the first place, a song of praise to the Christian God or saints, created as a song of faith that ordinary people can sing in church.
Many hymns are encouraging, easy to listen to, or soulful, which may explain their popularity.
As the title “Beautiful March Day” suggests, it sings of the joy and excitement of winter ending and a new season—spring—arriving.
The light, lively rhythm of the piano expresses the feeling of spring!
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.