[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 (91–100)
As I Kneel Before YouJames Kilbane
“As I Kneel Before You” is a folk-style hymn by Maria Parkinson, characterized by acoustic guitar.
This version is sung by the male vocalist James Kilbane.
While the lyrics praise the Virgin Mary, the song also has an approachable feel similar to a mainstream pop tune.
By the blood of the crossLewis Hartsough
This beautiful hymn is one of the revival hymns and is often used as an invitation hymn in the United States and the United Kingdom.
An invitation hymn is a congregational response of praise to God’s call.
This piece was written and composed in the 19th century by Lewis Hartsough, a Methodist pastor.
It depicts the scene in which Jesus Christ, through His crucifixion, saved humanity from sin, and expresses love and gratitude to God, who atoned for our sins as our substitute.
Hymn 94 “Long-Awaited”John Mason Neale & Thomas Helmore
This is a hymn whose lyrics were written based on the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 of the Old Testament: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Immanuel means “God is with us” and is one of the names of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
A similar description appears in the Gospel of Matthew: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” In both the New and Old Testaments, this hymn depicts the birth of Jesus, the Savior.
He Who Would Valiant BeThe Choir Of Christ’s College
“He Who Would Valiant Be” is a hymn attributed to the English man of letters John Bunyan, and it is also known by the title “To Be a Pilgrim.” “Valiant” signifies courage and noble bravery, and “pilgrim” refers to a person on a pilgrimage.
The hymn is sometimes sung at funerals to honor the achievements of the deceased.
A Mighty Fortress is Our God from Cantata No. 80, BWV 80 – VoiceJ.S.Bach
A cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach, known as the “Father of Music.” During his 65-year life, Bach—who served as a church choir member, a court organist, and a Kapellmeister—composed numerous cantatas.
This cantata, No.
80, bears the title “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” A “fortress” is a structure built to defend against external enemies, and the piece proclaims that Jesus Christ protects us.
In conclusion
How was it? Listening to them really soothes all your fatigue, doesn’t it? By the way, “sanbika” is the term mainly used in Protestant contexts, while in the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion they’re called “seika.” As mentioned earlier, since many people in Japan are Buddhists, I think relatively few listeners have a religious background with hymns and sacred songs.
But the melodies are all wonderful, and to appreciate the music more deeply, understanding the lyrics is very important.
Knowing the meaning can even change how you hear certain parts, which is a lovely aspect.
Be sure to check out the Japanese translations as well.
Let’s listen to lots of hymns and sacred songs and soothe our daily fatigue.