[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)
Hymn No. 130: Rejoice and PraiseGeorg Friedrich Händel
In 1884, the Swiss lyricist Edmond composed lyrics based on the New Testament’s Gospel of Matthew and set them to the melody of “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes” from Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus.
In Japan, this melody is used at award ceremonies and similar occasions.
The lyrics depict the scene in which Jesus Christ is welcomed into Jerusalem on his way to be crucified and rise again, drawing on Matthew 21:9: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
At the Name of JesusChristopher Walker
“At the Name of Jesus,” composed in 1870, is a hymn whose lyrics, as the title suggests, praise Jesus Christ.
Though it has been sung for many years, this is a version arranged in a gospel style.
In Western countries where Christian culture is deeply rooted, such pop-style arrangements are widely accepted, and hymns can be heard in a variety of forms.
Shine Jesus ShineGraham Kendrick
Composed in 1987, this is a Christian praise song known in Japan as “Shine, Jesus, Shine.” The lyrics and vocals for this pop-styled, grandly arranged piece are by Graham Kendrick, a Christian singer-songwriter and worship leader.
As the son of a Baptist pastor, he feels almost as if he were born to become exactly this kind of singer.
Hymn 298: “Be at Peace, O My Heart”Katarīna A D fon Shurēgeru
It quickly became famous after being set to the music of Sibelius’s symphonic poem Finlandia.
Composed in Finland in 1900 when the country was suffering under the oppressive rule of Tsarist Russia, it is still widely sung in Finland today as a second national song after the national anthem.
It is a hymn expressing trust in and longing for God.
The beautiful day is overHeinrich Isaac
A melody steeped in melancholy that sings of the beauty of days gone by and the poignancy of their end.
This time, we present a work by Heinrich Isaac, a master of Renaissance music.
In the late 15th century, Isaac served as a court composer to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, and alongside his majestic sacred music, he produced numerous secular songs that deeply move the heart.
This piece captivates with its warm harmonies that seem to gently accept the close of happy days and cherish the beauty of the past.
Its calm, slightly sentimental atmosphere offers a character distinct from glittering chorales.
It is a perfect choice for moments of reflection at the end of the day, or for autumn nights when you wish to engage with music at leisure.