[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!
- Famous German folk song | That Japanese tune was actually a German folk song?!
- Japanese gospel: recommended Japanese songs with a gospel-like style
- Gospel singers of the world. Masterpieces of gospel music, recommended popular songs.
- [Irish Folk Songs] Surprisingly Familiar Masterpieces and Standards of Ethnic Music
- Practice songs for gospel beginners
- A cappella masterpieces: Recommended songs where beautiful harmonies shine (Western and Japanese music)
- The magnificent world of vocal artistry: a special feature on popular vocal works from opera to art songs.
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- Masterpieces of Celtic music. Recommended Irish music.
- [Chorale] Masterpieces of chorales. Recommended popular pieces.
- [Western Music] Bluegrass masterpieces: recommended popular and signature songs
- Sunday songs of Western music: world classics and popular hits
- Ranking of popular songs by Libera, a British soprano unit
[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs (71–80)
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).
Love Divine, All Loves ExcellingTim Brace
This is a hymn by Charles Wesley, a leader of the Methodist movement.
The hymn’s theme is the ultimate and eternal “perfection” that belongs to God alone.
Among the roughly 6,500 hymns Wesley is said to have written in his lifetime, this is one of the most famous and beloved.
It is said to be based on “Fairest Isle,” the song sung by Venus in the semi-opera King Arthur, composed by Henry Purcell with a libretto by John Dryden.
Joyful JoyfulLauryn Hill
The song performed in the final scene of the film “Sister Act 2,” which sparked a gospel boom in Japan, is “Joyful, Joyful,” led by Lauryn Hill, who later became famous in the hip-hop world as the vocalist of the Fugees.
It’s a hymn that uses the melody from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No.
9, and the movie features a further arranged version.
The lyrics, which thank God for His love and praise His presence, combine with the powerful voices of the choir to create a dynamic sound.
If you’re interested in hymns or gospel music, “Sister Act 2” is a must-see!
Make Me a Channel of Your PeaceSusan boyle
This song is also famous for being performed by Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor at the funeral of Princess Diana in the UK in 1997.
Today, it has been covered by various artists such as Susan Boyle and All Angels.
The song is based on the Prayer of St.
Francis, attributed to St.
Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order who was active on the Italian Peninsula in the 13th century.
This well-known prayer passage has been quoted in speeches by prominent religious and political figures, including Mother Teresa and Margaret Thatcher.
Praise to the Lord, the AlmightyDon Moen
This song is known in Japan under the title “The Lord, the Maker,” and it praises God, who created this wonderful world.
It is sung with a warm voice by Don Moen, an American contemporary worship singer-songwriter.
The balance with the female vocalist is excellent, and listeners unfamiliar with it might not even realize it’s a hymn.
The arrangement is very easy to listen to, so it’s highly recommended for those new to hymns!