[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 (1–10)
Hymn No. 354: “Good Shepherd, My Lord”William Bradbury
It is a hymn published in the 1836 “Hymns for the Young,” where it became popular.
The editor of this collection, Dorothy Ann Thrupp, is said to have written the lyrics, which express a prayer filled with trust in and closeness to God.
Based on John 10:11 and Matthew 5:1–3, its themes are God’s saving work and the grace of salvation.
It is also one of the well-known hymns in Japan and is often sung in children’s churches.
Hymn No. 66: “Holy, Holy, Holy”John Dykes
This is a hymn composed by John Bacchus Dykes from the United Kingdom.
Dykes began his career as an organist at the age of ten and wrote over 300 hymns.
This work was included in the first edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861 and praises the Triune God.
The lyrics are inspired by the biblical books of Isaiah and Revelation, expressing the unending worship in heaven.
It is said that Dykes completed the piece in just thirty minutes.
While it is often sung in church, you might also listen to it when you want to calm your mind.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach
It is a famous piece by the German composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
This work is part of a cantata composed in 1723 and expresses Christian faith.
It is characterized by a beautiful melody and deeply moving lyrics, and is loved by many people.
It is often performed at celebrations such as weddings and Christmas, and has been arranged for various ensembles, including piano and wind band.
It is recommended when your heart is weary or when you want to feel calm.
The lyrics, which sing of love and trust in Jesus, bring universal joy and peace that transcend religion.
[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs: Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (11–20)
Hymn No. 111: “The Only Son of God Is Born This Night”John Francis Wade
This is a hymn that sings, “Those who have faith in Jesus Christ, come together and worship.” The composer and lyricist are not definitively known, but it is said that the music was composed by the Englishman John Francis Wade and the lyrics were written by John of Reading in the 13th century.
It has been translated into many languages and is known in Japan as a classic hymn sung during the Christmas season.
It is a famous hymn that has also been covered by world-renowned artists such as Celine Dion and Bob Dylan.
Ave verum corpusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
This is a work by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was active in Vienna.
Though it spans only 46 measures and runs under three minutes, it is imbued with deep emotion.
Composed in June 1791, its lyrics—praising the Holy Eucharist—are particularly striking.
Written in the final year of Mozart’s life, the piece was created for the choir in the town of Baden, which Mozart’s wife frequently visited.
Its simple, gentle character makes it perfect for a small-town choir.
It is recommended for those interested in sacred music or seeking calm, and it’s also an excellent entry point into classical music.
All ye faithful, make hasteGeorge Frideric Handel
This is a popular Japanese Christmas song that sets the Japanese lyrics “Morobito Kozorite” to the melody of the well-known Western carol “Joy to the World.” You hear it all over town once December arrives.
It is Hymn No.
112, a song celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The lyrics convey: “Let everyone gather together, welcome the long-awaited Lord, and praise Him as God.” It is a hymn that warmly receives and glorifies the saving God who descended into this world.
Hymn No. 312: What a Friend We Have in JesusSakushi: Josepf M. Scriven Sakkyoku: Charles Crozat Converse.
This hymn, with lyrics by Joseph M.
Scriven from Ireland, sings of Jesus Christ guiding us with unchanging love through every hardship and trial.
First published in 1870, it has been sung in churches around the world.
In Japan, it was included in the 1954 edition of the Hymnal and was also featured in the 2020 NHK morning drama “Yell.” With a gentle, heartwarming melody, it emphasizes the compassion of Jesus Christ and the importance of faith.
Scriven experienced the tragedy of losing his fiancée twice, and from that sorrow came a poem that continues to offer deep comfort and hope.