[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 (41–50)
Oh, the joy of living in the name of GodJohann Hermann Schein
A solemn chorale by the German composer—and poet—Johann Hermann Schein.
Schein served as Kapellmeister at Leipzig’s St.
Thomas Church, a post later held by Bach.
This work is included in the 1627 hymnal he compiled, Cantional oder Gesangbuch Augsburgischer Confession.
The lyrics overflow with praise for God and the joy of living in faith.
His text painting is superb, creating a sense of unity as if the words of prayer themselves have become the melody.
Listening to the majestic harmonies is cleansing, leaving you with a pure and peaceful feeling.
It’s a perfect piece for stepping away from a busy daily life and quietly turning inward.
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.
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.”
Hymnal, Part II, No. 219: O Holy Night (Brightly the stars are shining)Louis Adam
“Sayaka ni Hoshi wa Kirameki” is a Christmas carol composed by the French composer Adolphe Adam.
The original lyrics were written by Placide Cappeau, but in the English-speaking world it is known through John Sullivan Dwight’s very free translation, “O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining,” and in Japan it is sometimes referred to as “O Holy Night.”
Hymnal, Second Volume, No. 195: ‘I Would Not Trade Anything for Christ’Sakushi: Rea Mira / Sakkyoku: Joji Bibari She
“I’d Rather Have Jesus” is a representative work by composer George Beverly Shea.
Shea was also a gospel singer who composed and performed numerous hymns and gospel songs.
This hymn is often sung at masses and concerts, and in Japan it was translated by Ugo Nakata and included in the hymnal Seika.
Over the mountain pathsakushi: nishimura kiyoo / sakkyoku: aaron chabin
It is one of the most famous hymns in Japan.
Centered on the themes of nature’s beauty and trust in God, it conveys that even when traveling alone over mountain paths, one can find reassurance by holding fast to God’s hand.
The idea came to Kiyoo Nishimura in early February 1903, as he returned over a mountain pass after completing evangelistic work at the Uwajima Church.
Through vivid depictions of snow-capped mountains and clear skies, along with the metaphor of a spiritual journey, the hymn expresses the comfort found in faith and the soul’s drawing nearer to God.
As a hymn well attuned to Japanese sensibilities, it has long been cherished by many.
Come Thou Fount Of Every BlessingChris Rice
This is a hymn by Chris Rice from the United States.
Robert Robinson wrote the lyrics in 1758, and Rice delivers them with a beautiful melody.
The lyrics, which express gratitude and love for God, resonate deeply with listeners.
It is included on the album “Peace Like a River: The Hymns Project” and is a classic that has been covered by many artists.
In 1999, Rice won the Dove Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and achieved eleven No.
1 hits on Christian radio, and this song is a prime example of his talent.
It’s a recommended track for times when your heart is weary or when you want to quietly reflect on yourself.