Music of a wonderful world

[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

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!

[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs. Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (31–40)

Hymnal, Second Volume, No. 184: “God Gave His Only Son”Mitani Taneyoshi

Hymn: God Gave His Only Son (GOD’S LOVE) (Taneyoshi Mitani)

Hymnal, Second Volume, No. 184: “God Gave His Only Son”Mitani Taneyoshi

This is a revival hymn of Hymn No.

13, “God Is Love.” The lyrics were written by Japan’s first music evangelist, Tanekichi Mitani, and, drawing from the Gospel according to John in the New Testament, sing of God’s love—declaring that God is love—shown in giving even His one and only, irreplaceable Son.

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Hymn No. 582: ‘Jesus, the Son of God’John Douglas Scott

Annie Laurie (Hymn No. 582)

Hymn No. 582: 'Jesus, the Son of God'John Douglas Scott

Based on the Scottish folk song “Annie Laurie,” the lyrics were written with reference to 1 Peter 5:8–10 in the New Testament.

It sings of faith: “Stand firm in the faith and resist this devil.

As you know, your brothers and sisters throughout the world have undergone the same sufferings.”

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Hymn No. 194: “Filled with Glory”John Newton

Hymn 194 “Filled with Glory” Hymn: German National Anthem

Hymn No. 194: "Filled with Glory"John Newton

This is a hymn that uses the melody of “Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser,” composed by the Austrian musician Joseph Haydn, who was active in the 18th century.

Haydn dedicated this piece in 1797 for the birthday of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, and it later became the official national anthem of the Austrian Empire established in 1804.

The lyrics of “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” were written by the English minister John Newton, famed as the lyricist of “Amazing Grace,” and it is a classic English hymn praising the church.

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Hymnal, Part II, No. 219: O Holy Night (Brightly the stars are shining)Louis Adam

The stars shine clearly — O Holy Night

Hymnal, Part II, No. 219: O Holy Night (Brightly the stars are shining)Louis Adam

Watch on YouTube: “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.”

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Over the mountain pathsakushi: nishimura kiyoo / sakkyoku: aaron chabin

Hymn No. 404, Over the Mountain Path

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.

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