[Classical] Masterpieces of oratorios. Recommended classical music.

Christ on the Mount of OlivesLudwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven: Christ on the Mount of Olives, Op. 85 – Christus am Ölberge (FULL ORATORIO)

This is an oratorio by Germany’s universally known musical titan, Ludwig van Beethoven.

Yet it is rarely performed and remains little known.

The work portrays Christ’s prayer on the Mount of Olives and his subsequent arrest; it was composed in 1803 and premiered in Vienna.

At the same concert of Beethoven’s own works, what would later become his landmark pieces—the First and Second Symphonies and the Third Piano Concerto—also received their premieres.

At the time, however, it was this oratorio that achieved success.

When it was revived in 1825, Beethoven’s conversation books note that each revival played to full houses, indicating how warmly it was received by contemporary audiences.

It is an oratorio I recommend, offering insight into Beethoven’s tastes and the trends among listeners of his day.

Judgment of SolomonMarc-Antoine Charpentier

MA Charpentier | H422 Judicium Salomonis – complete

During the Baroque era, the French composer Charpentier, a leading figure of his country, wrote a great deal of sacred music.

In his youth, he studied in Rome and brought the oratorio back to France.

He composed more than 30 oratorios, among which Judgment of Solomon is one of the most representative.

Passion OratorioCarl Heinrich Graun

CH Graun | Große Passion “Kommt her und schaut” – 1

A Passion oratorio composed by the German Baroque composer Graun.

Although it is rarely performed in Japan, in Germany it is a well-loved piece frequently heard at Good Friday masses and concerts in the lead-up to Easter, the day commemorating Jesus’s execution.

The Childhood of ChristHector Berlioz

Hector Berlioz: Trio “Arrival at Sais” (from “L´Enfance du Christ”, op. 25)

An oratorio composed by the French Romantic composer Berlioz, known for the Symphonie fantastique.

The French lyrics were also entirely written by Berlioz.

At the time, plagued by harsh criticism rife with prejudice and malice, Berlioz released the work anonymously.

After it was acclaimed by audiences and critics, he later revealed that it was his own composition and regained his reputation.

Oedipus RexIgor Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky – Oedipus Rex

A work by the modern Russian composer Stravinsky.

It is an oratorio based on the Greek myth of Oedipus, featuring a scene from the legends about him.

This video includes Japanese narration, making it easy for first-time viewers to understand.