The magnificent world of vocal artistry: a special feature on popular vocal works from opera to art songs.
In vocal music, the singer’s body itself becomes the instrument.
Perhaps many of you haven’t really had the chance to listen to it properly?
Vocal music includes a variety of forms such as opera and art songs, and we’ve gathered some famous pieces we highly recommend even for beginners.
You’ll surely be moved, thinking, “Can such rich expression really come from the human body?”
We also recommend listening while paying attention not only to the melody but also to the lyrics and the story.
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The magnificent world of vocal music: from opera to art songs—popular vocal pieces (61–70)
Theme song of the movie ‘Princess Mononoke’Hisaishi Joe
Yoshikazu Mera, one of Japan’s leading countertenors, is also the person who brought awareness to the presence and artistry of countertenors in Japan.
This song, now a famous theme from an animated film known to all, is one I hope you will listen to repeatedly—while taking in the film’s message, the meaning of the lyrics, and the beauty of his voice.
Christmas OratorioHilarion (Alfeyev)
This is a work by Hilarion Alfeyev, a bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church who is also active as a theologian and composer.
The piece is a grand oratorio that portrays the story of Christ’s Nativity under the theme “from darkness to light,” featuring an impressive blend of the Orthodox Church’s solemn choral tradition and a Western narrative musical style.
The harmony woven by a boys’ choir symbolizing the voices of angels and a mixed choir representing people’s prayers deeply stirs the listener’s heart.
The work received its world premiere in Washington, D.C., in December 2007, and parts of it are included on the album “Stabat Mater / Songs of Ascent / Christmas Oratorio.” It is a perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy a sacred, serene atmosphere during the Christmas season, rather than something lively.
Oratorio “Saint Nichiren”Mayuzumi Toshirō
Toshiro Mayuzumi is known as a composer who represents Japan’s postwar music scene.
He was active not only in contemporary music but also in film music.
Among his works, this grand piece—expressing a Buddhist worldview through the Western oratorio form—is nothing short of overwhelming.
It depicts the life of Nichiren in five parts—Sea, Flower, Light, Snow, and Mountain—where Japanese narration, a sonorous chorus, and a symphonic orchestra unite to weave an epic narrative.
In the final section, the climactic rise powered by the repeated chanting of the daimoku is sure to stir the listener’s soul.
The work premiered in April 1982 as part of the commemoration of the 700th anniversary of Saint Nichiren’s passing.
It is a masterpiece I strongly recommend to anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind musical experience that fuses Japanese spirituality with the framework of Western music.
From the opera Carmen: ‘This flower that you threw to me’Georges Bizet
A tenor from Munich, Germany, whose romantic yet powerful voice has earned him worldwide acclaim.
His repertoire is extensive, ranging from Mozart and Beethoven to Italian opera, showcasing his remarkable versatility.
In this song, Don José pours out his heartfelt love for Carmen.
From the song cycle “Six Ariettas”: “Gentle Fairy, O Melancholia”Vincenzo Salvatore Carmelo Francesco Bellini
The celebrated song woven from a wistful melody, “Kind Fairy, Marincognia,” is the first piece in Vincenzo Bellini’s (1801–1835) song set Six Ariettas.
Bellini is renowned as a leading composer of Italian bel canto opera, alongside Rossini and Donizetti.
Wotan’s Farewell and Magic Fire Music from the opera The ValkyrieRichard Wagner
A Russian bass-baritone singer known for his full-body tattoos, intimidating look, and imposing physique.
Though a scandal led him to step back from the spotlight, he possesses the skill to handle major operatic repertoire and delivers a luxuriant, beautiful vocal performance in this piece as well.
After the DreamGabriel Urbain Fauré
The fantastical and beautiful song “Après un Rêve” (After a Dream) is the first piece in composer Gabriel Fauré’s song set Three Songs, and it is one of his most representative vocal works.
The chorus performed by the members of Tenebrae makes the piece even more captivating.