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 singing. From opera to art songs: a selection of popular vocal pieces (21–30)
“Solveig’s Song” from the opera Peer GyntEdvard Hagerup Grieg
This work was commissioned from Edvard Grieg, the leading composer of Norway’s national school, to provide incidental music for the masterpiece Peer Gynt, written in 1867 by the world-renowned playwright Henrik Ibsen, and it premiered at the Royal Theatre in Oslo in February 1876.
The beautifully lyrical Solveig’s Song, performed within the play, became especially famous.
The opera The Tales of Hoffmann: The birds in the forest sing of longingJacques Offenbach
Luciana Serra is a coloratura soprano from Genoa, Italy.
She is known for her brilliant beauty of tone and exceptional technique in delivering ornate high notes with precision.
In this piece, she takes on the role of the mechanical doll Olympia, singing with both comic flair and delicate charm.
From Samson HWV 57: ‘Return, O Lord of Hosts’Georg Friedrich Händel
A masterpiece of the oratorio genre by Baroque great George Frideric Handel, Samson.
The piece sung within the drama portrays a hero at the brink of despair and the heartfelt prayers of the people who care for him.
Its chief allure lies in the way an introspective alto solo prayer gradually unfolds into a majestic chorus.
It beautifully expresses a profound supplication to God and the yearning for hope amid hardship.
Acclaimed since its 1743 premiere, the October 1952 recording by the celebrated contralto Kathleen Ferrier is renowned as a historic classic.
Highly recommended for those who love classical music with grand, solemn narratives.
Praise the LordWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Amid the silence, a beautiful melody flows, and the soothing vocal piece is “Laudate Dominum.” Composed by Mozart, it is the fifth movement of the Vespers “Vesperae solennes de confessore, K.
339” (Solemn Vespers for a Confessor).
The Promised LandUematsu Nobuo
This piece is notable for its sacred, hymn-like chorus.
The composer is Nobuo Uematsu, world-renowned as a master of video game music, and he has crafted it into a solemn, chorale-style work.
The Latin lyrics seem to convey fundamental questions—why humans bear sin and suffer, and where life returns—as well as sorrow toward an inescapable fate.
The track is included on the soundtrack FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, released in September 2005.
In the film, it is used as an insert song during a moving scene in which the characters ascend to the heavens.
It’s recommended for nights when you want to quietly immerse yourself in a grand, epic world.
Ave MariaFranz Peter Schubert
Ave Maria.
There are works by many composers.
Schubert’s Ave Maria is also a famous piece.
The beautiful piano introduction is truly lovely, and from there you’re captivated by the gentle, soaring vocals.
It can be called a vocal masterpiece that soothes the heart.
It’s a wonderful work you’d want to hear in a church.
At the end of the wilderness
This is a captivating number with a majestic, melancholic sound reminiscent of a Western.
It’s the song that brought singer Yuzo Yamashita to wide recognition.
Released in November 1972 as the theme for the TV period drama “Hissatsu Shikakenin,” it’s included on the album “Uta, Sono Shuppatsu” (Song, Its Departure).
In the desolate world painted by the lyricist, the protagonist’s profound inner spirit—bearing a merciless fate yet holding fast to his convictions—is conveyed through Yamashita’s richly emotive vocals.
The dramatic structure, ascending from silence to a climactic peak, is breathtaking.
It’s a soul-stirring track for those who want to immerse themselves in highly narrative music.