The magnificent world of vocal artistry: a special feature on popular vocal works from opera to art songs.

“Hallelujah Chorus” from the oratorio MessiahGeorg Friedrich Händel

Handel: Hallelujah Chorus from the oratorio Messiah

Georg Friedrich Handel, a composer who epitomizes the late Baroque.

His oratorio Messiah remains a masterpiece beloved around the world.

Among its movements, the chorus placed at the end of Part II is nothing short of breathtaking.

Words proclaiming joy surge like waves, and the layers of voices create a soaring elation that seems to reach the heavens.

The work’s divine power is convincing in light of the anecdote that Handel was inspired while composing it.

Since its premiere in April 1742, it has been cherished across eras, and in later years a gospel-style adaptation, Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, won a Grammy Award.

It’s the perfect piece when you want your heart to tremble before monumental music.

Christmas OratorioHilarion (Alfeyev)

Hilarion Alfeyev. Christmas oratorio / Рождественская оратория

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.

St Matthew PassionJ.S.Bach

Bach: St. Matthew Passion (complete) — conducted by Richter (1958)

Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, a leading figure of Baroque music, this monumental work is hailed as the pinnacle of Passion oratorios.

The majestic architecture of sound woven by the two choirs and orchestra is nothing short of breathtaking.

This piece not only traces the biblical narrative, but also resonates deeply through arias that reveal the characters’ searing emotions and chorales that become the listener’s own prayer.

It is also famous for having been revived by Mendelssohn in 1829, which sparked a major reappraisal of Bach.

There are numerous recordings—most notably Karl Richter’s acclaimed Matthäus-Passion—and it continues to be cherished across generations.

This timeless masterpiece is perfect for surrendering yourself to a grand musical world and immersing in profound emotion.

St John PassionJ.S.Bach

Bach – St John Passion BWV 245 – Van Veldhoven | Netherlands Bach Society

A pinnacle of Passion oratorios that renders biblical narratives in music with majestic harmonies and dramatic development.

Composed by the father of music, Johann Sebastian Bach, this work centers on the Evangelist’s narration, interweaving the crowd’s fiercely emotional choruses with arias that voice profound personal lament and prayer.

One is drawn into a world that combines the tension of an epic opera with the serenity of chorales that soothe the soul.

Premiered in Leipzig on April 7, 1724, this masterpiece is today represented by numerous celebrated recordings, such as Bach Collegium Japan’s album “J.S.

Bach: St.

John Passion, BWV 245.” When you want to immerse yourself in richly narrative classical music, why not surrender to its dramatic resonance?

Oratorio “Saint Nichiren”Mayuzumi Toshirō

Toshiro Mayuzumi: Oratorio “Saint Nichiren” (world premiere)

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 ‘Andrea Chénier’: ‘La mamma morta’Umberto Giordano

La mamma morta – Renata Scotto

A gifted Italian soprano who, at just 18, won the leading role of Violetta in the opera La Traviata.

In this song, the heroine Maddalena—ruined by the revolution and bereaved of her mother—sings powerfully of her resolve to confront fate and choose to live.

Easter OratorioJ.S.Bach

Bach – Easter Oratorio: Kommt, eilet und laufet BWV 249 – Van Veldhoven | Netherlands Bach Society

A resplendent fanfare announces the dawn of resurrection in this festive oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Its great appeal lies in the magnificent instrumental writing—featuring trumpets and timpani—and the dramatic dialogues among the four soloists who portray the characters.

The music vividly depicts the disciples’ quickened steps as they hurry to the Lord’s tomb and the subtle shift of their hearts from astonishment to conviction.

Premiered on Easter Day in April 1725, the work also has the intriguing background of having originally been a different celebratory cantata.

It is a masterpiece perfectly suited for immersing oneself in a world of hope and joy, enveloped in the majestic sonorities of orchestra and voices.