The Best Classical Christmas Music to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
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Looking for some classical Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit? Look no further! Here’s a list of some of the best classical Christmas music to get you feeling festive.
What is classical Christmas music?
Christmas music is a genre of music usually performed or heard during the Christmas season. Traditionally, this includes music composed or arranged by relatively skilled classical composers and performers. Classical Christmas music includes carols, hymns, and other pieces with a religious or spiritual theme. It also includes works originally written for other purposes that have come to be associated with the Christmas season, such as “Joy to the World” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
The best classical Christmas music albums
“The Nutcracker” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
One of the most popular and well-known classical Christmas albums of all time is “The Nutcracker” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This ballet was first performed in 1892 and has been performed every holiday season since. The story follows a young girl named Clara who is given a nutcracker doll by her uncle. Clara falls asleep and dreams that the nutcracker comes to life and takes her on a magical journey. The music is some of the most beautiful ever written and has become synonymous with the holiday season.
“Messiah” by George Frideric Handel
This classic oratorio from the 18th century is one of the most well-known and beloved pieces of classical Christmas music. It tells the story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and features some of the most beautiful and moving choral music ever written. If you’re looking for a traditional, uplifting and deeply moving piece of music to get you in the holiday spirit, look no further than Messiah.
“The Christmas Concertos” by Antonio Vivaldi
There are many wonderful classical Christmas music albums to choose from, but one of our favorites is “The Christmas Concertos” by Antonio Vivaldi. This collection of six concertos is perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit, and the beautiful melodies will stay with you long after the holidays are over.
“The Four Seasons” by Johann Sebastian Bach
Considered one of the most popular classical pieces, Bach’s “The Four Seasons” is a set of four violin concertos that depict the seasons of the year. This is a great album to listen to if you want to get in the holiday spirit, as it is full of festive, cheerful music.
“The Well-Tempered Clavier” by Johann Sebastian Bach
One of the best-loved works of classical music, The Well-Tempered Clavier is a set of two keyboard works composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. First published in 1722, the work is a collection of preludes and fugues in every major and minor key.
With its beautiful melodies and intricate harmonies, The Well-Tempered Clavier is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for a classic Christmas album that will never go out of style, this is the one for you.
The best classical Christmas music for kids
Many people associate classical music with relaxation, but it can also be great for getting kids excited and energized. If you’re looking for some classical Christmas music to get your little ones in the holiday spirit, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite pieces to get the whole family moving and dancing.
‘The Nutcracker Suite’ by Tchaikovsky is possibly the most well-known classical piece of all time, and for good reason. The iconic opening melody is instantly recognizable, and the suite is chock full of festive tunes that will get even the grinchiest among us tapping our toes. Plus, the story of Clara and her famous nutcracker doll is one that kids will love.
Another great choice for getting kids moving is ‘Sleigh Ride’ by Leroy Anderson. This catchy piece has a very fast tempo and a lovely jingle bell section that’s sure to get everyone in the holiday mood.
For something a little different, try ‘Hanukkah Dance’ by Joshua Jacobson. This fun piece incorporates traditional Jewish instruments like the dreidel and shofar into a lively dance melody that will have everyone up and about.
Finally, no list of Christmas classics would be complete without Bach’s ‘Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major.’ This timeless work is perfect for getting everyone in the family involved, as there are parts for both piano and trumpet (or other C instruments). Everyone can join in on the fun with this festive favorite.
The best classical Christmas music for adults
If you’re looking for the best classical Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit, you’ve come to the right place. From traditional carols to beloved symphonies, we’ve compiled a list of the best classical Christmas music for adults. So put on your favorite holiday sweater, pour yourself a glass of eggnog, and enjoy!
-“O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam
-“The Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
-“The Messiah” by George Frideric Handel
-“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
– “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs
Where to find classical Christmas music online
You don’t need to wait until December to start feeling festive. For many people, the Christmas season begins the moment they start listening to holiday music. Classical Christmas music is the perfect way to get into the spirit of the season, and there are plenty of places to find it online.
Pandora is a great option if you want to listen to classical Christmas music for free. Just create a station and Pandora will play a selection of holiday classics from composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky.
If you’re looking for something a little more focused, Naxos Music Library offers a wide variety of classical Christmas albums that you can stream for free with a library card. Simply create an account and enter your library’s information to get started.
Another great option for streaming classical Christmas music is Spotify. While you’ll need a paid subscription to listen without ads, Spotify offers a variety of holiday-themed playlists that are sure to get you in the spirit.
last but not least, YouTube is always a viable option for streaming classical Christmas music. You can find just about any holiday classic on YouTube, and many of them are accompanied by festive visuals like snowfall or twinkling lights.
