The Most Popular Instrumental Christmas Music
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It’s that time of year again! Time to break out the eggnog, put up the tree, and turn on some of the most popular instrumental Christmas music. From classics like “Sleigh Ride” to modern favorites like “All I Want for Christmas is You,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So turn on your favorite holiday tunes and get into the spirit of the season!
What is Instrumental Christmas Music?
Instrumental Christmas music consists of the best-known and most popular Christmas songs performed without lyrics or singing. This type of music is often used as background music during holiday parties or as a way to set a festive mood in your home. While some people find it relaxing and calming, others find it cheerful and upbeat. No matter what your preference, there is sure to be an instrumental Christmas song that you enjoy.
The History of Instrumental Christmas Music
Instrumental Christmas music encompasses a wide variety of genres, from the traditional choral arrangements of classical music to the more modern arrangements of pop and rock music. Instrumental Christmas music is often used as background music during holiday parties and celebrations, or as a way to add a festive touch to any event or gathering.
The history of instrumental Christmas music can be traced back to the early days of the church, when religious leaders would use instruments to punctuate their sermons and prayers. Over time, this practice spread to other parts of Europe and eventually made its way to the Americas. In the United States, instrumental Christmas music became popular in the 19th century, when composers began creating new arrangements of traditional carols and hymns.
One of the most popular and enduring genres of instrumental Christmas music is classical music. This type of music typically features grandiose orchestral arrangements and is often performed by choirs or soloists. Some of the most well-known classical Christmas pieces include “Joy to the World,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and “Silent Night.”
Popular pop and rock artists have also released holiday-themed albums featuring instrumental renditions of popular Christmas songs. These albums often feature a mix of traditional carols and more modern holiday hits, and are a popular choice for people who want to add a festive touch to their holiday playlist. A few examples of these types of albums include “Christmas with The Rat Pack” by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bing Crosby; “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by The Vince Guaraldi Trio; and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” soundtrack by Danny Elfman.
The Different Types of Instrumental Christmas Music
Instrumental Christmas music includes lengthy tracks that are specifically designed to be enjoyed without any lyrics. This type of tune is often used as background music for holiday parties, family gatherings, or other festive events. While there are many different genres of instrumental Christmas music, the most popular styles include classical, jazz, and rock.
Classical: This type of instrumental Christmas music is typically very elegant and soothing. It often features tracks that were composed by some of the most well-known classical composers, such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. Many of these pieces are played by a full orchestra, making them perfect for holiday parties or other events where you want to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Jazz: Jazz instrumental Christmas music often has a more upbeat and lively feel than classical tunes. This genre is perfect for holiday gatherings where you want your guests to be able to talk and mingle without feeling like they have to shout over the music. Many jazz renditions of popular holiday songs are also available, which can add a fun and unique twist to your event.
Rock: If you’re looking for something a little different than the traditional instrumental Christmas music genres, rock tunes may be the perfect choice for you. These tracks often feature electric guitars, drums, and other instruments that create a heavier sound than what is typically heard in classical or jazz pieces. Rock instrumentals are perfect for creating an upbeat and energetic atmosphere at your holiday party.
The Most Popular Instrumental Christmas Music
There are many different types of Christmas music, but some of the most popular is instrumental Christmas music. This type of music can be relaxing and soothing, and it can also be upbeat and festive. It all depends on the type of instrumental Christmas music you choose. Here are some of the most popular instrumental Christmas music selections.
“Silent Night”
One of the most popular traditional Christmas carols, “Silent Night” was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. It was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011. The carol has been translated into over 300 languages and is sung in churches all over the world every Christmas Eve.
“Joy to the World”
One of the most popular and well-loved Christmas carols of all time, “Joy to the World” was originally written by English composer Isaac Watts in 1719. The melody was later adapted by American composer Lowell Mason in 1839, and the song has been a staple of holiday music ever since. It is frequently performed by choirs and orchestras around the world during the Christmas season.
“The First Noel”
“The First Noel” is a traditional English Christmas carol, most likely from the early 19th century. The Northampton Folk song Society has been credited with publishing the first known version of the lyrics in 1823, though the melody was likely written much earlier. It is unknown who actually composed the music.
The carol tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and includes the lyrics: “The first Noel, the angels did say / Was to certain poor shepherds / In fields where they lay / In fields where they lay keeping their sheep / On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.”
Over the years, “The First Noel” has been recorded by many artists, including Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion and Kelly Clarkson. It is considered one of the most popular Christmas carols of all time.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a popular Christmas carol that was originally written by Charles Wesley. The carol was first published in 1739 in Hymns and Sacred Poems. It has since been adapted and arranged by many different artists and has become a Christmas staple.
The song is about the Birth of Jesus and the angels announcing his birth to the shepherds. The opening line, “Hark! The herald angels sing,” is taken from Luke 2:14, which is the biblical passage that describes the angels announcing Jesus’ birth.
The song has been recorded by a variety of artists, including Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion. It has also been featured in a number of popular films, such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Elf, and The Polar Express.
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
One of the most popular and well-known Christmas carols, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” has been recorded by many artists over the years. The song was originally written in Latin by John Francis Wade in the 18th century, and the English lyrics were later added by Frederick Oakeley. “O Come, All Ye Faithful” is a traditional Catholic hymn, but it has also been adopted by many Protestant denominations.
The most popular version of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” was recorded by British singer-songwriter Adele in 2015. Adele’s version of the song peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and was certified double platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). “O Come, All Ye Faithful” has also been recorded by artists such as Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Michael Buble, and Josh Groban.
“We Three Kings”
“We Three Kings”, also known as “We Three Kings of Orient Are” or “The Quest of the Magi”, is a Christmas carol that has been attributed to John Henry Hopkins Jr. who wrote both the lyrics and the music in 1857. The carol is most commonly sung in English, but has also been translated into other languages.
“Deck the Halls”
Made popular by Thomas Oliphant in 1862, “Deck the Halls” is a traditional Christmas carol that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song’s simple lyrics, which are about decking the halls with boughs of holly, have helped to make it a holiday classic. The melody is believed to be of Welsh origin, and it is thought that Oliphant may have adapted it from a traditional folk tune. “Deck the Halls” has been translated into many languages and is particularly popular in the United States, where it is often sung as a Christmas carol.
“Jingle Bells”
“Jingle Bells” is one of the best-known and commonly sung American Christmas songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont (1822–1893) and published under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh” in the autumn of 1857. Although it has been said that he composed the melody sometime in 1857, manuscript evidence and testimony by those who knew him indicate that he wrote the melody in 1850–51.
“O Holy Night”
One of the most popular pieces of Christmas music is “O Holy Night.” The song was originally written in French by poet Placide Cappeau and set to music by composer Adolphe Adam. It has been translated into many languages and performed by many artists over the years. The most popular version in the United States was sung by tenor John McCrea and released in 1898. “O Holy Night” remains a holiday favorite to this day.
“Auld Lang Syne”
“Auld Lang Syne” is one of the most popular instrumental Christmas songs of all time. The tune was originally written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, and it has been adapted and rearranged countless times since then. “Auld Lang Syne” is often played as a slow, sentimental ballad, but it can also be upbeat and jazzy. Whichever version you choose, this classic Christmas song is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
