The Best Classical Christmas Music to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Contents
Looking for some classical Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit? Look no further! Here are some of the best pieces to get you feeling festive.
Introduction
It’s that time of year again! The holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’re already feeling the Christmas spirit. But if you need a little help getting into the holiday mood, we’ve got just the thing.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite classical Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit. From traditional carols to lesser-known gems, there’s something for everyone on this list. So turn up the volume, put on your favorite holiday sweater, and enjoy!
“The Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky
One of the most popular classical pieces ever written, “The Nutcracker Suite” by Tchaikovsky is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The suite is comprised of eight pieces, each of which tells a different story from the nutcracker ballet. “The Nutcracker Suite” has been performed by some of the world’s most famous orchestras and is a staple of holiday music.
“The Messiah” by Handel
One of the most popular classical Christmas pieces is “The Messiah” by Handel. This piece is full of joy and happiness, and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
“Ave Maria” by Bach
This beloved piece of classical Christmas music was composed by none other than Johann Sebastian Bach. “Ave Maria” is taken from Bach’s cantata “Christen, ätzet diesen Tag,” which was written for Christmas Day. The cantata is based on a chorale melody, and the “Ave Maria” section is the sixth movement.
“The Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson
If you’re looking for some festive classical Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit, look no further than “The Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. This beloved holiday tune is sure to bring a smile to your face and get your toes tapping.
“The First Noel” by Traditional
“The First Noel” is a traditional English Christmas carol, most likely from the early 19th century. The first known version of the carol was published in 1823, although it is possible that the carol was first sung much earlier. The lyrics of “The First Noel” tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, as told in the Gospel of Luke. The carol has been recorded by many artists over the years, and it remains a popular choice for holiday music.
“Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych
One of the most popular and recognizable Christmas pieces, “Carol of the Bells” was composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych in 1914. The original Ukrainian lyrics, written by Peter J. Wilhousky, tell the story of a group of peasants who witness the birth of Jesus Christ.
The music is written in a minor key, which gives it a somber and haunting feeling, and the use of pentatonic scales creates an ethereal quality. The piece is often performed by choirs, orchestras, and brass ensembles, and has been recorded by artists such as Pentatonix, Jackie Evancho, and Il Divo.
“O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam
One of the most popular and well-known Christmas songs, “O Holy Night” was composed in 1847 by Adolphe Adam. The lyrics to the song, written in French, were adapted from a poem by Placide Cappeau called “Minuit, Chrétiens” (Midnight, Christians). The poem was written to commemorate the restoration of the old church organ in Roquemaure, France.
One of the things that makes “O Holy Night” so special is its simple, yet profound lyrics. The opening verse expresses the longing of all humanity for a savior:
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by a star to Bethlehem this eve;
For His birth we long and watch and wait.
The second verse describes the moment when Jesus was born and the effect it had on those who witnessed it:
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
“Silent Night” by Franz Xaver Gruber
One of the most popular and well-known Christmas carols of all time, “Silent Night” was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr. The carol was first performed that same year on Christmas Eve in the Austrian village of Oberndorf bei Salzburg. Though it was originally sung in German, the carol has been translated into many different languages and is now a beloved Christmas tradition sung by people around the world.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our selections of the best classical Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit! If you have any other favorites, please share them with us in the comments below. Wishing you a very happy holiday season!
