Classical Music for Good Friday

Looking for some classical music to help set the tone for Good Friday? We’ve got you covered with a selection of our favorite pieces.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, and Black Friday.

The History of Good Friday

Until the fourth century, Christians in the West celebrated Easter on the first Sunday after Passover, which fell on different dates in different years. In 325, however, the Council of Nicaea decreed that Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday following the vernal equinox (the first day of spring). The council did not specify which spring equinox to use, however, and as a result, Easter continues to be celebrated on different dates in different churches.

In the West, most churches now use the Gregorian calendar to calculate the date of Easter, which falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or next following March 21. In Eastern Churches, however, Easter is often referred to as Pascha and is calculated using the Julian calendar. As a result, Easter can fall as early as March 22 (on the Gregorian calendar) or as late as April 25.

So what does all of this have to do with Good Friday? Well, because Christians in the West celebrate Easter on a Sunday, they needed to come up with a way to commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion and death during Lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter). And so they came up with Good Friday.

Good Friday is usually celebrated with somber ceremonies and church services. Many Christians take part in a three-hour service called “The Three Hours’ Agony,” which focuses on Jesus’ final three hours on the cross before his death. Others may choose to spend time reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice and what it means for their own lives.

The Meaning of Good Friday

Good Friday is a religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed by Christians around the world, and it is considered one of the most important days in the Christian calendar.

The meaning of Good Friday varies between Christians, but it typically revolves around the idea of redemption and forgiveness. For some Christians, Good Friday is a day of mourning and reflection, while for others it is a day of joy and celebration.

No matter what your personal beliefs may be, there is no doubt that Good Friday is an important day in the history of Christianity.

Classical Music for Good Friday

Easter is here, and what better way to get into the Easter spirit than by listening to some classical music? Classical music can often be seen as calm and relaxing, but it can also be powerful and thought-provoking.

Bach – “St. Matthew Passion”

Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” is a Good Friday tradition for many classical music lovers. The piece was written in 1727 and is based on the Gospel of Matthew. It tells the story of Jesus’ final days, leading up to his crucifixion. The work is divided into two parts, each consisting of several sections. Part I focuses on the events leading up to the crucifixion, while Part II covers the crucifixion itself and its aftermath.

Handel – “Messiah”

Orlando Gibbons: “The Cry of Jerusalem”

Performed by The Chapel Royal and conceived by Sir Henry Wotton, this motet for Good Friday features a setting of the biblical text from Luke 19:41-44. Wotton was a courtier, diplomat, and author during the reign of King James I, and he served as the English ambassador to Venice from 1604 to 1606. He is also remembered as a close friend of John Donne, the famous metaphysical poet.

George Frideric Handel: “Messiah”

One of the most well-known and beloved oratorios of all time, Messiah was composed in just 24 days by George Frideric Handel in 1741. A musical setting of the biblical texts relating to the life and Passion of Jesus Christ, it has been a mainstay of Good Friday concerts and services for centuries. This performance is by The English Concert and Choir under the direction of Trevor Pinnock.

Haydn – “The Seven Last Words of Christ”

On Good Friday in 1787, Haydn was approached by the German preacher Franziskus Mesmer, who asked him to set to music the “Seven Last Words of Christ.” Haydn agreed and composed a work for string quartet, which he later orchestrated for string orchestra. The work consists of seven slow movements, each based on one of Christ’s seven final utterances from the Cross:

1. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)
2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)
3. “Woman, behold your son…Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27)
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
5. “I thirst” (John 19:28)
6. “It is finished” (John 19:30)
7. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46)

Good Friday Resources

This year, Good Friday falls on April 10. Many Christians observe Good Friday as a day of mourning and prayer, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. If you’re looking for resources to help you observe Good Friday, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll share some of the best classical music for Good Friday.

Good Friday Hymns

1. “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
2. “Go to Dark Gethsemane”
3. “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?”
4. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
5. “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”
6. “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?”
7. “What Wondrous Love Is This?”
8. “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley”
9. “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”

Good Friday Prayers

As we enter into the commemoration of Good Friday, let us pray for all who are affected by violence and hatred in our world. Prayers for victims of terror, victims of war, and for all who suffer from the effects of sin. May they know the comfort and peace of God’s love.

Almighty and merciful Father,

We confess that we have sinned against you
In thought, word, and deed,
By what we have done,
And by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart;
We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

Good Friday Service Ideas

On Good Friday, Christians around the world commemorate the day of Christ’s crucifixion. Here are some classic pieces of music that are often performed on Good Friday, as well as some ideas for how to structure a Good Friday service.

Music for Good Friday
-Requiem by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
-Stabat Mater by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
-Seven Last Words of Christ by Haydn

Good Friday Service Structure
1.Opening Hymn: “O Cross of Christ, Salvete!”
2.Reading: John 19:1-16
3.Hymn: “The Old Rugged Cross”
4.Sermon
5.Hymn: “There Is a Green Hill Far Away”
6.Closing Hymn: “We Adore You, O Christ”