Quirky Christmas Music for Your Opera
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Looking for something a little different to get you in the holiday spirit? Check out our list of the best quirky Christmas music for your opera! From traditional carols to modern pop songs, we’ve got something for everyone.
The Nutcracker- Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker is a ballet composed by Tchaikovsky. The libretto is by Marius Petipa and the score was completed in 1892. The ballet was first performed in December 1892.
The Nutcracker is about a young girl who dreams of a nutcracker that comes to life and takes her on a magical journey. The story has been adapted from several sources, including E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and Alexey Tolstoy’s 1844 play “The Tale of the Nutcracker”.
The ballet is one of the most popular ballets in the world and has become a holiday tradition in many countries. The music is among the most famous composed for ballet and has been used in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials.
The Messiah- Handel
The Messiah- Handel is one of the quirkiest Christmas music for your opera. It was written by George Frideric Handel in 1741. This piece of music is special because it was specifically written to be performed during the Christmas season. The Messiah- Handel is a great choice for your opera because it will add a touch of quirkiness to your performance.
The Snowman- Howard Blake
The Snowman is a British children’s book by Raymond Briggs, first published in 1978. It was adapted into a 1982 film of the same name and a stage show which has toured the UK several times. The song “Walking in the Air” from the film adaptation of The Snowman has been covered by many artists, most notably Aled Jones, who sang it when he was a boy soprano.
“The Snowman- Howard Blake” is a light-hearted and quirky Christmas song that is perfect for your opera. It tells the story of a snowman who comes to life and goes on an adventure with a young boy. The song has a catchy melody and is sure to get your audience engaged.
Amahl and the Night Visitors- Menotti
One of the most popular pieces of Christmas music is Amahl and the Night Visitors, composed by Gian Carlo Menotti. The opera tells the story of the Three Kings, who visit the home of a poor shepherd boy named Amahl. The boy is so moved by their kindness that he offers them his only possession, a small goldstatue of a donkey. This act of generosity changes his life forever.
The music is full of whimsical touches, including a xylophone solo for the star that guides the Three Kings to Bethlehem. It’s a fun, quirky piece that’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit!
The Christmas Rose- Engelbert Humperdinck
“The Christmas Rose” is a one-act opera by Engelbert Humperdinck, based on the fairy tale “The Elves and the Shoemaker” by the Brothers Grimm. It was first performed in Coburg on December 21, 1894. The story concerns two children, Elsie and Franz, who discover an old woman picking mushrooms in the forest. She is actually the Christkindl (Christ Child), who has come to earth to help a poor shoemaker. With her magic, she provides him with enough leather to make a beautiful pair of shoes. When he completes them, she takes them and leaves behind a rose as payment.
The little Match Girl- Poulenc
Poulenc’s “The little Match Girl” is a very short, very charming work, based on the Hans Christian Andersen story. It’s perfect for a school or amateur group, because it doesn’t require a huge orchestra, and the choral writing is not difficult. The piece was written in 1953, and is about 15 minutes long.
The Christmas Schooner- Robert J. Sherman
Robert J. Sherman’s “The Christmas Schooner” is a delightful, quirky little opera that is perfect for the holiday season. The story tells the tale of a captain and his crew who embark on a daring journey to deliver Christmas trees to homesick German immigrants in Chicago. The music is lively and fun, and the whole family will enjoy this unique take on a holiday classic.
The Gift of the Magi- Mark Camphouse
A touchingly beautiful and unique Christmas work, The Gift of the Magi sets O. Henry’s classic short story to music. Composed by Mark Camphouse, this one-act opera is perfect for audiences of all ages.
The opera tells the story of Jim and Della, a young couple who are deeply in love but struggling to make ends meet. In the spirit of Christmas, each decides to sell their most prized possession in order to buy a special gift for the other. However, the true gift of Christmas is not what either of them receives, but what they give to each other.
The Gift of the Magi is a heartwarming tale of love and sacrifice, set to gorgeous music that will stay with you long after the opera is over. If you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season, be sure to check out this charming work.
