YouTube Christmas Music: The Best Classical Tracks
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It’s that time of year again! Time to get into the holiday spirit with some of the best classical Christmas music tracks on YouTube.
The Best Classical Tracks for Christmas
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, music. There are so many great classical tracks that are perfect for the holiday season. In this article, we will share with you some of the best classical tracks for Christmas. Whether you are looking for something to help you get into the Christmas spirit or just want to relax and enjoy the holiday season, these tracks are sure to do the trick.
“Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
Believe it or not, “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert wasn’t originally written as a Christmas song. In 1825, the Austrian composer was commissioned to write a setting of the Latin prayer for voice and piano by the king of Naples. Schubert chose to use a preexisting melody for his composition, which many believe to be a 16th-century Italian folk song. The familiar melody paired with Schubert’s beautiful classical arrangement makes this one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
“The Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
“The Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is a set of eight pieces, composed in 1892, based on the stories “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and “The Tale of the Hard nut” by E. T. A. Hoffmann. The suite was originally choreographed by Lev Ivanov and premiered on December 18, 1892, at the Imperial Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The suite has become one of the most popular classical pieces ever written, and is often heard during the Christmas season. It has been arranged for various instruments and ensembles, and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
“The Messiah” by George Frideric Handel
One of the most famous pieces of classical music, “The Messiah” by George Frideric Handel has become synonymous with Christmas. This track is from Handel’s famous oratorio, which was first performed in 1742. The oratorio is based on the life of Jesus Christ and is full of beautiful melodies that have been enjoyed by audiences for centuries.
The Best Jazz Tracks for Christmas
It’s that time of year again when everyone is searching for the best Christmas music to get them into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for something a little different this year, why not try some jazz tracks? Here are some of the best jazz tracks for Christmas.
“White Christmas” by Duke Ellington
One of the most important names in Jazz history, Duke Ellington and his orchestra recorded “White Christmas” in November of 1961. It would appear on the album jazz versions of well known christmas songs entitled “The Nutcracker Suite”. Critic Scott Yanow would write that this album was, “one of the most unusual holiday albums ever released by a major jazz artist”. Indeed, this is one of the most innovative and boundary pushing tracks on our list.
“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
Few Christmas songs are as enduringly popular as “The Christmas Song,” written by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells and recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, but Cole’s version is still the definitive take on the tune. With its warm, intimate vocals and lush orchestrations, “The Christmas Song” perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra
ThisOne of the all-time greats, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra is a must-have for any holiday playlist. Sinatra’s voice is timeless and his rendition of this classic Christmas song is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
The Best Pop Tracks for Christmas
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, music. There are so many great Christmas tracks out there, but it can be hard to find the best ones. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best pop tracks for Christmas. From classics like “All I Want for Christmas is You” to more recent hits like “Last Christmas”, there’s something for everyone on this list.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
No Christmas music playlist is complete without Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” First released in 1994, this song has become a modern holiday classic. It’s upbeat, catchy, and sure to get even the biggest Grinch in the holiday spirit.
“Last Christmas” by Wham!
“Last Christmas” is a pop song by English duo Wham!, released on Epic Records in 1984. It was written and produced by George Michael, and has been covered by many artists since its original release. The song peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart in December 1984 and January 1985, becoming the first single to peak at number one on the chart in two separate chart runs. In 2009, the song re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number three, having sold more than 1 million copies in the United Kingdom. “Last Christmas” was written and produced by George Michael of Wham!. According to an interview with break-through English artiste Hollie Stephenson on ChristmasFM, “Last Christmas” is about unrequited love and despair during the holidays.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
One of the most popular and well-known Christmas songs, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in order to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The song was recorded by a supergroup of some of the biggest names in music at the time, including Bono, George Michael, Sting, and Phil Collins, and went on to become a massive hit worldwide. When it comes to Christmas music, it doesn’t get much more iconic than “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
