Classical Christmas Tunes To Get You In The Holiday Spirit

Despite the not-so-seasonal Christmastime weather, here is a list of holiday tunes to get you into the spirit! Some are popular pieces very much engrained in our culture, while others may be pieces you've never heard before.

1. The Nutcracker, by Pyotr Tchaikovsky:

Perhaps one of the most famous Christmastime works, The Nutcracker, a ballet, has entertained the young and old for over a century. Thanks to technology, we may now enjoy the work in its entirety from your computer screen - for free! Here are some excerpts to keep an ear out for: "Overture"; "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"; "Waltz of the Flowers"; "Chinese Dance" and "Arabian Dance".

2. Messiah, by G.F. Handel:

Written in just a span of about three weeks, Messiah is an oratorio (a large orchestral/choral work, usually with soloists, typically discussing a religious event). It contains the "Hallelujah Chorus", a very popular choral work performed by high school choirs, professionals and every type of ensemble in between.

3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, by Felix Mendelssohn:

This hymn, originally written by Charles Wesley (founder of the Methodist movement in Christianity) was reworked by renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn into the famous tune we recognize today.

4. Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 by J.S. Bach:

This ENORMOUS work was made to span about six days, representing different parts of the Christmas story. Just like Handel's Messiah, this piece is an oratorio. This particular performance uses Baroque period instruments, giving it a different, and perhaps more authentic sound than modern instruments provide.

5. Magnificat, BWV 243 by J.S. Bach:

Another masterpiece by Bach, this work is significantly shorter than his oratorio. This work features a chorus, orchestra and soloists, depicting the Immaculate Conception.

6. Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht by Franz Gruber:

A lesser-known composer on the list, Gruber composed one of the most recognizable Christmas tunes on Earth! It is originally in German, but within the first few seconds you should be able to recognize the melody as Silent Night.

7. Joy to the World, words by Issac Watts, arranged by Lowell Mason:

Used from perhaps a tune by Handel, Lowell Mason worked Issac Watt's words into what is now a Christmastime hit. There are a seemingly infinitesimal amount of recordings of this song, so I picked one with a little more "pep" than some!

[Side note: Lowell Mason was essentially the father of music education in America. Operating out of Boston, Mason promised religious leaders that if he could work with children in schools, teaching them how to sing, their choirs and congregations would start sounding better. What a very interesting way music education has entered into the curriculum of every student in the US!]

Hope you enjoy the list, have a happy and warm holiday!

For your listening pleasure we have made a classical Christmas playlist on our YouTube channel. Listen while you enjoy your holiday season!