“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” is a Christmas carol that was written by American pastor and poet Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849. The carol is set to music composed by Richard Storrs Willis, and it was first published in the “Christian Register” in Boston in December 1850. The lyrics of the carol reflect themes of peace and the message of the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Up on the House Top” is a popular Christmas song that was written by Benjamin Hanby in the 19th century. It’s a cheerful and catchy tune that tells the story of Santa Claus and his reindeer landing on the rooftop to deliver presents to children.
“Gabriel’s Message” is a Christmas carol based on the biblical story of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel delivers the message to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The carol is also known as “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” “Gabriel’s Message” is a piece that accommodates a range of …
“December: Christmas” is the twelfth and final piece in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s collection “The Seasons.” This piece is a musical representation of the Christmas holiday, capturing the festive and joyous atmosphere associated with this time of the year. Tchaikovsky incorporates traditional Christmas themes into the composition, creating a musical portrayal of the joy, warmth, and camaraderie associated with Christmas celebrations.
“O Heilige Nacht” is the German translation of the Christmas carol “O Holy Night,” which was composed by Adolphe Adam. This piece is part of Weihnachtsbaum which is a suite of 12 pieces written by Franz Liszt in 1873–1876. The original version of “O Holy Night” is already a challenging piece for pianists due to its wide-ranging melodies and emotive content. Liszt’s arrangement …
“Christmas Postlude,” is a musical composition often played on the organ in churches during the Christmas season. The title “Sit Laus Plena Sit Sonora” is Latin and can be translated as “Let there be full praise, let there be sound.” This suggests that the composition is intended to be a celebratory and joyful piece of music appropriate for the Christmas …
The Ave Maria is a traditional Catholic prayer that is a tribute to the Virgin Mary. It’s based on the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus. There have been various musical compositions set to the words of the Ave Maria, with one of the most famous being composed by …
Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Oratorio de Noël,” also known as his Christmas Oratorio, Op. 12, is a splendid and spiritually evocative composition. Written in 1858, this oratorio reflects Saint-Saëns’ mastery in blending sacred and festive elements. The piano rendition of Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio Op. 12 demands a pianist with an intermediate to advanced skill level. The piece presents challenges in terms of …
“From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” is a Christmas hymn with lyrics attributed to Martin Luther. Luther wrote this hymn in the early 16th century, and it has since become a cherished part of the Christmas musical tradition. The hymn narrates the story of the Nativity, with an emphasis on the humility and divine purpose of Jesus’ birth. It …
“Once in Royal David’s City” is a popular Christmas carol that is often sung during the Christmas season. It was written by the English poet Cecil Frances Alexander and was first published in 1848. The hymn is typically sung to the tune “Irby,” which was composed by Henry John Gauntlett.
“Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659” is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is part of his larger collection of organ works, particularly those that involve chorale settings. The title translates to “Now come, Savior of the Gentiles” in English. This chorale prelude is based on the hymn “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,” which is attributed …
“Twas in the Moon of Wintertime,” also known as “Huron Carol,” is a traditional Christmas hymn that originated from the Huron people of Canada. The lyrics were written by Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary, in the Huron-Wendat language. The melody is believed to be a French folk tune. The song beautifully depicts the Nativity story with a unique cultural …
Bach’s “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” BWV 191, is a separate and shorter work compared to the larger Mass in B minor. It is a sacred choral composition, and it consists of the Gloria section of the Latin Mass.
“Here Comes Santa Claus” was written by Gene Autry, the famous American singer, actor, and cowboy entertainer, along with Oakley Haldeman. Autry recorded and released the song in 1947. Playing “Here Comes Santa Claus” on the piano can be done using standard chords and the lively melody. It’s a cheerful and upbeat song that’s perfect for spreading holiday joy and …
The word “mirliton” refers to a toy kazoo-like instrument made from a paper tube and waxed paper, which produces a buzzing sound. The French translation aptly captures the lighthearted and playful nature of the music and choreography in this part of Tchaikovsky’s ballet classic, The Nutcracker. The music is characterized by its high-pitched, staccato notes, which mimic the sound of mirlitons.
“Jingle Bells” is one of the most well-known and beloved Christmas songs worldwide. It was written by James Lord Pierpont and published under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh” in 1857.
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