The day has come to write about a topic I love dearly, but one I have struggled to find new inspiration for over the years. I am always striving to discover new music — especially Christmas music — but the same old pieces keep resurfacing.
Either it is a new playlist full of the same songs played in every shop and on every radio station, or it is one of my old playlists that I have already listened to for several years and am, to be honest, completely tired of.
Then I realised there is at least one genre whose Christmas music I have never explored thoroughly: classical music. So here it is — a collection of Christmas-related music composed by some of the most well-known composers in history.
Johann Sebastian Bach – Christmas Oratorio
I am almost ashamed to admit that I had not listened to this before this year. As someone with experience listening to classical music — and as a former pianist — I thought Bach’s work would be quite familiar to me. Clearly, I was mistaken.
When I heard the opening of the Christmas Oratorio, I almost could not believe this was Bach — it sounded too joyful! For some reason, I always associate Bach with seriousness. Yet the melody is unmistakably his. The whole piece is astounding: dramatic, joyous, and full of everything that makes the Baroque period so wonderful.
As someone not particularly used to vocal classical works, this was a bit challenging — but definitely worth trying.
Antonio Vivaldi – Winter (from The Four Seasons)
Not a Christmas piece — I know. Still, this is an undeniable classic, and for a reason. The Four Seasons are approachable even for less experienced listeners, and that accessibility is part of what makes the music so powerful.
I very rarely gravitate towards violin music — my background as a pianist probably shows here — but some pieces simply cannot be ignored, and this is one of them.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker
Anyone who has seen the ballet understands immediately why this belongs on the list. Even those who do not know much about dance or music can sense the Christmas magic in the story.
What makes The Nutcracker especially great is that the music stands on its own without the dance. I admit that the storyline can be difficult to follow through music alone, but I can guarantee that this album will not leave you bored.
Franz Liszt – Christmas Tree
I was delighted to discover that Liszt composed Christmas music. Even though he is not my favourite composer, his extensive piano repertoire makes him a regular presence in my listening. My own piano journey never advanced far enough to play his works, but my preference for piano music remains — which makes this album a joy.
I was genuinely surprised by the simplicity of these pieces. Most of the Liszt I had heard before was overwhelmingly complex, so these gentle, song-like compositions were unexpected.
I would say these are an excellent alternative to traditional Christmas songs — you do not need to be a classical music enthusiast to enjoy them. Why not play them quietly in the background during Christmas dinner?
Camille Saint-Saëns – Oratorio de Noël
I must admit that I had mentally confined Saint-Saëns to childhood music lessons (The Carnival of the Animals was a staple). I assumed this was because I did not enjoy his work — but this piece proved me completely wrong.
This was one of the finest extended choral works I have heard. Perhaps it is the blend of traditional structure with a slightly more modern feel that makes it so effective.
The powerful choir in Op. 12 No. 10: Tollite Hostias in particular gave me shivers — unmistakably Christmassy.
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