Celebrate With Classical Holiday Music
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Yes, that’s right! It’s time for holiday music once again. So, parents and their babies can celebrate with great classical holiday music.
I hope to encourage you to check out these classical holiday selections and make them part of your holiday celebration this year. We certainly can use some extra music and beauty in our lives right now.
18th and 19th century classical composers wrote several of the most beloved holiday songs. They are staples on the holiday playlist.
There are also some beautiful classical holiday selections by 20th and 21st century composers that are worthy of more attention.
Listen to your holiday favorites with your baby. But, be sure to introduce and celebrate more recent holiday music with your baby as well.
While you are checking out this holiday music list, you might also be interested in the musical selections on Dr. Suzuki’s Special Playlist.
Great Holiday Hits From 1700-1800
“Winter” from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) starts our listening list. The music definitely gives you the feeling that a wild snowstorm is about to happen. But, the second and third movements are more calm. They remind you of the quietness of everything covered with snow.
Second on this list is “Joy to the World”. George Friedrich Handel (1650-1759) of Messiah fame wrote the words to this holiday favorite.
It is very popular during the holiday season, but many do not know that Handel wrote it. I hope you and your baby enjoy the Pentatonix’s upbeat offering of Handel’s “Joy to the World“. I think George would approve!
German Dance No. 3 (Sleigh Ride), written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) is next on our list. Listen for the sleigh bells Mozart added to the piece for a bit of holiday cheer. So, get ready for the fun music of a sleigh ride to celebrate the holiday with your baby!
Best Holiday Hits of the 19th Century
We start off the 19th century with “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”. It was written by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847). The melody was originally from a cantata he wrote. Charles Wesley wrote the lyrics.
Eventually others adapted the lyrics and paired them with Mendelssohn’s tune. That is the version we know today. I chose a simple acoustic version to keep it simple for your baby’s ears.
But, if you are so inclined, you might want to check out this version from the choir at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England for yourself while baby is napping.
Franz Liszt (1811-1886) wrote his “Christmas Tree” suite for his granddaughter. It is a piece for piano divided into twelve short movements.
You can easily listen to it a few movements at a time. Make sure to listen for some of the traditional carols woven into the music.
“Christmas Waltz” is from a set of pieces called The Seasons by Peter Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). Tchaikovsky is probably best known for the music he wrote for the ballet, “The Nutcracker”. But, “Christmas Waltz” is a short piece for piano that will delight you and your little one.
The Classical Holiday Hits Just Keep On Coming Into the 20th Century
The next two composers were born in the late 19th century. But, they mainly composed in the first half of the 20th century.
Ralph Vaughn Williams (1872-1958) composed Fantasia on Greensleeves. “Greensleeves” is a traditional English folk song written around 1580. Many are familiar with its connection to Christmas and New Years.
But, by 1865, the folk tune and different words were put together to create what we now know as “What Child Is This?”. Williams took the folk song, elaborated on it, and arranged it for orchestra.
Our next classical holiday tune has an interesting background. Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951) wrote “Weihnachtsmusik” (Christmas Music) for his family.
The interesting tidbit is: Schoenberg was Jewish, but he loved Christmas music! One of the instruments used is also interesting. He wrote it for two violins, cello, piano, and harmonium. This arrangement is so peaceful and might be good for baby’s nap time falling asleep music.
Next on the playlist is 4 Motets for Christmastime by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963). These four pieces are written for voices alone. They are at the same time reverent and joyful. You and your baby will find these Motets the perfect music for holiday celebrating!
What Classical Holiday Music Will We Like in the 21st Century
There are certainly more, but there are two living composers to share with you in this post. The first is American composer, Morten Lauridsen. The second is English composer, John Rutter.
“O Magnum Mysterium” is one the choral works of Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943). It is one of his sacred motets. The simple writing makes it another perfect classical holiday piece that warms the heart. It would be the perfect music to relax baby and you.
Finally, I would recommend having the John Rutter Christmas Album. The title says it all. John Rutter (b. 1945) has composed an incredible list of contemporary classical holiday music.
The melodies, harmonies, and texts are engaging and inspiring. If you are interested in introducing your baby to contemporary classical holiday music, this is your all-in-one choice.
Happy Classical Holiday Music Listening To You!
I hope you will add some of these selections to your classical holiday playlist. Listen to them everyday so that they become familiar to your baby and you.
Most of all, there is a certain comfort to be found in the music of this holiday. Listening can help relieve the stress of holiday preparations.
This year, oddly enough, there is even stress because it is not wise to celebrate together due to the pandemic. Also, remember that your baby can feels your stress and reacts to it.
So, use music to help calm their little bodies and minds. I hope the music of the season will bring you the peace we all crave right now.
On the “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey” with you,
Susan
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Comments and questions are always welcome. Do you have a new or old favorite on this list? Do you have other suggestions for classical holiday listening? Please Share them with us in the Comments box below.
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