One of the hardest things about Christmas is trying to select the right holiday-themed song to listen to. Fortunately there’s a lot of help online for those of us who aren’t very decisive.
There are sites telling hipsters what to do. There are traditional opinion makers telling purists what to do. And there are sites that recommend “Good-old” Christmas songs to anyone who will listen. What about classical offerings though? If you’re like us, there’s nothing better than classical renditions of holiday tunes. Which is exactly why we’ve created a list of our top five favorites. Check out our list below:
1. Franz Gruber’s Stille Nacht, heilige Nach (“Silent night, holy night”)
This beautiful version is by Dutch violinist André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra.
2. Arcangelo Corelli’s “Christmas” Concerto Grosso Op.6 No.8 (“Fatto per la Notte di Natale”)
Hauntingly performed by the Rancho Alamitos Chamber Orchestra, this rendition of a Corelli classic will impress any music fan.
3. George Frideric Handel’s Messiah (on Baroque instruments!)
This is a mesmerizing take on Handel’s Messiah HWV 56 – Overture performed by St. Michael’s Chapel Baroque Orchestra in Slovakia.
4. Johann Sebastian Bach’s (entire!) Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
This one needs to be listened to in its entirety to truly appreciate its magnificence. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be blown away.
5. Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Op.71a (“Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy”)
By far one of the best renditions of this much-loved tune “Overture Miniature: Allegro Giusto” (it’s transcribed for two pianos by Nicolas Economou and performed by piano greats Martha Argerich and Nicolas Economou). Best of all, this version allows you to experience Tchaikovsky’s musical prowess.
And there you have it, our five favorite holiday-themed classical songs. Disagree? Tell us what you would add to the list via our Facebook page!