Even though Classical Music Month is in September, it does not mean we can’t stop learning or getting to know all of the wonderful pieces of classical religious music out there. After doing a little personal research, I found out that most pieces composed were actually written in or for the Church. In fact, quite a few composers were either Catholic, Lutheran or somewhere else on the Christian religious spectrum.
What I found fascinating was the fact that some of the pieces I would hear while listening or watching the Catholic Masses from the Vatican on TV during the Advent and Lenten season are more famous than I assumed. So when I would listen to a piece of a music, I actually recognized a few based on the first few notes. It was actually pretty cool putting a name to a sound.
On the Internet, there are loads of lists of famous classical if not famous classical religious music to listen to. So, while going through the various lists online, it took me a bit of time to figure out not only my favorite pieces of music, but I also discovered other pieces that really touched my soul. So, I decided not to create a list of recommended classical pieces out there, but those pieces that I have a personal connection to.
Caccini/Vavilov – Ave Maria
This beautiful piece of music is one that I’m learning how to sing right now in my church choir for the Catholic month of the Holy Rosary. It’s one thing listening to it, but singing it is a different story. I found it to not only be easy to learn but also very easy to sing in my vocal range. Once I learned about this tune and how to sing it, I became pretty excited because this was my first time to learn this classical piece.
Handel’s Messiah
I wrote about this piece called Handel’s Messiah – a true religious classic in a previous Patheos article. This is the cream of the crop when it comes to choral music, especially at the end with the Hallelujah Chorus. It’s complicated, complex, and very celebratory. If your church choir is not or has not learned this piece, believe me, they will in the future.
Pachelbel – Canon in D
This is one of my favorite pieces of instrumental classical music. It’s very melodic with a steady rhythm. Whenever I hear this piece I think of one of a couple of things: a meditation or a wedding. It starts off so calm and quiet and just builds with the steady rhythm behind it and then it just keeps building. One wonders what this would sound like if words were added to it because it literally sounds like the instruments are singing to you.
Tchaikovsky – Hymn of the Cherubim
This piece is one of my recent discoveries. I have always loved Tchaikovsky’s music pieces from The Nutcracker Suite and even Sleeping Beauty. However, this piece takes his music to a whole different level. Those who are into the gothic culture or the aesthetic of it will fall in love with this piece instantly. I think that’s why it hit me as hard as it did. It’s like something I would hear during a grand funeral scene of a movie. And trust me when I say that when you listen to this, you will get chills.
C C. Franck– Panis Angelicus
The first time I ever heard this piece was when Luciano Pavarotti performed it on his Christmas special from the Church of Notre Dame in Montreal (which you can find on YouTube or below in this article). No matter who puts their voice to it, this piece is truly heavenly. Even Andre Bocelli (as seen in the video above) puts a nice touch to this piece. It’s another great choral piece.
Johann Sebastian Bach-Air on G String
This is another piece of instrumental music that I automatically think of various ceremonies. Mostly for weddings. However, I’ve even seen it listed as a piece to play at funerals. I’m not sure about the funeral aspect to it, however if the dearly departed liked their classical and this was one of their favorites, I could see it happening.
R. Vaughan Williams – Alleluia
This song I know all too well. It’s a classic for an Easter Mass for any church denomination. Many congregants and choirs sing this one. I know my church choir has sung this a time or two. It’s very uplifting to sing if no listen to.
Magnificat (Gregorian Chant in Latin) – Canticle of Mary Lk 1, 46-55
Pange Lingua – Divine Gregorian Chant – Eucharistic Hymn
Why not go back to back with another Gregorian chant classic. Patrick Lenk who created this piece is well-known in the music world for creating ambient and soundtrack music for films, games, and more. He did a wonderful job respecting the tradition while adding a twist of the modern. What makes this version (as posted above) unique is it’s presentation. It’s not just a chant without music. It’s a chant with a new age edge to it. It not only makes it more meditative but you can really feel the depth of each word with the a accompaniment.
Ave Maria – Schubert
I started my list with an Ave Maria and now I’m going to end it with one. This time the most famous Ave Maria out there. It’s a classic go-to meditation song for funerals, Christmas concerts and the like. Whenever I hear this song, especially at a funeral, I will almost always tear up. I also wanted to add make sure the great Luciano Pavarotti was mentioned again. As stated before, and thanks to his Christmas special, I was also introduced to this song.
In fact, since I have talked about it and recommended it twice, why not just link you to it below as a little honorable mention that also features other religious as well as Christmas classics.
So what was your favorite from my list? Do you agree with my choices? Do you have any pieces you like to recommend that you have a personal connection to? Please comment below.
About Susan:
Susan is a fan of music and culture and kind of considers herself that way. To get to know a little more about her, as well as future updates, you can find her at the links below:
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