5 pieces of classical music for Christmas

Thu 7 Nov, 2024

Discover five great pieces of classical music to add some sparkle to your Christmas playlist.

1. The Nutcracker 🩰

(composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)

The Nutcracker shouts ‘It’s Christmas!’ louder than Noddy Holder. The beloved festive story starts on Christmas Eve as Clara’s toy nutcracker turns into a handsome prince. Together, they set off on an adventure to the Land of Sweets, meeting waltzing snowflakes, twirling toys and a Sugar Plum Fairy on the way. They just have to escape the Mouse King!

Whether you take a festive trip to the ballet or catch it in a TV ad or film, Tchaikovsky’s score is sure to add a sprinkle of magic to your Christmas.

2. Troika ❄

(composed by Sergei Prokofiev)

Sergei Prokofiev’s Troika whisks us away on a winter sleigh ride. Painting a picture of a traditional Russian three-horse sled journey, it’s the fourth movement of the composer’s Lieutenant Kijé, originally written for the film of the same name. You can’t help but feel a little festive when you hear its sleigh bells, racing strings and sparkling winds.

In 1977, British rock star Greg Lake cemented Troika as a Christmas classic, making it the centrepiece of his festive favourite I Believe in Father Christmas – another one for your playlist!

3. Messiah 🎶

(composed by George Frideric Handel)

Every year, classical music fans around the world make it a festive tradition to hear Handel’s beloved oratorio. Although not originally intended as a Christmas work, Handel’s Messiah has become synonymous with the festive season.

You’re sure to have heard the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, but if there’s a moment for your Christmas playlist, it’s ‘For Unto Us A Child Is Born’, announcing the birth of Christ.

4. Christmas Overture 🎄

(composed by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor)

If you’re a fan of a Christmas carol, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Christmas Overture is a musical gift for you. Arranged by Sydney Baynes several years after Coleridge-Taylor’s death, it features famous tunes like Good King Wenceslas, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, wrapped neatly into a five-minute-long festive treat. Pure Christmas cheer!

5. Christmas Oratorio 🌟

(composed by Johann Sebastian Bach)

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio is another seasonal staple for classical music fans. It was written as six cantatas, each to be performed on a different feast of the Christmas period. When all six are performed together, it forms a musical masterpiece, sharing the joy of the Christmas story through simply beautiful music.

Christmas Classics - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Christmas Classics

Saturday 14 December 2024, 3pm and 7.30pm

Join us at the Southbank Centre for a magical concert of festive cheer! Join in with your favourite seasonal songs and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Book tickets

Sign up to our mailing list

Sign up Arrow