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.