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Christmas Oratorio

12/25/2016

 
by Rebecca Cochran
 
The Christmas Oratorio (BWV 248) is unique. Rather than a single work, Bach wrote six separate cantatas to be performed between Christmas Day and Epiphany. Although each of the cantatas uses a different instrumentation, today, the piece is often performed as a whole or in two parts.
 
Bach performed the first cantata twice in Leipzig on December 25, 1734: early in the morning at St. Nicholas Church and, again, in the afternoon at St. Thomas Church. This part, describing the birth of Jesus, is scored for chorus and a festive instrumental ensemble consisting of three trumpets, timpani, two transverse flutes, two oboes, two oboes d’amore, two violins, viola and continuo!
 
Enjoy this stellar recording of Cantatas 1-3 with Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducting the Concentus Musicus Wien with Peter Schreier, tenor, Robert Holl, bass and soloists of the Tolzer Knabenchor.

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    My Year of Bach.

    This is an experiment.
    I love Bach: listening to Bach; playing Bach (alone or with others); discovering Bach; learning from Bach; sharing Bach.

    ​I need Bach in my daily life.

    ​So, for 2016, I'm challenging myself to write a short daily post about Bach. Come along for the ride, if you're so inclined. Let's listen, share and learn together!

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