Geza Oberfrank, the conductor, studied composition and conducting at the Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and has held conducting positions at the Hungarian State Opera and Komische Oper in Berlin.
Composer Biography
Johann Sebastian Bach, born in 1685 in Eisenach, lived and studied music with his elder brother in Ohrdruf from the age of ten after both his parents died.
Performer Biography
The Hungarian Radio Choir, established in 1950, has given first performances of specially written works and made guest appearances at festivals in Bayreuth, Edinburgh, and Salzburg.
Compositional Technique
The Christmas Oratorio makes considerable use of music originally composed for other purposes, yet the cycle was clearly conceived as a unified work.
Instruments
The Christmas Oratorio uses a four-part string orchestra, keyboard continuo, transverse flutes, various oboes (d'amore and da caccia), three natural trumpets, timpani, and two natural horns (corni da caccia).
Performer Biography
The Failoni Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1981 by members of the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and is named after distinguished Italian conductor Sergio Failoni.
Composition History
Bach's Christmas Oratorio consists of six cantatas, with the first part premiered at Christmas in 1734 in Leipzig at the Nikolaikirche and Thomaskirche.
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