Bach's original instruction for the opening chorus was 'Resound, ye drums! Ring out, ye trumpets!' before he changed it to 'Begin to sing with rejoicing and exaltation!'
Performer Biography
The Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, founded in 1946, has a worldwide reputation for its sound quality and versatility, performing everything from medieval motets to contemporary works.
Critical Reception
The Christmas Oratorio is considered Bach's most popular work, achieving an aesthetic ideal where both connoisseurs and non-connoisseurs can find satisfaction.
Composition History
Bach's Christmas Oratorio consists of six cantatas, performed between Christmas Day 1734 and Epiphany 1735, which were written during the Advent season of 1734.
Compositional Technique
Most of the Christmas Oratorio uses the 'parody technique,' where Bach adapted music from earlier compositions for new texts and contexts.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach was deeply versed in theology, owning 19 volumes of Luther's writings, which informed his musical interpretations of faith and his preference for juxtaposing Bible passages.
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