For many of the 64 movements in his Christmas Oratorio, Bach reused music from earlier works, particularly his festive cantatas BWV 213, 214, and 215.
Performer Biography
The Thomanerchor Leipzig, also featured on this recording, has an 800-year history, and its most famous cantor was Johann Sebastian Bach, who held the post for 27 years.
Composition History
Bach's Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, is a cycle of six individual cantatas designed to be performed on six feast days over two weeks in Leipzig's St. Nicolai and St. Thomae churches in 1734/35.
Historical Context
The term "Oratorium" was introduced into the German language in 1704 by music scholar Christian Friedrich Hunold, after the genre had become established in Italy.
Compositional Technique
The Christmas Oratorio uses recurring melodies like "Herzlich tut mich verlangen" and "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her" to create unity across its six cantatas.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach's Christmas Oratorio captures everything associated with Christmas in sound, with its magnificent choirs exuding festivity and joyful glory.
Performer Biography
The Gewandhausorchester, featured on this recording, was founded by Leipzig merchants in 1743 and has a history spanning over 250 years.
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