Weihnachtsoratorium

About

Rejoice, exult: Bach wrote music for all church festivals—Easter, Christmas, and Ascension. It is hard to believe that his Christmas Oratorio—today inseparable from the season—fell into oblivion after its first performances and was only revived in the mid-19th century. For Christmastide 1734/35, the Thomaskantor composed the six-part oratorio, drawing on earlier compositions. As in the Passions, the Evangelist’s narration is framed by arias and choruses; we encounter angelic choirs, brilliant trumpets, and resounding timpani. The work blends contemplation with theatricality, moving between chamber-like dialogues and festive splendor. On the podium of the Essen Philharmonic, Riccardo Minasi—an authority in historically informed performance—leads the forces.