Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio is a collection of six cantatas composed specifically for the Christmas season.
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Cantata I: "Rejoice, rejoice, up, praise the days"
The first cantata tells the story of the birth of Jesus and the angels visiting the shepherds. It begins with a solemn opening chorus, followed by recitatives and arias reflecting the events and emotions of the Christmas story. The cantata ends with a festive chorus.
Cantata II: "And there were shepherds in the same region"
The second cantata focuses on the shepherds learning of Jesus' birth from the angels. She describes their reactions and their journey to the crib. The cantata contains both solo and choral passages and ends with a hymn to God.
Cantata III: "Lord of Heaven, hear the babble"
The third cantata is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. It begins with an energetic chorus and then contains solo recitatives and arias. A notable piece in this cantata is the famous "Schlafe, mein Liebster", a lullaby sung by a contralto.
These three cantatas form the beginning of the Christmas Oratorio and cover the period from the proclamation of the birth of Jesus to the visits of the shepherds. Each cantata has its own musical structure and tells part of the Christmas story.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Christmas Oratorio (Cantatas I-III)
With
Matilde Fratteggiani Bianchi, soprano
Dorothe Ingenfeld, Alt
Wolfgang Klose, tenor
Elias Benito Arranz, bass
Baroque Orchestra Aris & Aulis
Oratorio Choir of the Berlin Cathedral Choir
Domkantor Adrian Büttemeier, direction
Admission from 2.30 p.m.
