Johann Sebastian Bach performed his Christmas Oratorio during the festive season 1734/5 in Leipzig. It does not conform to the usual meaning of the word Oratorio in that it is not a single self-contained work but is split into six sections or cantatas for six different services between Christmas Day and Epiphany, indeed the soloists and instrumentalists employed are varied thus enforcing the view that Bach did not expect all six to be performed in one evening concert. There is the usual blend of choruses and chorales for the choir with arias and recitatives for the soloists with the Tenor also allocated the role of Evangelist.
This recording, featuring the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, together with soloists closely associated with the works of the composer and of international renown, took place in July and December 1976 in King’s College Chapel with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under the direction of the Sir Philip Ledger, the then College musical director
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Jauchzet, Frohlocket!
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Es Begab Sich Aber Zu Der Zeit
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Nun Wird Mein Liebster Bräutigam
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Bereite Dich, Zion
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Wie Soll Ich Dich Empfangen
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Und Sie Gebar
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Er Ist Auf Erden Kommen Arm
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Grosser Herr, O Starker König
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Ach Mein Herzliebes Jesulein
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 2: Sinfonia
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 2: Und Es Waren Hirten In Derselben Gegend
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 2: Brich An, Oh Schönes Morgenlicht
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 2: Und Der Engel Sprach Zu Ihnen
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 2: Was Gott Dem Abraham Verheissen
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 - Part 1: Jauchzet, Frohlocket!