Bach, J S: Christmas Oratorio, BWV248

As the Angel might have said: Herreweghe brings tidings of great joy. A joy that exudes a natural, unforced integrity and humanity; the music gently coaxed into intimate, expressive life. Some... — BBC Music Magazine, February 2014, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 4th Nov 2013
Catalogue No: 2059504
Label: EuroArts

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Dorothee Mields (soprano), Damien Guillon (countertenor), Thomas Hobbs (tenor), Peter Kooij (bass)
Collegium Vocale Gent
Philippe Herreweghe

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The Christmas Oratorio from Johann Sebastian Bach is the most famous Christmas work ever. The cantatas, written by Bach for the services from Christmas to the Epiphany, are now performed worldwide during the festive season.

This DVD contains an outstanding recording from the Salle Henry Le Bœuf in the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels in December 2012 with the internationally-renowned Bach expert Philippe Herreweghe, winner of the Bach-Medal, the Collegium Vocale and superb soloists Dorothee Mields, Damien Guillon, Thomas Hobbs, Peter Kooij.

Including all 6 cantatas and features subtitles in English, German, French and Japanese.

Picture format Blu-ray Disc: 1080i Full HD - 16:9

Sound format Blu-ray Disc: PCM Stereo, DTS-HD Master Audio

Region code: All (worldwide)

Subtitles: English, German, French, Japanese

Booklet notes: English, German, French

Running time: 153 min

German FSK: 0

Reviews

February 2014

As the Angel might have said: Herreweghe brings tidings of great joy. A joy that exudes a natural, unforced integrity and humanity; the music gently coaxed into intimate, expressive life. Some of the intimacy derives from the small forces...but it's mainly to do with the relaxed (though never sluggish) tempos...The solo team is outstanding.

January 2014

not only musically beguiling but also filmed intelligently...Mields sings with stylistic sureness and radiant personality...Few basses match Peter Kooij's experience in this repertoire: he conveys compassionate authority...Time and again, we see Herreweghe shrewdly direct with an emphasis on less being more

2nd December 2013

Herreweghe remains true to the standard in Bach performance which has developed since the 1970s: solo voices, a small choir and a small ensemble of period instruments. To date this recording is probably the best interpretation according to that standard. That is no mean achievement.

Bach, J S: Christmas Oratorio, BWV248

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