Composed in 1734, Bach's Christmas Oratorio consisted of six
cantatas which were performed in two different Leipzig churches
over the twelve days of Christmas. Each part covered one element
of the Christmas story, with the texts linked to the relevant
Lutheran Gospel reading for the day. Bach reworked three secular
cantatas (BWV 213-15) to provide a number of the movements.
The first part of the oratorio was performed in the
Thomaskirche on Christmas Day.
Normally sung in German, the Magnificat was sung in Latin only
at Christmas Day Vespers. Bach's extensive setting was written
for his first Christmas in Leipzig and is in the unusual key of
E flat major (most compositions with trumpets were in D major).
It also contained four extra movements (Interpolations) on
Christmas themes. Around 1728-30 Bach reworked the Magnificat
and it is this later version in D major which is heard here.
With two choirs at his disposal for the Christmas service, Bach
added the luxurious texture of five-part chorus
to a large and colourful orchestra.
Recorded in the BBC's Maida Vale Studios
October 1996
Playing time : 61'15" DDD
