Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's masterpiece, the Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248. Released on February 1, 2013, by Documents, this classical album is a profound exploration of the Christmas story, divided into six parts, each offering a unique blend of choral, orchestral, and solo vocal performances. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 34 minutes, providing a comprehensive journey through Bach's intricate compositions.
The Christmas Oratorio is not just a collection of songs but a narrative that unfolds through recitatives, arias, and chorales. It begins with the joyous chorus "Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage" and continues with a rich tapestry of musical expressions, including the hauntingly beautiful "Schlafe, mein Liebster, geniesse der Ruh" and the triumphant "Ehre sei Gott in der Hohe." Each part of the oratorio is a testament to Bach's genius, showcasing his ability to convey the deepest emotions and spiritual themes through music.
This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates classical music, offering a deep dive into the works of one of the most influential composers in history. Whether you are a seasoned Bach enthusiast or a newcomer to classical music, the Christmas Oratorio provides a rich and rewarding listening experience.
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Tracks
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Recitative: Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Recitative: Nun wird mein liebster Brautigam β¦ (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Aria: Bereite dich, Zion, mit zartlichen Trieben β¦ (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Chorale: Wie soll ich dich empfangen (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Recitative: Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Chorale and Recitative: Er ist auf Erden kommen arm, Wer will die Liebe recht erhohn β¦ (Soprano, Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Aria: Grosser Herr, o starker Konig β¦ (Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part I: Chorale: Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: SinfoniaJohann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Chorale: Brich an, o schones Morgenlicht β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen, Furchtet euch nicht β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Recitative: Was Gott dem Abraham verheissen β¦ (Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Aria: Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet β¦ (Tenor)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Und das habt zum Zeichen β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Chorale: Schaut hin, dort liegt im finstern Stall β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Recitative: So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten, geht β¦ (Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Aria: Schlafe, mein Liebster, geniesse der Ruh β¦ (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Ehre sei Gott in der Hohe β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Recitative: So recht, ihr Engel, jauchzt und singet β¦ (Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part II: Chorale: Wir singen dir in deinem Heer β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Herrscher des Himmels, erhore das Lallen β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Recitative: Er hat sein Volk getrost β¦ (Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Chorale: Dies hat er alles uns getan β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Aria (Duet): Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen β¦ (Soprano, Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Und sie kamen eilend β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Aria: Schliesse, mein Herze, dies selige Wunder β¦ (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Recitative: Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren β¦ (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Choral: Ich will dich mit Fleiss bewahren β¦ (Chrous)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um β¦ (Evangelist)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Choral: Seid froh dieweil, dass euer Heil β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part III: Chorus: Herrscher des Himmels, erhore das LallenJohann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part VI: Recitative (Quartet): Was will der Holle Schrekken nun β¦ (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248: Part VI: Choral: Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen β¦ (Chorus)Johann Sebastian Bach, Friederike Sailer, Erika Winkler, Fritz Wunderlich, Hannes Swedberg, Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, Willy Glas, Friedrich Milde, Hans-Peter Weber, Fritz Georg Langer, Rudolf Kromer, Helmut Reimann, Manfred Hug, Karl Gerok, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, August Langenbeck