Composed for celebrations from Christmas to Epiphany and first produced in Leipzig in 1734–35, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio unfolds movingly in a set of six cantatas unified by a single narrative recounting the birth of Christ. Traditional passages from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew are presented in recitative, interspersed with arias and choruses that provide powerful emotional and contemplative responses to the story.
Among the most famous segments of the Christmas Oratorio are the great opening chorus, «Jauchzet, frohlocket!» the beautiful pastoral Sinfonia, the bass aria «Grosser Herr, und starker König,» the alto aria «Schlafe, mein Liebster» and the closing chorus, «Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen.» This masterpiece of sacred music, for centuries a favorite of concert audiences and church congregations throughout the Christmas season, has been reproduced directly from the authoritative Bach-Gesellschaft edition published by Breitkopf & Härtel.

This handsome treasury features seven of the great composer’s most beloved and frequently performed cantatas. Selected from the authoritative Bach-Gesellschaft edition, these choral pieces constitute the master’s best works from his celebrated Leipzig period. Contents include:
No. 1, «Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern»
No. 6, «Bleib’ bei uns, denn es will Abend werden»
No. 19, «Es erhub sich ein Streit»
No. 46, «Schauet doch und sehet, ob irgend ein Schmerz sei»
No. 60, «O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort»
No. 65, «Sie werden aus Saba Alle kommen»
No. 79, «Gott, der Herr, ist Sonn’ und Schild»
For ease of interpretation, literal line-for-line English translations accompany the original German verse at the end of the volume. Reproduced from reliable, well-engraved printings and sturdily bound, this high-quality, moderately priced edition is the perfect vehicle for play or study. It is specially designed to open flat, and it offers the additional convenience of large, easy-to-read noteheads and spacious margins for notes and analysis.

Reprinted from the Bach-Gesellschaft, Leipzig, 1851–68 editions.

Vocal, Mixed choir, Orchestra