European Christmases. J.S. Bach. Christmas Oratorio

Traditionally, the festival concludes with baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach's "Christmas Oratorio," which has become an integral Christmas tradition in European concert halls and churches. Although the story of Christ's birth remains unchanged in content and the notes of the oratorio are easy to recall, Bach's monumental opus always fills listeners' hearts and minds with peaceful joy and sparkling delight. The good news has been received, and the soul exults!

Bach composed the oratorio around Christmas time in 1734 and conceived it to be performed over six evenings, from Christmas to Epiphany. Although Bach never once heard his masterpiece performed as a single concert, the sequences of the oratorio assembled by conductor Kaspars Putniņš will allow audiences to experience both the story of Christ's birth and the unique magic of Bach's music.

Featuring:

Katrīna Paula Felsberga, soprano

Doroteja Bīnerte (alto)

Florians Sīvers (Florian Sievers), tenor (Germany)

Rihards Millers, bass

Latvian Radio Choir

Sinfonietta Rīga

Conductor Kaspars Putniņš

Program

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) - "Christmas Oratorio" Parts 1, 4, and 3