Bach Choir of Bethlehem

The Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248

The so-called Christmas Oratorio is unusual for this genre. It is not a single large work, like Bach's other oratorios, but instead is really six cantatas which were performed at six different times between Christmas Day and the feast of Epiphany (traditionally, January 6). Each separate cantata uses different performing groups, emphasizing the idea that this is not one large work.

Although parts of the libretto are poetic, much of it is taken from the German translation of the Bible. Bach used portions of the Nativity story from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew in retelling the story.

The work divides as follows:

1. On the First Day of the Festival of Christmas
2. On the Second Day of the Festival of Christmas
3. On the Third Day of the Festival of Christmas
4. On New Year's Day (The Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord)
5. On the Sunday After New Year's
6. On the Feast of the Epiphany (traditionally, January 6)

1. On the First Day of the Festival of Christmas

announces the birth of Christ, and reflects on the Holy Child
scored for chorus; soprano, alto, tenor, and bass solos
orchestra includes 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, strings, and continuo (bassoon, cellos, string bass, and organ)
there are 9 movements in this cantata

2. On the Second Day of the Festival of Christmas

the angel appears to the shepherds in the field
scored for chorus; soprano, alto, tenor, and bass solos
orchestra includes 2 flutes, 2 oboes d'amore, 2 oboes da caccia, strings, continuo (cellos, string bass, and organ)
there are 14 movements in this cantata, beginning with an orchestral piece (called "sinfonia"). This is the only cantata among the six that starts with a piece for orchestra alone.

3. On the Third Day of the Festival of Christmas

the shepherds go to find Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus; the shepherds return to their fields, glorifying God
scored for chorus; soprano, alto, and bass solos
orchestra includes 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, strings, continuo (cellos, string bass, and organ)
there are 12 movements in this cantata

4. On New Year's Day (The Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord)

takes place eight days after Jesus was born; the celebration of His circumcision and naming
scored for chorus; soprano, tenor, and bass solos
orchestra includes 2 corni da caccia, 2 oboes, strings, continuo (cellos, string bass, and organ)
the shortest cantata of the six, it includes only 7 movements

5. On the Sunday after New Year's

3 Wise Men arrive from the East and speak to King Herod, inquiring about the Child
scored for chorus; soprano, alto, and tenor solos
orchestra includes 2 oboes d'amore, strings, continuo (cellos, string bass, and organ)
there are 11 movements in this cantata

6. On the Feast of the Epiphany (traditionally, January 6)

Herod sends the Wise Men away, asking that they return to him with information so that he too might go and worship "the King"; the Wise Men follow the star to lowly Bethlehem, and rejoice in finding the Child; they offer him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh; God warns them in a dream not to return to Herod and they return home by another route
scored for chorus; soprano and tenor solos
orchestra includes 3 trumpets, timpani, 2 oboes, strings, continuo (cellos, string bass, and organ)
there are 11 movements in this cantata.

The Christmas Oratorio was written in 1733 and 1734 and first performed in its entirety in the Christmas season of 1734-1735. At this time, Bach was in Leipzig.

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