Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's "The Angels of Christmas," a captivating collection of selections from his renowned Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248. Released on January 1, 1994, by Deutsche Grammophon, this album offers a serene and uplifting journey through the holiday season, featuring some of Bach's most beloved choral and instrumental works.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a testament to Bach's unparalleled mastery of classical music. It includes a carefully curated selection of pieces from the Christmas Oratorio, a series of six cantatas composed for the Christmas period. The album opens with the joyous chorus "Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage" and continues with a mix of arias, chorales, and recitatives that showcase Bach's profound musical expression and deep spiritual insight.
Highlights include the tender aria "Schlafe, mein Liebster, geniesse der Ruh," the triumphant chorus "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe," and the reflective aria "Flösst, mein Heiland, flösst dein Namen." Each piece is performed with exquisite precision and emotional depth, bringing to life the essence of the Christmas season.
Johann Sebastian Bach, born in Eisenach, Germany, in 1685, is one of the most influential composers in the history of Western music. His works, characterized by their complexity, depth, and beauty, continue to inspire and move audiences around the world. "The Angels of Christmas" is a wonderful introduction to Bach's sacred music, offering a glimpse into his genius and the enduring power of his compositions.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's works, this album is a perfect addition to your collection. Let the angelic voices and soaring melodies of "The Angels of Christmas" fill your home with the spirit of the season.
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 1: No. 1, Chorus. Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die TageJohann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 1: No. 4, Aria. Bereite dich, Zion, mit zärtlichen TriebenJohann Sebastian Bach, Christa Ludwig, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 1: No. 7, Chorale & Recit. Er ist auf Erden kommen arm – Wer will die Liebe recht erhöhnJohann Sebastian Bach, Franz Crass, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 1: No. 8, Aria. Großer Herr, o starker KönigJohann Sebastian Bach, Franz Crass, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 1: No. 9, Chorale. Ach mein herzliebes JesuleinJohann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 10, Sinfonia pastoraleJohann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 12, Chorale. Brich an, o schönes MorgenlichtJohann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 15, Aria. Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eiletJohann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Part Two - For the second Day of Christmas: No. 19 Aria (Alto): "Schlafe, mein Liebster, geniesse der Ruh"Johann Sebastian Bach, Christa Ludwig, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 21, Chorus. Ehre sei Gott in der HöheJohann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 4: No. 36, Chorus. Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit LobenJohann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 4: No. 38, Recit & Arioso. Immanuel, o süßes Wort! – Jesu, du mein liebstes LebenJohann Sebastian Bach, Franz Crass, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 4: No. 39, Aria. Flösst, mein Heiland, flösst dein NamenJohann Sebastian Bach, Gundula Janowitz, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 4: No. 41, Aria. Ich will nur dir zu Ehren lebenJohann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 6: No. 57, Aria. Nur ein Wink von seinen HändenJohann Sebastian Bach, Gundula Janowitz, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 6: No. 64, Chorale. Nun seid ihr wohl gerochenJohann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor