Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's masterpieces with "The Bach Christmas Experience." Released on July 1, 2010, under Warner Classics International, this album is a celebration of Bach's profound musical genius, particularly his festive compositions. Spanning over two hours and thirty-three minutes, this collection offers a rich tapestry of classical and classical piano genres, showcasing Bach's unparalleled ability to blend sacred texts with intricate musical structures.
The album features a diverse array of works, including the majestic "Magnificat in D Major," the serene "Fuga sopra 'Meine Seele erhebet den Herren'," and the joyous "Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major." It also includes selections from Bach's renowned "Christmas Oratorio," a series of cantatas that narrate the story of Christmas with a blend of choral and orchestral brilliance. Notable pieces like "Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage" and "Großer Herr, o starker König" highlight Bach's ability to convey both the grandeur and intimacy of the Christmas story.
In addition to these well-known works, the album includes lesser-known gems such as "Das Orgel-Büchlein" and "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern," offering a comprehensive exploration of Bach's musical repertoire. The inclusion of "Ave Maria," arranged by Gounod and orchestrated by Pasatieri, adds a unique twist to the collection, blending Bach's timeless melodies with a touch of romanticism.
"The Bach Christmas Experience" is not just a compilation of Bach's works; it is a testament to his enduring influence and the timeless appeal of his music. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's music, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience. Let the sublime harmonies and intricate compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach fill your space and transport you to a world of musical excellence.
Bach, JS: Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: I. Chorus. "Magnificat anima mea Dominum"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Vienna Boys' Choir, Chorus Viennensis, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Fuga sopra "Meine Seele erhebet den Herren", BWV 733Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: II. Aria. "Et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Helrun Gardow, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: III. Aria. "Quia respexit humilitatem"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Hildegard Heichele, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: IV. Chorus. "Omnes generationes"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10: No. 1, Choral Fantasie. "Meine Seel erhebt den Herren"Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Leonhardt-Consort
Bach, JS: Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10: No. 5, Duett und Choral. "Er denket der Barmherzigkeit"Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt, Kurt Equiluz, Paul Esswood
Bach, JS: Das Orgel-Büchlein: No. 11, Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich, BWV 609Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, BWV 1: No. 1, Choral. "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Wie schön leuchtet uns der Morgenstern, BWV 739Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Dazu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes, BWV 40: No. 3, Chor. "Die Sünd macht Leid"Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt, Leonhardt-Consort
Bach, JS: Dazu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes, BWV 40: No. 4, Aria. "Höllische Schlange"Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt, Leonhardt-Consort
Bach, JS: In dulci jubilo, BWV 729Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Süsser Trost, mein Jesus kömmt, BWV 151: No. 1, Aria. "Süßer Trost, mein Jesus kömmt"Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt, Leonhardt-Consort, Sebastian Hennig
Bach, JS: Das Orgel-Büchlein: No. 10, In dulci jubilo, BWV 608Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Tritt auf die Glaubensbahn, BWV 152: No. 1, SinfoniaJohann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, BWV 110: No. 1, Chor. "Unser Mund sei voll Lachens"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Kurt Equiluz, Paul Esswood, Siegfried Lorenz, Wilhelm Wiedl, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major, BWV 1069: V. RéjouissanceJohann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Bach, JS: Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: No. 5, Rezitativ. "Doch wie erblickt es dich in deiner Krippe?"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Markus Huber, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: No. 6, Choral. "Lob, Ehr and Dank sei dir gesagt"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Tölzer Knabenchor, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Das Orgel-Büchlein: No. 14, Wir Christenleut, BWV 612Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: No. 5, Aria. "Was die Welt in sich hält"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Peter Jelosits, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: SanctusJohann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 1: No. 1, Chor. "Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 1: No. 8, Aria. "Großer Herr, o starker König"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Siegmund Nimsgern, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 10, SinfoniaJohann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 12, Choral. "Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 13, Rezitativ. "Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Kurt Equiluz, Soloist of the Wiener Sangerknaben, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 15, Aria. "Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Kurt Equiluz, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 18, Rezitaitv. "So geht denn hin"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Siegmund Nimsgern, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 19, Aria. "Schlafe, mein Liebster"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Paul Esswood, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 2: No. 23, Choral. "Wir singen dir in deinem Heer"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Das Orgel-Büchlein: No. 5, Puer natus in Bethlehem, BWV 603Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 3: No. 24, Chor. "Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 4: No. 41, Aria. "Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Kurt Equiluz, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Das Orgel-Büchlein: No. 8, Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, BWV 606Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 5: No. 43, Chor. "Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Das Orgel-Büchlein: No. 9, Vom Himmel kam der Engel schar, BWV 607Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Bach, JS: Gelobet seist su, Jesu Christ, BWV 91: No. 5, Aria. "Die Armut, so Gott auf sich nimmt"Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt, Detlef Bratschke, Leonhardt-Consort, Paul Esswood
Bach, JS: Das neugeborne Kindelein, BWV 122: No. 1, Chor. "Das neugeborne Kindelein"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Tölzer Knabenchor, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Das neugeborne Kindelein, BWV 122: No. 4, Aria und Choral. "Ist Gott versöhnt und unser Freund"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Kurt Equiluz, Markus Huber, Thomas Schilling, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Das Orgel-Büchlein: No. 12, Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 610Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman
Gounod & Bach / Orch. Pasatieri: Ave MariaCharles Gounod, Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas Hampson, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Bach: Musicalisches Gesang-Buch: O Jesulein Süss, BWV 493Johann Sebastian Bach, Edward Higginbottom, Choir of New College, Oxford