Season’s greetings, music lovers! As the festive spirit fills the air, Busy Kids Love Music brings you a special treat in Episode 59 – a closer look at J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Amidst the sea of holiday classics, this Baroque masterpiece might be a hidden gem for some, and I’m here to unwrap its musical brilliance.
Step into the enchanting world of 1734, where Bach, serving as the music director for two Leipzig churches, gifted the world with a six-part musical tapestry – the Christmas Oratorio. In this episode, we explore the intricacies of this Baroque treasure, immersing ourselves in the joyous sounds of the season.
The Christmas Oratorio is a unique creation, composed to align with the liturgical calendar of Germany during that era. Running from December 25th to January 6th, each of the six parts corresponds to one of the feast days within the 12 days of Christmas. Bach’s masterful composition guides us through the religious significance of each day, offering a musical journey that resonates with the spirit of the season.
But before we delve into the auditory delights of the Christmas Oratorio, let’s brush up on our musical vocabulary. An oratorio, a term we’ve encountered before with Handel’s Messiah, is a grand musical work written for orchestra and voices, typically based on a religious text. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio stands as a testament to the expressive power of this form, capturing the essence of the holiday season in every note.
Join me in this festive episode as we unwrap the layers of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, savoring beautiful excerpts that capture the magic of the holiday season. Whether you’re a Bach aficionado or a newcomer to Baroque brilliance, this episode promises to be a delightful musical journey that adds a touch of classical magic to your holiday celebrations.
Link Mentioned in this Episode
Episode 28: The Life of J.S. Bach
Musical Samples You’ll Hear in this Episode:
Bach: Christmas Oratorio I – 1. Jauchzet, frohlocket – Koopman
BWV 248 – Christmas Oratorio – Part 2 of 6
Bach: Christmas Oratorio (Part IV), BWV 248 (Kuijken)
BWV 248 – Christmas Oratorio – Part 6 of 6
Music Listening Schedule for Episode 59
I’ve created a YouTube playlist for you with music from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Check it out here.
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