J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio 1-3 & 6

Master of all masters - What did Johann Sebastian Bach's contemporaries probably think when they heard the first bars of the Christmas Oratorio in the midst of the penitence, devotion and fasting that characterized the holidays at the time? The striking timpani beats, the trumpeting trumpet, that regally radiant D major? At the turn of the year 1734/35, the six parts of the oratorio were heard for the first time in Leipzig's main churches between December 25 and January 6. Little is known about the following years, but it seems that it was not until the 19th century that this absolute crown jewel of choral symphonic mastery was rediscovered. Today, it is difficult to imagine that this music could ever have been forgotten, as Bach's son Carl Philipp Emanuel's observation that his father's music had "higher intentions, it should not fill the ear but set the heart in motion" is all too understandable. Carried by the narrative of the Evangelist, the festive splendor of sound alternates with meditative pauses, filling the Christmas season not only with sound and splendor, but also with warmth and compassion.

With La Cetra, an internationally renowned original sound ensemble brings the cantatas of Jesus' birth to life. Born around 1999 from the early music academy of the Basel Schola Cantorum, the award-winning harpsichordist and conductor Andrea Marcon has been leading the baroque orchestra to ever new heights as artistic director since 2009. In 2012, the founding of the La Cetra Vokalensemble opened up completely new possibilities. Complemented by a hand-picked ensemble of young soloists, La Cetra celebrates a work of cultural history that marks the start of the Christmas season for many. Shout for joy, rejoice, praise the days!

Program:
J.S. Bach, Christmas Oratorio BWV 248, Cantatas 1-3 & 6

Robin Johannsen, soprano
Alex Potter, alto
Jakob Pilgram, tenor
Ben Kazez, bass
Andrea Marcon, conductor
La Cetra Barockorchester & Vokalensemble Basel

With the kind support of the Freunde und Förderer der Albert Konzerte e. V.V.

EUR 69,- / 59,- / 47,- / 35,- / 24,- incl. fees

La Cetra | Photo © Martin Chiang