J.S. Bach – Christmas Oratorio

“Jauchzet, frohlocket!” For many people, the introductory trumpet and timpani sounds of the Christmas Oratorio are just as much a part of Christmas as the festive meal on Christmas Day.

Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous six cantatas are undoubtedly among the most popular and most commonly known works of music of all time. Written for the Thomanerchor Leipzig and performed for the first time between Christmas Day 1734 and Epiphany 1735 in St. Thomas Church and St. Nicholas’ Church in Leipzig under the direction of the Thomaskantor himself, this music has been an integral part of the choir’s calendar ever since. In 2018, under the direction of Bach‘s 17th successor Gotthold Schwarz, the Thomanerchor and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig continue this tradition with an internationally renowned ensemble of soloists.