Description
The “Christmas Oratorio” is one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most important works. Contrary to what the term “oratorio” might suggest, it is actually a series of six Christmas cantatas based on biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus—the Annunciation by the angel, the Adoration of the Shepherds, the Naming of Jesus, and the visit of the Wise Men from the East. Although each part was written for a specific Sunday or feast day during the Christmas season, together they form a unified whole. The work is often performed in two parts: Cantatas I–III and IV–VI.
This vocal score includes all six cantatas in a single volume. It is based on the Urtext of the New Bach Edition, edited by Alfred Dürr. The editor’s piano part is arranged to be easily playable, and the new engraving of the edition is modern, clear, and comfortable to read.
