The Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachtsoratorium), BWV 248, is a magnificent choral work composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Completed in 1734, it is a set of six cantatas intended for performance during the Christmas season. Each cantata corresponds to a specific feast day within the Christmas period. Here’s an overview of the structure and themes of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.
“Quem Pastores Laudavere” is a traditional German Christmas carol that has been cherished for centuries. The title translates to “Whom the Shepherds Praised” in English. The origins of “Quem Pastores…
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a well-known Christmas carol with its origins in medieval Latin hymns. It is a hymn of anticipation, longing for the coming of the Messiah.…
“Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659” is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is part of his larger collection of organ works, particularly those that involve…
This masterpiece, also known as “Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op. 6, No. 8,” holds a special place in the repertoire of Baroque music. Composed by Arcangelo Corelli around 1690,…
“We Three Kings,” also known as “Three Kings of Orient” or simply “The Quest of the Magi,” is a well-known Christmas carol that tells the story of the three Wise…
“What Sweeter Music” is a Christmas carol composed by British composer John Rutter. Rutter is known for his contributions to modern choral music, and “What Sweeter Music” is one of…
“The Holly and the Ivy” is a traditional English Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century. It celebrates the symbolism of holly and ivy in Christian traditions, where…
The popularity of “Gesù Bambino” extends beyond its initial composition, and it has been recorded and performed by numerous artists in various arrangements. The piece has become a holiday classic,…
The “Méditation” from Charles Gounod’s adaptation of J.S. Bach’s Prelude No. 1 in C major, BWV 846, commonly known as “Ave Maria,” is a well-known and beloved musical piece. Gounod…
“In Dulci Jubilo” is a traditional Christmas carol that originated in Germany in the Middle Ages. The title is often translated as “In Sweet Rejoicing” or “In Sweet Jubilation.” The…
Holst composed the music for this carol in 1906 as part of his collection of choral settings titled “Two Carols,” which also included “A Christmas Carol.” Holst’s musical setting of…
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Snowflakes” is a mesmerizing piece of classical music that captures the enchantment and beauty of winter. Originally composed for the ballet “The Nutcracker,” this…
“The First Noel” is a traditional Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century, possibly earlier. The exact origin of the song is unclear, but it is believed to…
“The Holly and the Ivy” is a traditional English Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century, although some sources suggest that it may have even earlier origins. The…
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is a Christmas carol with lyrics written by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem was initially composed on December 25, 1863,…
