Mon 15 Dec
J. S. Bach
Christmas Oratorio
8:30pm | St. Stephen’s Cathedral
‘Hallelujah, rejoice!’ - There is hardly a better way to get in the mood for the approaching Christmas festivities than J. S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio. The renowned original sound ensemble Barucco will take you on a musical journey through the joyful and moving Christmas story.
Bach's Christmas Oratorio is without doubt one of the most famous Christmas compositions of all time. Bach drew on the wealth of his earlier compositions, adapting text and melody to create an unforgettable work full of musical splendour and festive brilliance, full of grace and inner contemplation, whose charm is impossible to resist. The first three cantatas of the oratorio performed here were composed for the Christmas holidays. They describe the birth of Jesus Christ in the stable in Bethlehem, the adoration of the shepherds and the three wise men from the East.
The original sound orchestra and vocal ensemble Barucco under the direction of Heinz Ferlesch will perform the work in St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. As in Bach's time, the singers of Barucco step out of the ensemble for the solo parts, blurring the boundaries between choir and solos - an exciting performance practice of the 18th century. The vocal ensemble consists of distinguished soloists who combine vocal virtuosity, touching expressiveness and a deep understanding of historical performance practice.
Let Bach's top-quality music get you in the pre-Christmas mood. We look forward to your visit!
