Bach’s Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: A Festive Musical Journey
Prepare to be transported to the Baroque era as the renowned Concentus Musicus Wien, under the direction of the legendary Nikolaus Harnoncourt, brings Johann Sebastian Bach’s magnificent Christmas Oratorio BWV 248 to life. This joyous performance, featuring the angelic voices of the Tölzer Knabenchor (Tölzer Boys’ Choir), takes place in the breathtaking Stiftskirche Waldhausen, a venue that resonates with history and spirituality — perfectly suited to this masterpiece.
The Christmas Oratorio: A Celebration of the Nativity
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio is a work of profound beauty and heartfelt devotion, composed to celebrate the Christmas season. Divided into six cantatas (this is the third in our series of six videos), it was originally performed over the festive period of 1734–1735 in Leipzig, accompanying key liturgical services from Christmas Day to Epiphany. Each cantata reflects a different scene of the Nativity story, from the angelic announcement to the shepherds, to the adoration of the Magi. Together, these sections form a narrative of faith, wonder, and hope, underscored by some of Bach’s most exquisite music.
The Christmas Oratorio is a testament to Bach’s genius in weaving together sacred themes with the jubilant spirit of the season. Its combination of soaring choruses, radiant arias, and lively instrumental passages conveys the awe and joy of Christmas, inviting listeners to share in its spiritual and emotional richness.
Cantata 3 of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio continues the Nativity story with a focus on rejoicing and trust in God’s divine plan. Performed on the Third Day of Christmas (December 27), this cantata bridges the joyful proclamation of Christ’s birth and humanity’s faithful response to the miracle of the Incarnation. It beautifully conveys themes of praise, devotion, and divine reassurance.
Religious Context
This cantata reflects on Luke 2:15–20, where the shepherds, having received the angelic announcement, decide to visit the Christ child in Bethlehem. Their journey symbolises an active faith — one that seeks to encounter the Saviour firsthand. The narrative also highlights the reverence of Mary, who treasures and ponders the events in her heart. This mixture of joyous celebration and quiet contemplation forms the spiritual backbone of Cantata 3.
Musical Composition
The cantata opens with the jubilant chorus “Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen” (Ruler of heaven, hear our stammering), a resounding call to praise. The music is dynamic and uplifting, featuring festive trumpets and timpani alongside the lively interplay of strings and voices. This exuberant opening sets a tone of thanksgiving and confident trust in God.
The tenor recitative “Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren” (And as the angels went from them to heaven) transitions the listener to the shepherds’ response, portrayed in the bass aria “Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem” (Let us now go to Bethlehem). Accompanied by pastoral oboes, this aria reflects the humble determination and excitement of the shepherds as they embark on their journey.
One of the highlights of Cantata 3 is the duet for soprano and bass, “Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen” (Lord, your compassion, your mercy). The interplay between the voices, accompanied by a delicately expressive obbligato oboe, conveys a sense of intimate devotion and gratitude. The cantata concludes with a harmonised chorale, “Seid froh dieweil” (Be joyful now), uniting performers and listeners in a shared expression of praise.
A Message of Trust and Devotion
Cantata 3 encapsulates the duality of joy and reflection that is central to the Christmas story. Bach masterfully combines lively, celebratory music with moments of quiet introspection, reflecting the shepherds’ journey of faith and the deep reverence of Mary.
The synergy between the performers results in an unforgettable musical experience. Concentus Musicus Wien, founded by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, is a pioneering ensemble in historical performance practice. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and authenticity, they bring Bach’s music to life with the instruments and techniques of his time, offering audiences a soundscape as close as possible to what 18th-century listeners might have experienced.
The Tölzer Knabenchor, celebrated worldwide for their crystalline vocal purity, provides the perfect complement to this period orchestra. Their youthful voices imbue the choral sections with an ethereal quality, evoking the heavenly message of the Nativity. Under the baton of Nikolaus Harnoncourt, a conductor renowned for his expressive depth and insightful interpretations, these musicians collaborate to create a performance that is both technically superb and emotionally profound.
