J.S. BACH “CHRISTMAS ORATORIO” | FESTIVAL "EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS"
The Christmas Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach has become an integral part of Christmas celebration in European concert halls and cathedrals, just like the performances of his passions around the Easter time. Although the story of the birth of Jesus remains the same from year to year and the notes from the Oratorio come easily to mind, Bach's monumental opus never fails to fill the hearts and minds with joyful peace and sparkling rejoicing. Bach wrote the Oratorio around Christmas in 1734 and intended it for a six-night long performance – from Christmas to Epiphany. Bach himself never meant his opus to be performed as a single concert; nevertheless in conductor's Kaspars Putniņš arrangement the excerpts from the Oratorio will give the audience a chance to experience the story of Christ’s birth as well as the incomparable charm of Bach’s music.
Participants:
soloists (tba)
Sinfonietta Rīga
Latvian Radio Choir
Conductor Kaspars Putniņš
Programme:
Johann Sebastian Bach “Christmas Oratorio” (excerpts)
Photo: ©Gints Ozoliņš