Breitkopf & Hartel Christmas Oratorio BWV 248 - Bach - Piano/Vocal Score - Book

Author/Composer:

BACH, J.S.

Instrumentation:

VOCAL SCORE

Model #:

EB00013

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)
Editor: Gunter Raphael
Format: Book
Version: Piano/Vocal Score

For the composition of the Christmas Oratorio, Bach made use of the parody method - as he did in other large vocal works as well - that is, he drew upon previously written pieces (here primarily from the Congratulatory Cantatas BWV 213 and 214) and skilfully adapted them to the new text. It is likely that Bach began working on the music during the Advent period of 1734.

Besides the first performance which took place during the Christmas season 1734/35, it seems quite probable that other performances were held during Bach's lifetime, since the original, partly autographic performance material discloses traces of frequent use.