Great choral masterpiece long considered the noblest- most inspired musical treatment of the crucifixion of Christ. Scored for a vast ensemble of double chorus- soloists- double orchestra- and two organs. Reprinted from the definitive Breitkopf & Härtel edition.
First produced in Leipzig in 1734-35- Bach's Christmas Oratorio unfolds in a set of 6 cantatas unified by a Biblical narrative relating the story of the birth of Christ. This masterpiece of sacred music- for centuries a favorite throughout the Christmas season- has been reproduced from the authoritative Bach-Gesellschaft edition published by Breitkopf & Härtel.