Cappella Mediterranea continues its exploration of the sacred repertoire with Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, composed in Leipzig in 1734. This cycle of six cantatas, recounting the episodes of the Nativity from the birth of Christ to the Adoration of the Magi, alternates between recitatives, arias and choruses, blending narration, meditation and collective choral participation in a spirit of light, joy and hope.
For this production, Cappella Mediterranea is joining forces with the prestigious Nederlands Kamerkoor. This collaboration brings together complementary artistic talents to perform a major work from the repertoire and will culminate in a European tour in the run-up to Christmas.
J.S. Bach, Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248-I to 248-VI — Composed in Leipzig in 1734
– Cantata n°1 « Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage » — Rejoice, be glad, and praise these days
– Cantata n°2 « Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend » — And there were shepherds in that very region
– Cantate n°3 « Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen » — Ruler of the Heavens, hear this stammering
– Cantate n°4 « Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben » — Fall with thanks, fall with praise
– Cantata n°5 « Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen » — Glory be to you, God, sung
– Cantata n°6 « Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben » — Lord, when the proud enemies snort
Leonardo García-Alarcón, conducting and harpsichord
Sophie Junker, soprano
Christopher Lowrey, countertenor
Valerio Contaldo, tenor
Andreas Wolf, bass
Cappella Mediterranea
Nederlands Kamerkoor, choir (20 singers)