University of Missouri Department of Music, the Christmas oratorio
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"To one familiar with the usual concept of the term "oratorio," the use of the word to describe Bach's Christmas music must seem 'peculiar. An oratorio is, technically, a dramatic poem, of a sacred or epic character, set for soloists, chorus and full orchestra, performed without staging or costumes, and presented in a single evening. In the Christmas Oratorio there is no dramatic and organically developed plot, but simply a reflective and contemplative retelling of the story of the birth of Jesus. The "Christmas Oratorio" is actually a collection of six cantatas written by Bach for the Christmas of 1734, and different from the other Christmas Cantatas of Bach in but one respect, that one mood runs through all of them. Together they tell the full story of the birth of Christ. Originally, these cantatas were given on the three days of Christmas, New Years day, the Sunday after New Years and Epiphany. Each of the six cantatas is a self-contained and complete work in itself. In 1733 Bach traveled to Dresden to petition for the title of Court Composer. To bring himself to the favorable attention of the ruling house, he performed a cantata-The Choice of Hercules, in honor of the Prince's eleventh birthday. About three months later, he brought out a new cantata-Sound, your Drums, in honor of the Queen's birthday. From these two secular Cantatas were taken for inclusion in the Christmas Oratorio a total of three choruses, seven arias, and one duet, with two choruses, three arias, and one trio probably borrowed from other unknown cantatas. It should be mentioned, however, that at least one Bach scholar, Terry, believes that the secular cantatas were borrowed from the "Christmas Oratorio." The form of the Oratorio is basically simple, the Evangelist tells each incident in recitative, and a succession of thoughts and reflections suggested by it are embodied in arias, chorales, and choral passages. This technique serves to direct the minds of the worshiper from the factual story of the birth of Jesus to the wider issues prefigured by it, and to its relationship with the Christian philosophy."--Annotations
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Part I: Christians, be joyful -- Now it came to pass in those days -- See now the Bridgegroom -- Prepare thyself, Zion -- How shall I fitly meet Thee -- And she brought forth her first-born Son -- For us to earth He cometh poor -- Who rightly can the love declare -- Mighty Lord, and King all-glorious -- Ah! dearest Jesus -- Part II: Pastorale Symphony -- And there were sheperds -- Break forth, O beauteous, heavenly light -- And the angel said to them -- What God to Abraham revealed -- Haste, ye shepherds -- And this is the sign to them -- What God to Abraham revealed -- Haste, ye shepherds -- And this is the sign to you -- Within yon, gloomy manger -- O haste ye, then -- Slumber, beloved -- And suddenly there was with the angel -- Glory to God in the highest -- 'Tis right that angels thus should sing -- With all Thy hosts -- Part III: Hear, King of angels -- And when the angels -- Let us even now go to Bethlehem -- He bids us comfort take -- The Lord hath all these wonders wrought -- Lord, Thy mercy -- And they came with haste -- Keep, O my spirit -- Yes, yes! my heart -- Thee with tender care -- And the shepherds returned -- Rejoice and sing -- Hear, King of angels