Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Gardiner

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
This isn't an oratorio in the Handelian sense, but a series of cantatas for various days from Christmas to Epiphany. Bach's music is loaded with treats: an echo aria for soprano and oboe; a "pastoral" sinfonia; bravura arias for tenor with flute and bass with trumpet; a giddy soprano-bass duet; a transporting lullaby for alto. Then there are the choruses, featuring the Monteverdi Choir at their best: exuberant full-orchestra choruses in parts one and three; a lilting triple-time chorus with horns in part four; the joyful skittering chorus in part five; and the triumphant opening and closing of part six (with spectacular trumpet solos). John Eliot Gardiner's direction is vigorous; the soloists, the best group you'll find on CD, include a terrific young Anne Sofie von Otter. --Matthew Westphal

Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Gardiner, Music, Johann Sebastian Bach, John Eliot Gardiner, Nancy Argenta, Olaf Bär, Hans Peter Blochwitz, Alison Bury, Lisa Beznosiuk, Valerie Darke, Valerie Botwright, Choral, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Classical, Oratorio, Xmas Classical Vocal
Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Gardiner
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A treasured part of a music library
  • Gardiner does it again
  • an essential part of my yearly Christmas experience
  • Speed or glory?
  • Success of Recording Owes More to Performers than Gardiner
 Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Gardiner
John Eliot Gardiner , Nancy Argenta , Olaf Bär , Hans Peter Blochwitz , Alison Bury , Lisa Beznosiuk , Valerie Darke , and Valerie Botwright
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Otter, Anne Sophie vonOtter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Christmas Cantatas
  2. Bach: Magnificat, BWV. 243; Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen
  3. Bach - Mass in B minor / Argenta, Nichols, Chance, Stafford, Milner, W. Evans, Gardiner
  4. Bach: St. John Passion / Gardiner, The English Baroque Soloists
  5. Bach: St. Matthew Passion / Rolfe Johnson, Bonney, von Otter, Chance, Crook; Gardiner

ASIN: B0000057D5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Coro
  2. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Evangelista
  3. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Recitativo
  4. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Aria
  5. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Choral
  6. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Evangelista
  7. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Choral - Recitativo
  8. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Aria
  9. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part One - For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Choral
  10. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Sinfonia
  11. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Evangelista
  12. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Choral
  13. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Evangelista - Angelus
  14. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Recitativo
  15. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Aria
  16. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Evangelista
  17. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Choral
  18. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Recitativo
  19. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Aria
  20. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Evangelista
  21. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Coro
  22. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Recitativo
  23. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Two - For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Choral
  24. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Coro
  25. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Evangelista
  26. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Coro
  27. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Recitativo
  28. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Choral
  29. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Duetto
  30. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Evangelista
  31. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Aria
  32. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Recitativo
  33. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Choral
  34. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Evangelista
  35. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Choral
  36. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Three - For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: Coro de capo

Tracks:

  1. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - For The Feast Of The Circumcision: Coro
  2. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - For The Feast Of The Circumcision: Evangelista: Und da acht Tage um waren
  3. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - For The Feast Of The Circumcision: Recitative (Basso): Immanuel, o susses Wort; Arioso (Soprani, Basso): Jeu, du mein liebstes Leben
  4. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - For The Feast Of The Circumcision: Aria (Soprano, Echo Soprano): Flosst, mein Heiland, flosst dein Namen
  5. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - For The Feast Of The Circumcision: Recitative - Choral
  6. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - For The Feast Of The Circumcision: Aria
  7. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Four - For The Feast Of The Circumcision: Choral
  8. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Coro
  9. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Evangelista
  10. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Coro - Recitativo
  11. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Choral
  12. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Aria
  13. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Evangelista
  14. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Recitativo
  15. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Evangelista
  16. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Terzetto
  17. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Recitativo
  18. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Five - For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: Choral
  19. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Coro
  20. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Evangelista - Herodes
  21. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Recitativo
  22. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Aria
  23. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Evangelista
  24. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Choral
  25. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Evangelista
  26. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Recitativo
  27. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Aria
  28. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Recitativo - Schrecken
  29. Christmas Oratorio BWV 248: Part Six - For The Feast Of Epiphany: Choral

Amazon.com essential recording

This isn't an oratorio in the Handelian sense, but a series of cantatas for various days from Christmas to Epiphany. Bach's music is loaded with treats: an echo aria for soprano and oboe; a "pastoral" sinfonia; bravura arias for tenor with flute and bass with trumpet; a giddy soprano-bass duet; a transporting lullaby for alto. Then there are the choruses, featuring the Monteverdi Choir at their best: exuberant full-orchestra choruses in parts one and three; a lilting triple-time chorus with horns in part four; the joyful skittering chorus in part five; and the triumphant opening and closing of part six (with spectacular trumpet solos). John Eliot Gardiner's direction is vigorous; the soloists, the best group you'll find on CD, include a terrific young Anne Sofie von Otter. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A treasured part of a music library.......2006-12-22

The Monteverdi Choir delivers, as it usually does, in the big choral numbers. The soloists are all top-notch ("Bereitet dich Zion" so well executed). Always a pleasure to come back to again and again.

5 out of 5 stars Gardiner does it again.......2006-01-30

Once again I have purchased a Gardiner disk based on his reputation only, and have been completely satisfied. I love Bach and I enjoy Gardiner's interpretations, so how could I go wrong. The choir and orchestra maintain the energy and intensity throughout the entire recording. I was particularly impressed with mezzo-soprano Anne Sophie von Otter and soprano Nancy Argenta. Both are favourites of Gardiner (see his recordings of Bach's St. Matthew Passion and B minor Mass) and are fast becoming favourites of mine.
Some reviews have trashed Gardiners expression and tempo, but I think the spirit of Bach is captured beautifully with this recording.

5 out of 5 stars an essential part of my yearly Christmas experience.......2005-12-05

It surprises me that a number of people here have given this splendid recording negative reviews, but that is , I guess, proof that people's tastes and expectations are different.

What I expect from any Bach performance by (Sir) John Eliot are forward-moving tempi when they need to move forward. Natural tempi in the slower music, always allowing the singers to breathe and phrase easily. I expect crisp, energetic articulation and immaculate intonation from the chorus, and snappy, alive playing from the orchestra. I also expect from Sir John a deep experience of what makes Bach's choral music "tick", what makes it sound best. I get all this in spades from this recording of this most delightful music. Additionally, I get an excellent group of soloists, one of whom, von Otter, is completely splendid.

Add to this an ideal sound balance in Archiv's terrific engineering, a most beautiful cover and a good price, what more can one ask for? Merry Christmas!

3 out of 5 stars Speed or glory?.......2005-09-19

I really love Gardiner's Missa Solemnis (Beethoven) and his Nozze di Figaro, but when it comes to Bach he seems to suffer under some dogma on how the music should be played. I never get used to these short of breath rhythms, frantic tempos, although I find this version not less agreeable than Harnoncourt, Jacobs or Suzuki. In our time, baroque music is played faster and faster and sounds more and more like rock music, excused by original instruments and so-called historical information. Now and then Gardiners musicality wins over his dogmatism on Bach, and the music sounds nice, but these instances are unfortunately too rare on this recording. When will it be understood that the spirit of the baroque era was taking courtly elegance and dignity for granted? If you listen to Gardiner's Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen (Let your glory be sung out, oh God), you may understand what I mean; which glory for the Lord can it be at that speed? I don't think Bach was in such a hurry; I don't think people of the baroque era felt glory as a matter of speed; that is rather the spirit of our rock & rap days; when it comes to speed Gardiner wins the race. I agree with some reviewers below, that Richter made a great interpretation of this Christmas oratorio, but I consider Jochum's version from 1973 (out of print) even better.

5 out of 5 stars Success of Recording Owes More to Performers than Gardiner.......2004-12-10

John Elliot Gardiner's work is usually impressive, but relies heavily on the quality of the musicians performing with him. The English Baroque Soloists with the Monteverdi Choir could arguably be the finest baroque ensemble anywhere. That doesn't go without mentioning Collegium Vocale Gent and Pilippe Herreweghe, who are equally impressive. Given the date of the recording (1987) and the development of early music performance practice at that time, Gardiner's interpretation is well within the historical context of Bach's music.

The balance between the choir and the orchestra and individualy within themselves is quite remarkable. The modest size of the choir blended with the authentic period instruments played by the orchestra create a crisp ensemble sound resulting in a refreshing contrast from other heavily orchestrated and muddier versions. Additional highlights include the accurate and inspiring interpretations by the soloists, especially by the young soprano Anne Sophie von Otter and bass Olaf Bar.
Bach: Sacred Vocal Works
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Bargain price for the best of the best!
 Bach: Sacred Vocal Works

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)
  2. The Penguin Companion to Classical Music
  3. Purcell: Odes for St. Cecilia's Day - Music for Queen Mary / Taverner Consort
  4. Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies / Gardiner
  5. The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs 2005/06 Edition: The Key Classical Recordings on CD, DVD and SACD, 30th Anniversary Edition (Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and Dvds)

ASIN: B00008RWR9
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Bargain price for the best of the best!.......2004-11-17

Below are the Amazon.com asin numbers for all four of the works in this box:

St. Mathew Passion - B0000057DG (1989)
St. John Passion - B0000057CW (1990)
Christmas Oratorio - B0000057D5 (1990)
Mass in b minor - B0000057CN (1990)

The numerous reviews already posted for each work say it all.

Many period instrument productions lack the interpretive element more commonly found in traditional performances. Not so with Mr. Gardiner. You don't just hear authentic music, you feel the passion and the poetry in it like never before.
I find no weaknesses to speak of in any of these recordings. The soloists are top notch, the choirs are well balanced, the orchestral playing is brilliant, the music breathes with spiritual and poetic inspiration, and the recorded sound is both detailed and atmospheric.

And you get it all in one convenient box at a price that is unbelievable.

My only quibble would be the documentation. You get decent essays on the music, but the text being sung is not included. But, these works are so mainstream that you can easily find free texts on the internet, and likely with better English translations than is commonly found in booklets that accompany CDs. I would recommend doing that even if the booklet did contain the texts.

The Baroque Christmas Album
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5-PLUS Stars
 The Baroque Christmas Album

Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  4. Renaissance: Music for Inner Peace
  5. A Baroque Christmas

ASIN: B000AR7FU6
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

  1. Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland - John Eliot Gardiner
  2. Vous Qui Desirez Sans Fin - The English Concert
  3. Al La Venue De Noel - The English Concert
  4. Or Nous Dites, Marie - The English Concert
  5. Ou S'en Vont Ces Gais Bergers? - The English Concert
  6. Audite Principes - Paul McCreesh
  7. Nuit - Les Musiciens Du Louvre
  8. Kyrie - Les Musiciens Du Louvre
  9. Christe - Les Musiciens Du Louvre
  10. Salvator Noster - Gabrieli Consort & Players
  11. O Jesu Mi Dulcissime - Gabrieli Consort & Players
  12. Dank Sagen Wir Alle Gott - Gabrieli Consort & Players
  13. O Bone Jesu, Fili Mariae - Gabrieli Consort & Players
  14. Pastorale - The English Concert
  15. Puer Natus In Bethlehem - Gabrieli Consort & Players
  16. Puer Nobis Nascitur - Gabrieli Consort & Players
  17. Nun Lob Mein Seel (Organ) - Gabrieli Consort & Players
  18. In Dulci Jubilo - Gabrieli Consort & Players

Amazon.com

This compilation of re-issues, originally recorded in the 1990s and 2001 features music, by Bach, Charpentier, Gabrieli, Schütz, Corelli (the famous beloved "Pastorale") and Praetorius, all of it beautiful and just right for celebrating a festival of light, hope, worshipful praise, and jubilation. It is performed to perfection by several period vocal and instrumental groups, the latter tuned to various "authentic" pitches. Some of the pieces are excerpts from longer works, some are arrangements, such as four lovely French Christmas carols in an instrumental version by Charpentier, whose harmonic and contrapuntal complexity makes the simplicity of the melodies all the more touching. There are also two reconstructions by Paul McCreesh of Christmas services as they might have been heard during Gabrieli's lifetime at Saint Mark's in Venice and during Schütz's lifetime at the Dresden Hofkapelle. The program is arranged for utmost contrast between vocal and instrumental textures, speed, length, mood and character. Among the highlights are the devout, fervent, quite melancholy "O Jesu me dulcissime" by Gabrieli, who wrote for voices with the same luminous brilliance as for brasses, and Praetorius' "In dulce jubilo," which, with fanfares of trumpets and drums, makes a fittingly triumphant, glorious ending. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 5-PLUS Stars.......2005-12-28

There are not many things in life that I would describe as just Gorgeous -- but this album is definitely one of them. The selections, the arrangements, the production quality, all are clean, yet lush -- simultaneously light and rich. The effect is wonderful.

This may not appeal to hardest-core periodists, but for beautiful music lovingly performed, the album is very hard to beat. Not only rocketted to the top of my favorite holiday album list - it is already high on my favorite all-time list. It will NOT be getting put away with the rest of the Christmas albums. Year-round keeper!
The Ultimate Sacred Christmas Album ~ Ave Maria
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Awesome voices
  • prevision
 The Ultimate Sacred Christmas Album ~ Ave Maria

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Ave Maria Album
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  3. The Voices of Christmas
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  5. #1 Christmas Album

ASIN: B00004YWUA
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

  1. Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
  2. Holy Night - Luciano Pavarotti
  3. Panis Angelicus - Cecilia Bartoli
  4. Ombra Mai Fu - Andreas Scholl
  5. Alleluia - Sylvia McNair
  6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Chor Of St. Paul's Cathedral/Barry Rose
  7. Ave Maria - Jose Carreras
  8. See The Conqu'ring Hero Comes - Chor Of St. Paul's Cathedral/Christopher Dearnley
  9. Maria Wiegenlied - Anne Sofie Von Otter
  10. Jauchzet, Frohlocket! - Lebecker Kantorei
  11. O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion - Marilyn Horne
  12. For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Chichago Chor/Sir Georg Solti
  13. Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion - Joan Sutherland
  14. Hallelujah! - Chor Of St. Martin-In-The Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
  15. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Kiri Te Kanawa
  16. The Trumpet Shall Sound - Bryn Terfel
  17. Amen - The English Chor/Trevor Pinnock

Amazon.com

If you're already stocked up on your favorite Christmas carols but are looking for a nice solid anthology of sacred music, this one certainly has a lot of enjoyment to offer. True, a little more thought could have gone into this themed compilation. What does the Largo from Handel's opera Serse, featuring countertenor Andreas Scholl (his name consistently misspelled on the CD, by the way), have to do with the Yuletide season? No matter, it is after all one of the world's supreme melodies, and Scholl is part of the motley collection of big-name performers Decca has culled from its catalog for this release, which also includes Luciano Pavarotti, Cecilia Bartoli, Marilyn Horne, Bryn Terfel, et al. The anthology is weighted heavily toward the baroque, with a number of Bach selections and seven tracks from Messiah (another work that has by popular tradition become most associated with Christmas even though it was conceived as an Easter celebration). The latter make a sort of mini-anthology within this anthology, giving you a series of "ultimate" moments from Handel's masterpiece--but you certainly won't want to be without the entire work. --Herbert Fellows

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Awesome voices.......2003-12-24

This CD is eloquent and so magnetically alluring. It begins with the ever so popular (sopranist) Ms. Leontyne Price's "Ave Maria" and finishes beautifully with the entire operatic voices of the English Choir in the song "Amen". I'm always floored by the voices of Ms. Leontyne Price and Mr. Jose Carrera. The instrumentalists and the great composing of many of the fine songs listed on this CD is superb; well job done by the conductors, very.

4 out of 5 stars prevision.......2000-10-23

When I read what is on this CD and who performs it, I can not wait to order. Now only 4 stars, but I am sure that the 5th will be given after I heard this album. Kobus Kortmann
Heinichen: Dresden Concerti Highlights
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Heinichen: Dresden Concerti Highlights

    Manufacturer: Polygram Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B0000057EG
    Release Date: 1994-03-15
    J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio / Gardiner [Arias and Choruses]
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio / Gardiner [Arias and Choruses]
      Johann Sebastian Bach , The English Baroque Soloists , Anne Sofie von Otter , Nancy Argenta , Olaf Bär , Hans Peter Blochwitz , and John Eliot Gardiner
      Manufacturer: Polygram Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      Monteverdi ChoirMonteverdi Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B0000057DH
      Release Date: 1989-10-12

      Tracks:

      1. For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Chorus
      2. For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Aria (Alto)
      3. For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Chorale
      4. For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Aria (Basso)
      5. For The 1st Day Of Christmas: Chorale
      6. For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Sinfonia
      7. For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Chorale
      8. For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Aria (Tenore)
      9. For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Chorale
      10. For The 2nd Day Of Christmas: Aria
      11. For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: No 24 Chorus
      12. For The 3rd Day Of Christmas: No 29 Duet
      13. For The Feast Of The Circumcision: No 39 Aria
      14. For The Feast Of The Circumcision: No 41 Aria
      15. For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: No 46 Chorale
      16. For The 1st Sunday In The New Year: No 47 Aria
      17. For The Feast Of Epiphany: No 59 Chorale
      18. For The Feast Of Epiphany: No 63 Aria
      19. For The Feast Of Epiphany: No 64 Chorale
      Bach: Famous Choruses (Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, etc)
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • A "Curate's egg" of a collection.
      • great but I do not understand German
      		 Bach: Famous Choruses (Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, etc)

      Manufacturer: Polygram Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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      CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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      OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      PassionsPassions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B0000057EM
      Release Date: 1994-06-14

      Tracks:

      1. Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben: No. 10 Chorale - Jesus bleibet meine Freude
      2. Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland II: No. 1 Chorus - Nun Komm, der Heiden Heland
      3. Schwingt freudig euch empor: No. 1 Chorus - Schwingt freudig euch empor
      4. Christmas Oratorio: No. 1 Chorus - Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage
      5. Christmas Oratorio: No. 24 Chorus - Herrscher des Himmels, erhore das Lallen
      6. Christmas Oratorio: No. 25 Evangelist - Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren - No. 26 Chorus - Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem - No. 27 Recitativo - Er hat sein Volk getrost - No. 28 Chorale - Dies hat er alles uns getan
      7. Christmas Oratorio: No. 43 Chorus - Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen
      8. Mass In B minor: No. 22 Chorus - Sanctus
      9. Mass In B minor: No. 23 Chorus I-II - Osanna in excelsis
      10. O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht
      11. St. Matthew Passion: No. 1 Chorus - Kommt, ihr Tochter, helft mir klagen - Chorale - O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig
      12. Actus Tragicus: No. 2a Chorus & Solos - Gottes Zeit ist de allerbeste Zeit - No. 2b Arioso - Ach, Herr, lehre uns bedenken - No. 2c Aria - Bestelle dein Haus - No. 2d Chorus & Arioso - Es ist der alte Bund
      13. St. John Passion: No. 27a - Die Kriegsknechte aber, da sie Jesum gedreuziget hatten - No. 27b Chorus - Lasset uns den nicht zerteilen - No 27c Evangelist, Jesus - Auf dass erfullet wurde die Schrift - No. 28 Chorale - Er nahm alles wohl in acht
      14. St. John Passion: No. 39 Chorus - Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine
      15. St. John Passion: No. 40 Chorale - Ach Herr, lass dein lieb Engelein

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars A "Curate's egg" of a collection........2000-07-31

      I really don't think the wonderful Bach passions are done any service here with the "bleeding chunk" excerpts,as presented on this new CD.Yes,they are deserving of the title "famous" choruses,but surely it's best to hear them within the framework of the complete work;otherwise the emotional and spiritual impact is all but lost.And I'm not quite sure who will find this selection at all useful:beginners will be all at sea without the appropriate documentation,and seasoned Bach lovers will already own the Passions in their glorious entirety anyway.Also,who in their right mind would tolerate a butchered chorus from the miracle that is the B minor mass ? That is not just another listening experience - it's virtually a transfiguration through music,and heard under the right conditions may quite possibly change the course of you life forever.

      As for the cantata "cuts",I'm not a huge fan of Gardiner's stylistic interpretation of them as a general rule.I tend to gravitate towards the "old school" masters such as Karl Richter,who had a much more robust view of the genre,and his interpretation of the justly famous "Herz und Mund und tat und Leben",with that lovely chorale "Jesu,joy of man's desiring",has far more warmth and soul than the one we get here.

      So why buy this disc at all ? Well,one chorus that does survive excision from it's original source is the joyfully exuberant "Jauchzet frohlocket.." from the Christmas Oratorio.This is where the period instruments (especially the trumpets and timpani) really come to the fore,and the excellent Monteverdi Choir are clearly in their element,and sound quite wonderful in the crisp,clear recording.

      But over and above that,you MUST buy this CD if you have never heard the absolutely gorgeous motet,"O Jesu Christ,mein Lebens Licht" before.It used to appear on a full price disc with the also quite lovely "Actus tragicus",and if you can get hold of it still,I would strongly urge you to do so.But if this current record is the only available source of this most gorgeous piece of music,then waste no time in buying it right now.Believe me it's well worth the investment,and if you promise to skip over the amputated limbs from the Passions and Mass,then you have my blessing!

      5 out of 5 stars great but I do not understand German.......1999-03-22

      Is this available sung in English?

      Please respond.......3/20/9

      Music Review:

      1. Bach: Harpsichord Concertos 1
      2. Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 4
      3. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1
      4. Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music
      5. Beethoven, Brahms: Violin Concertos
      6. Beethoven: Complete Music for Piano and Violoncello
      7. Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, Schubert: Symphony No. 5 / Böhm, Vienna Philharmonic Orch.
      8. Bel Canto
      9. Brazilian Rhapsody
      10. Britten: A Ceremony of Carols

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