Bach’s sequence of sacred choral cantatas encapsulates the contrasts of the Christmas story, by turns celebratory and reflective, exultant and profound.
The spirited choruses, the beauty of the solo arias and the solemn chorales have a unique cumulative power. From the breathless anticipation of the opening to the adoration of the Magi, Bach’s epic journey takes us from prophecy to the Saviour’s birth. Britten Sinfonia’s choral and orchestral forces excel in baroque masterpieces such as this, their clarity and cohesion amplifying the joy and drawing us closer to Bach’s many intimate, eloquent reflections on spirituality and faith.
