ERATO Bach: Christmas Oratorio

Amazon.co.uk Like that of the Easter and Ascension oratorios, the music of the Christmas Oratorio was compiled mainly from Bach's secular cantatas. That said, individual texts and scores were also considerably reworked for the composer to come up with a densely argued and pristinely shaped structure which assumes the form of a six-part arch, taking the Nativity story from Birth, via Annunciation, Adoration, Circumcision and Naming to the Coming of the Magi and their eventual climactic Adoration. Reciprocally well argued and formed is Tom Koopman's fastidious reading with his own well-drilled Baroque Orchestra and Choir. From a festive and rustic opening onwards--trumpets and timpani bristling with energy and attack--Koopman rightly treats the oratorio as a journey of discovery. And what lavish treats lie in store along the way, not in the least the immaculate contributions of all four vocal soloists, especially the velvety alto of Elisabeth von Magnus and the rich bass of Klaus Mertens. Propulsive tempi assist in keeping both the drama and the momentum going, and there's some sharp split-second editing to ensure that recitatives, arias and choruses really flow. Add the pristine playing of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, plus fine recording balance between them, soloists and choir for a thrilling and first-rate rendition. --Duncan Hadfield Product description 2 CD Box-Set in Schuber mit 3sprachiger Textbeilage und Gesangstexten (60 Seiten). Ton Koopman und The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Chorus spielen Bachs Weihnachtsoratorium. Aufnahme: 12-20/04/1996, Waalsekerk, Amsterdam. Mit Lisa Larsson, Elisabeth von Magnus, Christoph Pregayrdien und Klaus Mertens.