For the Christmas celebration in 1734, Johann Sebastian Bach wrote six cantatas, which together form the Christmas Oratorio. This is one of the most famous and frequently performed of Bach's sacred works, and for many, it represents the very sound of Christmas.
Welcome to an evening of timeless music by Johann Sebastian Bach, featuring four Christmas cantatas that highlight the composer’s ability to blend religious content with musical beauty.
This year, the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is giving a slight twist to its traditional Christmas Oratorio concert. The evening begins with the first cantata from the Christmas Oratorio, known for its lively choral parts and touching arias. Following this is the cantata Süsser Trost, mein Jesus kömmt, which offers a moving soprano aria accompanied by sensitive orchestral sounds, expressing comfort and joy at the arrival of Jesus.
After the intermission, the concert continues with the cantata Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, which celebrates the joy of Christmas with its sparkling overture and choir. This work is filled with dancing rhythms and melodies that evoke a sense of joy and community. The evening concludes with the second cantata from the Christmas Oratorio, bringing a solemn and contemplative atmosphere, featuring beautiful arias and chorales that invite reflection and worship.
PROGRAMME:
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750):
Christmas Oratorio BWV 248, Cantata I (1734) - 30 min.
Süsser Trost, mein Jesus kömmt, BWV 151 (1726) - 17 min.
Intermission - 25 min.
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, BWV 110 (1725) - 25 min.
Christmas Oratorio BWV 248, Cantata II (1734) - 25 min.
PERFORMERS:
Jos van Veldhoven, conductor
Lina Johnson, soprano
Ulrikka Malotta, mezzo-soprano
Anders Jenker Dahlin, tenor
Magnus Berg, bass
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra
Kersti Ala-Murr, choral conductor
Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including intermission
Organizer: Stavanger Symphony Orchestra