Christmas Eve on 3sat: Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

24 Dec 2022, 20:15 (CET): The first recording of all six cantatas with St. Thomas Boys’ Choir and Gewandhausorchester Leipzig under the direction of new Thomaskantor Andreas Reize.

If there is one work that sheds light on all facets of festive music-making during the Christmas season, it is Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248. This music transcends the ages and radiates throughout the world – starting in Leipzig, where the six-part cantata cycle was first heard in the two main churches of St. Nikolai and St. Thomas on the festive days between 25 December 1734 and 6 January 1735. The new Thomaskantor and 18th successor to Johann Sebastian Bach, Andreas Reize, conducts the performance of the six cantatas with an exquisite ensemble of soloists.
Andreas Reize, Conductor
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
St. Thomas Boys’ Choir

Christina Landshamer, Soprano
Elvira Bill, Alto
Benedikt Kristjánsson,Tenor
Konstantin Krimmel, Bass

24 December 2022
20:15
3sat

A production of Accentus Music in co-operation with 3sat.

Production Company Accentus Music GmbH
Assoc. Prod. Company 3sat
TV Director Ute Feudel
Conductor Andreas Reize
Choir Thomanerchor Leipzig
Orchestra / Band Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
Soloist Christina Landshamer
Soloist Elvira Bill
Soloist Benedikt Kristjánsson
Soloist Konstantin Krimmel