Bach's Christmas Oratorio for Children

Family concert

Michael Gusenbauer
"Bach's Christmas Oratorio for Children"

Deutsche Radio Philharmonie
Collegium Vocale Blieskastel
Christian von Blohn, conductor
Judith Braun, soprano
Markus Jaursch, bass
Roland Kunz, shepherd

"Jauchzet, frohlocket" - the choir bursts in with these words at the very opening of Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio, composed in the bitter winter of 1734. Bach's festive music invites everyone to share in the joy of the Christ Child's birth. Michael Gusenbauer has rearranged the oratorio and woven it into a lively story for children.

In just under an hour, audiences follow the Christmas story from angels descending from heaven and shepherds in the fields all the way to the climax in the stable at Bethlehem. Bach's music remains untouched throughout. A historical masterpiece becomes an event that sparks enthusiasm for Christmas and for music alike. This is already the third time the story is told by Roland Kunz, alias "the shepherd".

Recommended for children aged 5 and up. Duration approximately 1 hour.