Christmas Oratorio, BWV248
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J S BACH
Christmas Oratorio, BWV248
Katherine Watson (soprano), Iestyn Davies (countertenor), James Gilchrist (tenor) & Matthew Brook (bass) Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
[ Hyperion / CD ]
Release Date: Friday 11 October 2013
This item is currently out of stock. It may take 6 or more weeks to obtain from when you place your order as this is a specialist product.
Stephen Layton and the combined forces of Trinity College Choir Cambridge, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and an impressive line-up of soloists present a joyous rendition of Bach's Christmas Oratorio. This six-part masterpiece covers the events of the nativity to Epiphany and beautifully evokes the pastoral atmosphere of the Gospels which is such an important part of the Christmas liturgy.
James Gilchrist has become one of the most admired Evangelists performing today, his limpid, flexible tone and great musicianship bringing the stories thrillingly to life.
"Presiding over everything and moulding all these excellent performances into a cohesive whole is Stephen Layton. I find his direction highly convincing. Just once or twice I wondered about a tempo selection - the very first chorale in Cantata I is a little too steady for my taste - but time and again I felt that his pacing of a chorale or an aria was ideally judged. He ensures that the celebratory side of this wonderful work is given full value yet he's equally successful with the crucial reflective side of things. I was moved by the performance but also I enjoyed it immensely and that's how it should be.
It only remains to be said that engineer David Hinitt has produced an excellent recording. The acoustic of the Trinity College Chapel has been used most sympathetically and the recording combines ambience and clarity in a most pleasing way. Nicholas Anderson's booklet essay is first rate." (Recording of the Month - MusicWeb November 2013)
Tracks:
Bach, J S: Christmas Oratorio, BWV248
Katherine Watson (soprano), Iestyn Davies (countertenor), James Gilchrist (tenor) & Matthew Brook (bass)
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment & Trinity College Choir Cambridge, Stephen Layton
