Why did Bach write the Christmas Oratorio?
The Christmas Oratorio (German: Weihnachts-Oratorium), BWV 248, is an oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach intended for performance in church during the Christmas season.
Why did Bach write so many sacred cantatas?
In addition to the church cantatas composed for occasions of the liturgical year, Bach wrote sacred cantatas for functions like weddings or Ratswahl (the inauguration of a new town council). His chorale cantata cycle contains at least 40 chorale cantatas, each of these entirely based on text and tune of such hymn.
What is the meaning of Christmas cantata?
A Christmas cantata or Nativity cantata is a cantata, music for voice or voices in several movements, for Christmas. The Christmas story, telling of music of the angels and suggesting music of the shepherds and cradle song, invited musical treatment.
When was Bach’s Christmas Oratorio written?
1734
Did Bach write Christmas songs?
Bach composed the Christmas Oratorio in 1734 for the churches of St. Thomas and St. Nicholas in Leipzig. With a running time of nearly three hours, the Christmas Oratorio is by far the longest work Bach wrote for the holiday season.
Who composed Christmas Oratorio?
Johann Sebastian Bach
What is the meaning of oratorio in music?
Oratorio, a large-scale musical composition on a sacred or semisacred subject, for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra. An oratorio’s text is usually based on scripture, and the narration necessary to move from scene to scene is supplied by recitatives sung by various voices to prepare the way for airs and choruses.
What instruments are in Christmas Oratorio?
The instruments used in the Christmas Oratorio include the ubiquitous four part string orchestra, with a keyboard continuo part for organ, the bass line doubled by cello and bassoon.
What does Jauchzet Frohlocket mean?
Auf, preiset die Tage (Shout for joy, exult, rise up, praise the day), BWV 248I (also written as BWV 248 I), is a 1734 Christmas cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach that serves as the first part of his Christmas Oratorio.
What are the features of a cantata?
The term ‘cantata’, invented in Italy in the 17th century, refers to a piece of music written for voice or voices and instruments. It applies broadly to works for solo voice, multiple soloists, vocal ensemble, and with instrumental accompaniment of keyboard or instrumental ensemble.
What is the purpose of cantata?
Cantata, (from Italian cantare, “to sing”), originally, a musical composition intended to be sung, as opposed to a sonata, a composition played instrumentally; now, loosely, any work for voices and instruments.
How many movements are there in JS Bach’s cantata No 140 Wachet auf?
seven movements
What key is Bach Cantata 140 in?
Structure and scoring
| No. | Title | Key |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme | E-flat major |
| 2 | Er kommt | C minor |
| 3 | Wann kommst du, mein Heil? | C minor |
| 4 | Zion hört die Wächter singen | E-flat major |
Who is considered to be the father of the concerto genre?
Widely recognized as the father of the concerto grosso, Corelli was a true master at his art, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the calm and lovely atmosphere he creates — and in a minor key, no less. Corelli also saves his Pastorale for the final movement, a glittering jewel that sets off the rest of the piece.
What does Wachet auf mean?
Sleepers Awake