German Christmas Baroque

German Christmas Baroque

A celebration of the magical world of JS Bach and those who inspired his wonderful music with the culmination of Bath Recitals 2018 and a German Baroque Christmas. Find out more…

Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the towering figures of the baroque age. Through his 65 years he became a master of the German Baroque.

In 1705, When he was just 17, he famously walked 250 miles from Arnstadt to Lübeck to hear the 68-year-old

Dietrich Buxtehude perform. He was to become one of many of Bach’s influences across the continent who defined him as one of the greatest composers of all time.

Johann Sebastian Bach statue, St. Thomas Church, Leipzig
Johann Sebastian Bach statue, St. Thomas Church, Leipzig

The authentic voices and instrumentalists of Music Poetica make a welcome return to Bath for this concert. This glorious seasonal celebration of the wonder of a Baroque Christmas with music from 17th and 18th century Germany will form the culmination of Bath Recital’s 2018 Baroque Season.

Musica Poetica in performance at Bath Recitals earlier this year
Musica Poetica in performance at Bath Recitals earlier this year

an early-instrument ensemble of exceptional quality”

Miranda Jackson – Opera Brittanica

This festive evening celebrates the music of JS Bach with a programme including some of his most famous cantatas and chorales. In addition will enjoy some Christmas favourites by some of the composers who inspired him including Praetorius, Buxtehude and Schütz.

THE BAROQUE SERIES

German Christmas Baroque

Saturday 22 December 7.30pm

St Michael’s Church, Broad Street

JS Bach

Bereite dich Zion (Prepare yourself, Zion) from Christmas Oratorio BWV 248

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring from Cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life) BWV 147

Ich bin vergnügt mit meinem Glücke (I am content with my fate) BWV 84

Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (Now come, Saviour of the heathens) BWV 61

Philipp Nicolai arr JS Bach

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (How beautiful is the morning star) BWV 436

Chorale from Wachet auf! (Sleepers Wake) BWV 140

Michael Pretorius

In natali Domini (On our Lord’s Birthday)

Traditional arr Michael Pretorius

Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (Lo, how a rose e’er blooming)

Samuel Scheidt

Puer natus in Bethlehem (A Child is born in Bethlehem)

Heinrich Schütz

Singet dem Herren ein neues Lied  (Sing unto the Lord a new song) SWV 342

Verbum caro factum est (Here the Word became flesh) SWV 314

Dietrich Buxtehude

In dulci jubilo (In sweet rejoicing) BuxWV 52

Chant: Veni redemptor gentium (Come, Redeemer of the nations)