Postlude with OSM

Imagine Leipzig in the winter of 1734: a fine layer of snow blankets the cobblestone streets, bells ring out, and crowds gather at St. Thomas Church, eager to hear Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. By candlelight, choir, trumpets, and timpani unite to celebrate the joy of the Nativity. Nearly three centuries later, that fervor is reborn with the first three cantatas—Jauchzet, frohlocket!, Und es waren Hirten, Herrscher des Himmels—performed by the OSM Orchestra and Chorus alongside four renowned soloists, under Kent Nagano’s inspired direction. A luminous concert, steeped in reverence and jubilation: Christmas as in Bach’s time!

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
Cantata I: Jauchzet, frlohlocket!
Cantata II: Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend
Cantata III: Herrscher des Himmels
Cantata VI: Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schauben

Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
OSM Chorus
Kent Nagano, conductor
Carolyn Sampson, soprano
Ida Aldrian, alto
Sebastian Kohlepp, tenor
Derek Welton, bass
Andrew Megill, chorusmaster