Freiburger Barockorchester / Collegium Vocale Gent . Masaaki Suzuki

Apart from his 'Christmas Oratorio', Bach wrote a number of other compositions to celebrate the Christmas period, three of which are part of this programme. A piece that is rarely heard and quite exceptional is the original version of the masterly 'Magnificat', in which Bach arranged four Christmas chorales. The 'Magnificat' was heard for the first time on Christmas Day in 1723; the first Christmas that Bach held the position of Thomascantor in Leipzig. Given the fact that during the Christmas period an untold amount of fantastic music could be heard in Leipzig, written especially for the period, it made sense to him to come up with something even more spectacular. The four chorales contain restful moments enmeshed in a jubilant work. The impact the 'Magnificat' had on Bach's name and reputation as a religious composer was huge. The two Christmas cantatas are also recognised to be among his best, and under the baton of Bach specialist Masaaki Suzuki we can be assured of a fine performance. To have one of the best Baroque orchestras in the world partnered with the most practiced and generally acclaimed Bach choirs of the last few decades is a scintillating combination. And all of this due to take place nine days before Christmas!