Bach Cantata Notes
BWV 248-III (Christmas Oratorio Part III)
The third part of Bach's Christmas Oratorio begins with a brilliant
chorus, recycled from an earlier secular cantata, with trumpets and
drums. The Evangelist tells of the shepherds making their way to Bethlehem.
A rather lengthy comtemplative section with the chorale "Gelobet
seist du, Jesu Christ," and a duet for bass, soprano, and
two oboes d'amore follows. The Evangelist continues telling of the shepherds
finding mary, Joseph, and the child. the alto then sings an aria with
violin describing Mary's innermost feelings. After two more chorales,
the chorus that opened the section is repeated.
©Craig Smith