Bach: Christmas Oratorio, Cantata No. 5

In his Christmas Oratorio, Johann Sebastian Bach incorporated successful music from earlier works he had composed for special occasions, such as coronations and royal birthdays. By giving a place in the liturgical repertoire to previously composed choruses and arias, Bach ensured the survival of some of his very finest treasures for posterity. The result is a six-section monumental work of art – two and a half hours of sacred music full of drama and reflection.