“CHRISTMAS ORATORIO – SINFONIA” – 22 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, my second favorite classical work of the season, marks 290 years of performance in 2024.

My favorite section is the opening of Part II, which commemorates the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. It’s the Sinfonia, which is not sung, unlike many of the other parts.

For some reason, the oboe and flute solos in this section evoke a civilized, traditional Christmas. This version, played by the Luther College Symphony Orchestra from Decorah, Iowa, is fairly faithful to the piece.