(c) Stefan Maria Rother Sinfonisches Kammerorchester Berlin: Bach's Christmas Oratorio (1‐3)
Berlin, Philharmonie Berlin — Kammermusiksaal
About the Event
The Berlin Chamber Symphony Orchestra and the Max Reger Choir invite you to a Christmas Oratorio performance on the third weekend of Advent. Johann Sebastian Bach's classic pre‐Christmas piece is music that continues to resonate to this day, filling the chamber music hall with its clear beauty. Originally composed as a cycle of six cantatas, the oratorio tells the Christmas story. The program includes cantatas I‐III. A classic festive occasion to ring in the Christmas season.
Program
- Johann Sebastian Bach – Weihnachtsoratorium I‐III
Artists
| Orchestra: | Sinfonisches Kammerorchester Berlin |
|---|---|
| Choir: | Max Reger Chor |
Philharmonie Berlin
The Philharmonie, a concert hall opened in 1963 in West Berlin, is regarded as the musical heart of the German capital and emerged as a new urban center following the fall of the infamous Berlin Wall. Its distinctive bright yellow exterior and unique tent-like form quickly established it as a city landmark. Though initially met with criticism, the surprising design and architecture of the Philharmonie have since become a model for concert halls around the world. Architect Hans Scharoun intended to create a concert hall where the musicians on the platform are equally visible from every seat, a goal that inspired the hall's unusual shape. Since its opening, the Berliner Philharmonie has hosted numerous concerts, often featuring renowned soloists and conductors.
Johann Sebastian Bach
The name Bach was synonymous with musicianship in Germany, as 56 musicians emerged from this illustrious family. Yet, it was Johann Sebastian Bach, the brilliant composer and virtuoso organist, who truly brought fame to the Bach name. Born on March 31, 1685, in the quaint town of Eisenach, Thuringia, Johann faced adversity early when he became an orphan at 10. His elder brother, Johann Christoph, an organist in a nearby town, took him in and nurtured his musical talents. Moving to Lüneburg, Johann pursued education at a church school, mastering the violin, viola, piano, and organ techniques by 17. In addition to his instrumental prowess, he sang in the choir and later assisted the chanter after his voice matured. In 1703, Bach's career gained momentum when he was appointed as a court musician at Duke Johann Ernst III’s chapel. His growing reputation soon led him to Arnstadt, where he became an organist at the New Church, crafting some of his finest organ compositions. By 1723, Bach had relocated to Leipzig to serve as a cantor at St. Thomas Church, a position he held until his death from a stroke in 1750. That year, an unsuccessful eye surgery cost him his sight, during which his second wife, Anna Magdalena, assisted in completing his final works. Bach's enduring artistic legacy encompasses a wide array of genres from his era, including oratorios, cantatas, masses, motets, and music for organ, piano, and violin.
Address
Philharmonie Berlin, Herbert‐von‐Karajan‐Str. 1, Berlin, Germany — Google Maps
