ConcertPulse
Gewandhausorchester, Thomanerchor Leipzig, Andreas Reize Dirigent
In 1734, Bach compiled six cantatas, some based on existing compositions, for the Christmas season, creating the Christmas Oratorio, performed in Leipzig's main churches. This overshadowed his other Christmas cantatas, like the chorale cantata from 1724. Bach reused the latter cantata, reminiscent of the Christmas Oratorio's Part 4 in its instrumentation, into the 1740s. His 1724 Sanctus (later in the Mass in B minor) and the chorale cantata "Liebster Immanuel" also belong to his second Leipzig cantata year. "Liebster Immanuel," intended for Epiphany like Part VI of the Christmas Oratorio, premiered on January 6, 1725. Unlike the latter's imposing brass, it features flutes and oboe d'amore, lending an ethereal intimacy.