J. S. Bach: Weihnachtsoratorium (Christmas Oratorio) BWV 248

Georg Christoph Biller, the present incumbent of the illustrious post once held by Bach himself, conducts an affectionate account of this much loved work; though, with its comparatively large vocal forces and an orchestra of modern instruments, the approach may strike some readers as old fashioned. That in itself need not be a drawback, nor is it here, though the sound is far removed from anything Bach himself would have recognised. The cadre of soloists is excellent and the choral singing fresh and youthfully responsive. Though Ingeborg Danz is very good indeed, it seems to me a pity that a solo alto voice could not be supplied from the boys’ choir. (It is a contribution of the highest quality from the Tölz Boys’ Choir in a 1970s recording with Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden which still holds first place in my affections.) Few, however, will be disappointed with the newcomer, which I have enjoyed throughout.

Nicholas Anderson Read the full review on Agora Classica