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Christmas in Leipzig

Donald Macleod paints a portrait of a Bach family Christmas in Leipzig, where the family have moved so that Bach can take up his post as Cantor at the Thomasschule.

Donald Macleod paints a portrait of a Bach family Christmas in Leipzig, where the family have moved so that Bach can take up his post as Cantor at the Thomasschule. By 1723, Leipzig's a lively city with a university, nine banks and huge tri-annual trade fairs plus a legendary Christmas market. And it's at Christmas that Bach's workload seems Herculean, with several services each day over the holiday period, each requiring new repertoire.

Christen, ätzet diesen Tag (Cantata BWV 63, opening chorus)
Collegium Vocale Gent, Philippe Herreweghe (conductor)

Partita No 2 in C minor, BWV 826
Martha Argerich (piano)

Magnificat in D major, BWV 243
Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner (conductor)

Presenter: Donald Mcleod
Producer: Rosie Boulton.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Opening Chorus from Cantata BWV 63

    Choir: Collegium Vocale Gent. Conductor: Philippe Herreweghe.
    • Magnificat BWV 243a.
    • HARMONIA MUNDI.
    • 5.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Partita No 2 BWV 826

    Performer: Martha Argerich.
    • Bach, J S: Toccata in C minor, BWV911, etc..
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 2.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Magnificat BWV 243

    Choir: Monteverdi Choir. Orchestra: English Baroque Soloists. Conductor: Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
    • JS Bach Magnificat.
    • PHILIPS.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Thu 21 Dec 2017 12:00

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