Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Barbican Centre

Handel’s Messiah may be the popular favourite, but for those in the know it’s hardly the only festive baroque masterwork. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, written for church performances in 1734, is chief among them. Divided into six parts which each cover a single day, it depicts the birth of Jesus and the first week of his life, concluding with the adoration of the magi. As with Bach’s Passions, it’s a large-scale choral piece of the upmost grace and complexity, with over sixty individual movements that range from plaintive recitative to rousing chorale.
For this year’s performance in the Barbican Centre’s 2015/16 season, the always worthwhile Academy of Ancient Music are accompanied by a fantastic cast of soloists. The role of the Evangelist is taken by tenor James Gilchrist, a seasoned expert in Bach’s vocal music with an enviable discography under his belt, and Susan Gritton (Messiah, ROH), known for her versatility and vast repertoire. Mezzo Barbara Kozelj and baritone Ashley Riches will join them, while Richard Egarr conducts from the harpsichord stool. With such pedigree performing such glorious music, it’s all but certain that this will be a delightful seasonal treat.