Johann Sebastian Bach: |Christmas Oratorio BWV 248

For 34 years Karl-Friedrich Beringer has been the director of the Windsbacher Knabenchor and has continually shaped the choir’s reputation as one of the best of its kind. Rondeau Production marks the end of Beringer’s era in Windsbach with the publication of a legendary recording of what is in all likelihood the largest and most magnificent work in the repertoire of any choir. This is, of course, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Christmas Oratorio; music in the service of spreading the Gospel, yet without any hint of exaggerated, pastoral pathos. Together with the Münchener Bachsolisten and the vocal soloists Juliane Banse (soprano), Cornelia Kallisch (alto), Robert Swenson (tenor), Markus Schäfer (evangelist), and Thomas Quasthoff (bass) the choir performs this masterpiece under the direction of Karl-Friedrich Beringer at the Heilbronn Minster. Even after 20 years, this recording has lost none of its unique charisma, and with its selection of artists of the highest rank still sets the standard today. Now, the Nativity – meditative and breathtaking time and again – can be enjoyed on a lovingly prepared DVD. Its bonus features give insight into the making of this elaborate production and join the Windsbacher Knabenchor on its tour through China.