AA6 - Gloria in excelsis Deo

A Baroque Christmas with nothing but highlights

Arias and pastoral Christmas music with soprano Johannette Zomer

Soprano solo, 2 oboes/recorders, strings, harpsichord (9-13 performers)
With Johannette Zomer, soprano

This festive program tells the Christmas story through evocative Baroque music. Highlights from oratorios by Handel and Bach. Also a foray into France. This program has been specially curated for and with the renowned soprano Johannette Zomer.

Handel's aria “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!” from The Messiah and the echo aria “Flößt, mein Heiland, flößt dein Namen” from Bach's Christmas Oratorio are a feast of recognition for many listeners.

Other masterpieces by Bach are also on the programme: the aria “Nur ein Wink von seinen Händen” and the chorale “Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier”, both from the Christmas Oratorio. Who does not know the chorale arrangement "Jesus bleibet meine Freude", as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"?

The well-known and centuries-old Christmas carols "Es Ist ein Ros' entsprungen", "In dulci jubilo", and "O Kerstnacht, schoner dan de dagen" bring the listener a festive and sacred Christmas mood. The scene with the shepherds is depicted by pastoral instrumental music, such as the "Pifa" from The Messiah. A section from Vivaldi's Winter portrays the cold, but also the cosiness of gathering by the fireplace. Vivaldi's compatriot and inspirator Corelli, creates a beautiful Christmas atmosphere with his Pastoral from the concerto grosso "fatto per la Notte di Natale".

The composer of the theme tune of Eurovision broadcasts, the Frenchman Charpentier, composed a suite based on well-known Christmas carols.

Exotic instruments such as the oboe da caccia and the oboe d'amore complete the pastoral Christmas atmosphere in this program.

Have a look at the website of Johannette Zomer for more information about the solist.

Details: This programme will be performed without interval, with single strings or small baroque orchestra. The repertoire is not written in stone and can be varied at wish of the organiser.

Duration: approx. 70’ without interval
Pricing: please, contact us to discuss the possibilities

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