Bach’s Christmas Oratorio from Wigmore Hall LiveEvents December 14, 2021 1604 Wigmore Hall presents Solomon’s Knot Bach’s Christmas Oratorio Much of its music adapted from previous compositions, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio consists of half a dozen cantatas designed to be performed on separate occasions during the Christmas period – as was originally the scheme in Leipzig between December 25, 1734 and January 6, 1735. As such, it is rarely heard complete. In this program the first four cantatas are performed. Determined to communicate the full power of 17th- and 18th-century music as directly as possible, the collective Solomon’s Knot was founded in London in 2008. Led by artistic director Jonathan Sells, the group performs without a conductor, the singers by heart. What began a decade ago as a promise never to lose the joy of performing, to blow the dust off early music and break down the barriers of classical music has evolved into Solomon’s Knot’s reputation today: direct communication, adventurous programming and bold trademark performances from memory. “Known as much for vigour and risk-taking as for historical authenticity and intelligent programming” – The Financial Times Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Christmas Oratorio BWV248 Cantata I: Jauchzet, frohlocket! Auf, preiset die Tage Cantata II: Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend Cantata III: Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen Cantata IV: Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben Monday, December 20, 2021 Livestream starts at 3:00pm To enjoy this concert visit: www.wigmore-hall.org.uk