In the words of Karl Wilhelm Ramler, this cantata is one of the most beautiful Christmas compositions of the 18th century. Written for a performance in 1759, it combines festive trumpet sounds with moving chorale settings.
Telemann has used his musical resources with moderation and restraint, allowing the chorus to appear at the central passages in both sections and painting an unobtrusive pastoral background for the Christmas setting. A worthy alternative in any Christmas concert.
Our edition contains an English translation of the German text in an appendix and follows the Urtext of the Telemann Edition (vol. 30), thereby providing a reliable text reflecting the latest findings of scholarship. Detailed instrumentation: Soprano solo, Alto solo, Tenor solo, Bass solo (2), Mixed choir (SATB), Treble Recorder (2), Piccolo flute (2), Flute (2), Oboe (2), Bassoon, Horn (2), Trumpet (3), Timpani, Strings, Basso continuo.
- Festive Christmas composition
- Urtext from the Telemann Edition
- Can be combined with another Christmas cantata