Homilius: Die Freude der Hirten über die Geburt Jesu, HoWV 1. 1

Description

After the Passions-Cantate "Ein Lämmlein geht and trägt die Schuld" of 1775, the Christmas Oratorio is the seconin D Major vocal work by Homilius to appear in print during his lifetime. With an unusually large instrumental contingent, Homilius set the, at that time, much beloved pastoral theme of the shepherds in a most sophisticated manner. Each movement presents a clearly differentiated, atmospheric scene, distinct from all the other movements. This applies to the varied pastoral music, as well as to the representation of the mighty God by an angel, whose entrance is accompanied by trumpets and timpani.