Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
Expected to ship in about a week.
- Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
- Editor: Christoph Wolff
- Format: Facsimile of The Autograph
- Instrumentation: SATB Choir, Orchestra
- Work: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
- Binding: Hardcover
- Work Languages: English, German
- ISBN:
- Size: 9.6 x 15.9 inches
- Pages: 181
Description
Facsimile of the autograph score held in the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz
The Christmas Oratorio, with its six parts, has become dear to the hearts of countless music lovers all over the world. What sounds today as if it could never have been otherwise, in reality dates back in part to earlier Bach pieces that he retexted and adapted for the new purpose. The autograph ‘betrays' Bach's working methods in the very first chorus: first he underlaid the words of a version from the birthday cantata Tönet ihr Pauken only to cross them out and replace them with the famous Jauchzet, frohlocket.
Other passages in the autograph likewise reveal traces of self-borrowing. Some corrections allow the reader to look over the composer's shoulder, as it were, and watch him transforming an aria step by step into its present form or struggling to find a definitive version for a short recitative. in contrast, other pages are written out in an immaculate fair hand.
This facsimile edition presents the autograph score of the Christmas Oratorio for the first time in a high quality four-colour reproduction.
Bach specialist Christoph Wolff has provided an Introduction on the work's genesis and the features of the manuscript. The subsequent history of the autograph is described by Martina Rebmann of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin.
Contents:
- Facsilimile: Weihnachst-Oratorium BWV 248:
- Pars I
- Pars II
- Pars III
- Pars IV
- Pars V
- Pars VI
- Commentary:
- Bach´s Christmas Oratorio and Its Composing Score:
- Genesis an disposition
- The autograph
- The musical from of the work
- Notes
- Overview: parodied originals
- Illustrations
- Johann Sebastian Bach´s Autographs in the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin:
- The state of conservation of the Bach autographs
- Reprint: Libretto
- Kommentar:
- Bachs Weihnachts-Oratorium and seine Kompositionspartitur:
- Entstehungsgeschichte and Anlage
- Das Autograph
- Musikalische Werkgestalt
- Anmerkungen
- Übersicht: Parodienvorlage
- Abbildungen
- Johann Sebastian Bachs Autographen in der Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
- Zum konservatorischen Zustand der Bach-Autographen
- Reprint: Libretto
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Bach: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248
