Magnificat

December 1723. Johann Sebastian Bach has just taken up his post as Cantor at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. For December 25, he composes one of his most celebrated works: the Magnificat, infusing the Christmas celebration with radiant joy.

This Christmas evening will be recreated as it took place at the time: the Magnificat — which Bach revised a few years later — will be performed in its original version, interwoven with lauds sung in German and narrating the story of the Nativity. Based on the Gospel of St. Luke, the canticle of the Magnificat celebrates a particular episode of the Visitation, when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, and recounts the words by which the Virgin, pregnant with Jesus, exalts her faith. On the same evening, Bach also performed the Cantata BWV 63, Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, and the Sanctus BWV 238. Following the fantasy of L’Uomo Femmina by Baldassare Galuppi (2024) and Carnaval Baroque (2025), Vincent Dumestre and Le Poème Harmonique will here bring to life the luminous fervour of the Baroque. 

Musical Director: Vincent Dumestre
Orchestra & Choir: Le Poème Harmonique
Soprano: Perrine Devillers
Soprano: Charlotte La Thrope
Alto: William Shelton
Tenor: Hugo Hymas
Bass: Victor Sicard

Erhard Bodenschatz, Alleluia

Johann Sebastian Bach, Christen ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63

Gottfried Vopelius, Ein Kindelein so löbelich 

Johann Sebastian Bach, Magnificat, BWV 243a

Johann Sebastian Bach, Gott sei uns gnädig, BWV 323