Bach’s Christmas Oratorio an almost authentic first hand report

by Lloyd Brown-John

It was late in December in 1734 in the city of Leipzig, Germany. It was a snowy, cold, evening and Johann Sebastian Bach (know to his intimates as "J S") had been working for days on a new musical composition. "JS" was looking for another hit after his success with his "Magnificat in D" of 1723.

The family was all gathered around the open fireplace, smoke permeated the room, candles burned in the windows and all awaited "JS's" return after his promise of a great new piece of music for the family that very evening.

Eventually J S Bach entered the room and proudly announced (this is translated more or less from the original German transcript of his conversation), "Hey Guys, have I got a great new Christmas Oratorio for you!"

"Wow, Dad!", said Johann Christian Bach (he was the 11th and youngest son among "J. S. Bach's 18 children–Hey, great composers can take time out from music now and then!). "Wow", exclaimed J. C. Bach, "a new Christmas Oratorio just for us?"

"Well, not quite Son #11, I actually wrote it so the Windsor Symphony Orchestra could perform selections from it in Leamington, Ontario, Canada," on Saturday, December 10th, 2011, at 7:30pm".

"Where's Leamington, Ontario, Dad?"

"Son, it's just down the road from Kingsville or–if you prefer–up the road from Wheatley".

"That's very generous of you Dad, but maybe you had better explain this ""Oratorio" music thing."

"Oh come on JC, you know what an Oratorio is–Handel wrote one his is called the 'Messiah'–mine is probably better and should do well in Christmas sales. But, in case you've forgotten, an Oratorio is religious music for singers, orchestra and chorus. It tells a story Son. This one I've written for the WSO's Leamington concert is based upon the biblical story of the Nativity."

"Yeah, OK, Dad, singing you say, but who is singing in Leamington?"

"Well, funny you should ask, it being December 1734, I wasn't sure until I checked out the WSO online and found that Soprano Virginia Hatfield, Mezzo-Soprano Maria Soulis, Tenor Joseph Schnurr, and Baritone Giles Tomkins. And, the Conductor–coming from way up north in Toronto –that's also in Canada. He is considered to be one of the best Conductors of mystyle of music in Canada, Kevin Mallon. And, because they are so splendid, I'm bringing in Joel Tranquilla and the Windsor Classic Chorale. This is going to be one cool Christmas Oratorio performance my Son– Hey, get your finger out of the plum pudding!"

"Well Karl was scooping plums out a few minutes ago, Dad! Oh, and by the way where in Leamington is the Oratorio to be performed?"

"Great place–I've had some of my best music performed there before–the Leamington United Mennonite Church on Oak St. East. The Conductor's baton will be raised at 7:30pm".

"How much is the show in old gold marks?"

"Tickets are 10 gold marks or $30 for Adults ($25 for Seniors and $15 for Youths). There should be a few tickets at the door but Maestro Mallon anticipates a sell-out for this spectacular event".

"Sounds great Dad–your Christmas Oratorio in Leamington, Ontario—but, hold on-- has Canada been discovered yet? And, Oh! Now, can I have spoon for the plum pudding?"

"By the way, if Bell invents the telephone in time you will be able to call the Windsor Symphony for tickets at: 519-973-1238."

Saturday, December 10th, 7:30pm. Leamington United Mennonite Church for Bach's "Christmas Oratorio. "Be There!" (To be said in a deep, tough, raspy, 'monster truck' male voice).

"Hey Dad, this pud's got brandy in it!"