"The Birth of Jesus" A Christmas cantata scored for SATB choir, 2 Soprano Soloists, and a Chamber Orchestra of Flute, Oboe, and Strings (at least 3, 3, 2, 1, 1)

Description of "The Birth of Jesus"This cantata was written specifically for a church that delights in Baroque music and performs it often.  Thus, it seemed natural for me to write a Christmas cantata for them that was in the Baroque style.  Also, I myself adore Baroque music, so it was only a matter of time before I composed a full-scale Baroque Christmas cantata.  

This cantata tells the story of Christ's birth as it is described in the book of Luke (Luke 2:1, 3-20).  Four verses of the chorale "Vom Himmel Hoch, Da Komm Ich Her" ("From Heaven Above to Earth I Come") appear as interpolations throughout the cantata, giving it a formal unity.  Contrasts in mood and orchestration, as well as the interplay of soloists and tutti, give variety to this 35-minute work.  

Even though this piece is composed in a quasi-Baroque style, it has a freshness that I believe would make it appealing and accessible to modern audiences.  

List of Movements from "The Birth of Jesus"

1.  Sinfonia (orchestra)

Largo; Fuga (allegro vivace);  Minuetto (andantino)

2.  Chorale (chorus)

"From Heav'n above to earth I come."  ("Vom Himmel Hoch" - Verse 1)

3.  Arioso (soprano solo I)

"And it came to pass in those days."  (Luke 2:1, 3-7)

4.  Chorus with Soprano Solo II

"And there were in the same country shepherds."  (Luke 2:8-11)

5.  Recitative with Chorale (chorus, with soprano soloists I and II)

"To you, this night, is born a Child."  ("Vom Himmel Hoch" - Verse 2)

WITH

"And this shall be a sign unto you."  (Luke 2:12)

6.  Duet (soprano soloists I and II)

"And suddenly there was with the angel."  (Luke 2:13)

7.  Chorus

"Glory to God in the highest."  (Luke 2:14-18)

8.  Aria with Chorale (soprano soloist I, with the altos from the chorus singing the chorale)

"But Mary kept all these things."  (Luke 2:19)

WITH

"Ah, dearest Jesus, Holy Child."  ("Vom Himmel Hoch" - Verse 3)

9.  Chorus

"And the shepherds returned."  (Luke 2:20)

10.  Chorale (chorus)

"Glory to God in highest Heav'n."  ("Vom Himmel Hoch" - Verse 4)