Classical Music for the Seasons Music for the Seasons    

Lesson 14: Christmas Oratorio

by Johann Sebastian Bach

Performer: European Archive

Directions

Study the musical selection for one week.

Over the week:

• Each day, listen to the musical selection.
• Practice reciting the title of the composition and the composer's name.
• Read the synopsis.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

This week, you'll continue listening to selections that embody the Christmas season. For those who celebrate Christmas, enjoy this music while baking Christmas cookies, hanging stockings, decorating your tree, or opening presents. J.S. Bach wrote his 'Christmas Oratorio' in 1734 to be performed in Christian churches during the Christmas season. An oratorio is defined as: 'a large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, typically a narrative on a religious theme, performed without the use of costumes, scenery, or action' (Google define). 'Christmas Oratorio' contains six cantatas. From the Wikipedia entry on 'Christmas Oratorio': 'The first part (for Christmas Day) describes the birth of the Christian figure Jesus Christ, the second (for December 26) the annunciation to the shepherds, the third (for December 27) the adoration of the shepherds, the fourth (for New Year's Day) the naming of Jesus, the fifth (for the first Sunday after New Year) the journey of the Magi, and the sixth (for Epiphany) the adoration of the Magi.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Describe the Music

After listening to the music, describe and discuss what you heard.

Read the list of adjectives below. Select those that describe the music or think up additional adjectives.

• Happy
• Sad
• Quiet
• Loud
• Fast
• Slow
• Scary
• Dreamy
• Magical
• Rhythmic
• Dignified

Activity 2: Christmas Discussion

• Around the world, some families celebrate Christmas in a religious sense, others celebrate in a secular sense, and still others do not celebrate Christmas at all.
• One day this week, as you listen to the music, discuss what Christmas means to your family.

Activity 3: Christmas Sketch

• One day this week, as you listen to the music, color, draw, or sketch your favorite things about Christmas or another special holiday.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the music?

1 / 3

Answer 1

The title is 'Christmas Oratorio.'

1 / 3

Question 2

Who composed the music?

2 / 3

Answer 2

The composer is Johann Sebastian Bach.

2 / 3

Question 3

What is 'Christmas Oratorio' about?

3 / 3

Answer 3

'Christmas Oratorio' describes the birth of Jesus, the announcement of the birth to the shepherds, the adoration of the shepherds, the naming of Jesus, the journey of the Three Wise Men, and the adoration of the Three Wise Men.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the music? The title is 'Christmas Oratorio.'
2. Who composed the music? The composer is Johann Sebastian Bach.
3. What is 'Christmas Oratorio' about? 'Christmas Oratorio' describes the birth of Jesus, the announcement of the birth to the shepherds, the adoration of the shepherds, the naming of Jesus, the journey of the Three Wise Men, and the adoration of the Three Wise Men.

References

'Christmas Oratorio.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.