piano vocal score

For the composition of the Christmas Oratorio, Bach made use of the parody method – as he did in other large vocal works as well – that is, he drew upon previously written pieces (here primarily from the Congratulatory Cantatas BWV 213 and 214) and skilfully adapted them to the new text. It is likely that Bach began working on the music during the Advent period of 1734. Besides the first performance which took place during the Christmas season 1734/35, it seems quite probable that other performances were held during Bachs lifetime, since the original, partly autographic performance material discloses traces of frequent use.