This release is following the massive success of 2015's Magnificat & Christmas Cantata. Dunedin Consort is excited to release their follow-up album, Bach's Christmas Oratorio....

This release is following the massive success of 2015's Magnificat & Christmas Cantata. Dunedin Consort is excited to release their follow-up album, Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Conductor John Butt applies his extensive knowledge of Bach's performing practices to present the range of choral scoring that Bach seems to have used, realizing something of the implications of the composer's performing conditions and decisions. The Dunedin Consort ahs established a reputation as one of the finest period performance choirs around.

REVIEW:

Unless you have an aversion to one-to-a-part performances of Bach’s choral music you’ll find much to admire and enjoy in this excellent performance. If previously you’ve resisted the “minimal” approach to Bach then this account of Christmas Oratorio might well convert you. Not only is the singing very good and extremely stylish but also the instrumental playing from the Dunedin Consort is superb. I’ve mentioned a few obbligato contributions specifically but, in truth, every obbligato is expertly delivered and the ensemble as a whole plays very well. I liked John Butt’s way with the music very much. It’s not too often that one listens to nearly two and a half hours of music without an occasional raised eyebrow at a tempo selection but I can honestly say that didn’t happen here. Overall my preference for a small choir and soloists in this work remains but I’m certain that I shall return to John Butt’s version in the future simply for pleasure. His notes are, as ever, comprehensive, scholarly and very readable.

­– MusicWeb International (John Quinn)