The Christmas Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach captures the musical essence of the festive season. The most important Christmas setting by Leipzig's famed grandmaster is heard in concerts all across the world every year. This reference recording of all six cantatas is resplendent and features a dream group of Bach specialists as soloists. The festive grandeur of the sections with full orchestra and the intimacy of arias with vocal and instrumental soloists in virtuoso dialogue have been combined by Ton Koopman into a convincing and timeless overall concept. Koopman allows the music to flow and breathe naturally, and constantly demonstrates his keen sense for tantalising the senses with tonal colours. - Rondo