Christmas Oratorio Main Performer or Conductor: Philip Pickett Accompaniment/Orchestra: New London Consort Soloists: Catherine Bott: Sorprano solo Michael Chance: Countertenor solo Paul Agnew: Evangelist Andrew King: Tenor solo Michael George: Bass solo Plus 7 other soloists making up the chorus. The soloists as 12 sing together for the choral parts. They consist of 3 from each: Soprano, countertenor, tenor, and bass. Instrumentation: Bassoon Cello Flute Harpsichord Horn Oboe Orchestra Organ Trumpet Violin Timpani Double Bass Oboe Da Caccia Lute Individual Works: Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 Format: Compact Disc Record Label: Decca Catalog Number: 458 838-2 Year Released/Recorded: 1997 released in US October 2000 Total Playing Time: Disc1: 77.07, Disc2: 69.35 Comments: Rich Rosenwald said: Singing is beautiful. This rivals Gardiner's version because the structure and the singing is at a reasonable tempo. The organ blasts with timpani beats at the very beginning of "Jauchzet, Frohlocket!", as well as when the Timpani beats alone again. Gardiner's version did not have that. I've always liked Philip Pickett. I am glad he recorded the Christmas Oratorio. I love to hear it on fully authentic period baroque instruments, and it recreates Bach's time. If you are debating about getting Gardiner's version or this, get this. You'll be thankful you did. Acknowledgements: Thank you to the following for submitting this recording and for your comments: Rich Rosenwald Date First Submitted: 11/18/2000 Purchasing: Suggested Purchasing Sources Note: Inclusion in this database does not guarantee the availability of any recording. Some recordings may be out-of-print or no longer available.