: Reused from Bach's secular cantata BWV 214 .
: The story follows the Gospel of Luke . It begins with the shepherds encouraging one another to hasten to Bethlehem to see the "word that has come to pass". Bach_Christmas_Oratorio.part3.rar
: Upon arrival, the shepherds find Mary, Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger. They spread the news of what they were told by the angels, leaving those who hear it amazed. : Reused from Bach's secular cantata BWV 214
: Traditional Lutheran hymns that allow the congregation to reflect on the narrative. Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen, BWV 248 III : Upon arrival, the shepherds find Mary, Joseph,
: A central emotional moment is the alto aria, " Schließe, mein Herze, dies selige Wunder " (Seal, my heart, this blessed miracle). This piece is often considered the only entirely new aria Bach wrote for the oratorio, as much of the rest of the work recycled music from his earlier secular cantatas.
Bach used a grand Baroque orchestra for this section, including , which lend the music a regal and celebratory tone. The 13 movements consist of: