In his Christmas Oratorio Bach drew on a long German tradition of sung Christmas narratives but as always surpassed them.

Like his Passion settings, the Biblical narrative is interspersed with solos and choruses commenting on the action. Though written in six parts to be performed over the main feast days of the Christmas season, it forms a continuous whole, especially Parts I-III describing the birth of Jesus, the angels appearing to the shepherds, and their visit to the manger.

Handel’s Foundling Hospital Anthem, if less familiar, fits the season with its charitable theme, and the concert ends with the Hallelujah chorus from Messiah.