The text of Das neugeborne Kindelein celebrates the arrival of the Christ Child and revels in the joy of starting a new year with confirmation of God’s protection against enemies and suffering.
Read MoreWhile the oratorio had a long history throughout Europe, it was in England that the form took root and flourished. Intended by the devout Anglican Charles Jennens as a response to deism, The Messiah is a collection of scriptures structured to present the foundation of Christian theology.
Read MoreWhen Corelli published a set of 12 “concerti grossi” in 1714 as his Opus 6, he was the first significant composer to use the term.
Read MoreAs Christmas approached, these bands of itinerant musicians descended on Rome from the Abruzzi mountains in their distinctive large brown coats and pointed hats, playing zampogne (bagpipes) and pifferi (a type of folk oboe).
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