Soldier in the "War on Christmas"!

[AlbertCat]

We must stop things like this!

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OK seriously, now that 'tis the season.... here is my favorite number from Bach's Christmas Oratorio. I love the obligato (the strings and oboes in unison) how it cleverly intertwines with the voice... especially in the middle section before the da capa (where they repeat the opening section at the end) It's low and then suddenly starts at a high point and just descends using it's familiar by now motif while the alto sings an ornamented melisma. SO GOOD! Enjoy!

Here are the lyrics so you can sing along:

Bereite dich, Zion, mit zärtlichen Trieben,
Make yourself ready, Zion,with tender desires
Den Schönsten, den Liebsten bald bei dir zu sehn!
to see with you soon him who is most beautiful, most dear!

Deine Wangen
Your cheeks
Müssen heut viel schöner prangen,
must today be far more beautifully resplendent,
Eile, den Bräutigam sehnlichst zu lieben!
hasten, to love your bridegroom with the greatest longing!

da capa

Now go make those cheeks resplendent!

[bvf]

1. Just beautiful.

"Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" it ain't.

[JNelson6563]

2. That was beautiful!

[Arugula Latte]

3. One question ...

Which set of cheeks?

[AlbertCat]

4. Better do both....

..... just to be sure, y'know....

[Arugula Latte]

5. Good point