Bach's Christmas Oratorio—Christmas Begins in Mondsee

“Wachet auf!” and the Christmas Oratorio, Parts I and II

As the days grow shorter and Christmas draws near, Johann Sebastian Bach’s music is one of the most powerful companions of this season. On December 20 at 6:00 p.m., the St. Michael Mondsee Choir invites you to the Basilica for a festive evening of Bach: The program features the famous cantata “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” (BWV 140) as well as the first two cantatas of the Christmas Oratorio (BWV 248).

The evening begins with “Wachet auf!”—music that views Advent not as mere waiting, but as watchful anticipation. The radiant chorale, the virtuosic instrumental parts, and Bach’s artful interweaving of choir and soloists make this cantata one of the best-known works in his sacred repertoire.

Bach then leads the audience directly into the Christmas narrative with the Christmas Oratorio. Cantatas I and II tell of the birth of Christ and the arrival of the shepherds—with festive trumpets and timpani as well as heartfelt arias, chorales, and narrative recitatives. Between jubilant festivity and quiet contemplation, the musical world unfolds that makes the Christmas Oratorio one of the most beloved works of classical music to this day.

Together with the St. Michael Mondsee Choir, four distinguished soloists will perform during the evening: Nadine Nenning (soprano), Isabell Czarnecki (alto), Manuel Warwitz (tenor), and Benjamin Sattlecker (bass). The Consortium Lunaelacense performs under the direction of Gottfried Holzer-Graf.

The St. Michael Basilica in Mondsee provides the ideal setting for this event: here, Bach’s music combines festive splendor with spiritual depth, transforming Advent into a shared musical experience.
An evening to pause, listen, and get into the Christmas spirit.