J. S. Bach: Easter Oratorio BWV 249

J. S. Bach: Christ lag in Todesbanden BWV 4

Oxford Bach Soloists directed by Tom Hammond-Davies

The Story of Easter

Two contrasting works from each end of Bach’s life tell the story of one of the most crucial events in world history: The Resurrection of Christ on Easter Day.

Composed at just 22, Christ lag in Todesbanden (Christ lay in the snares of death) is Bach’s first cantata for Easter soon after his legendary 250 mile walking pilgrimage to hear the 68 year old organist Buxtehude play in Lübeck. At this time, Bach was already demonstrating great ingenuity and skill in writing and playing keyboard music himself, but this work is a significant milestone in the development of his vocal music. 

Pitted against this is Bach’s magnificent Easter Oratorio, the last of his great Cantatas for Easter. Often overshadowed by the grand Handelian oratorio style such as Messiah, Bach’s offering is one of the finest displays of his resourceful imagination. Telling the story of the Resurrection in only 40 mins, it is coloured by the festal sound of trumpets and drums, vivid solo arias and wonderfully jubilant choruses.