Program: Johann Sebastian Bach, Weihnachtsoratorium BWV 248 (cantatas 1, 4, 5 and 6). Credits: Nederlandse Bachvereniging ; Lars Ulrik Mortensen, conductor ; Carine Tinney, soprano ; Alex Potter, alto ; Bart Naessens, tenor ; Tomáš Král, bass. No Christmas without Bach’s Weihnachtsoratorium. The Bach Society celebrates the birth of Jesus with this magnificent work. Concerto Copenhagen’s artistic director Lars Ulrik Mortensen takes the organ for cantatas 1, 4, 5, and 6 of Bach’s great Christmas oratorio. These cantatas weave the tale of the announcement and birth of Jesus, his naming ceremony, and the journey of the three wise men from the east, guided by the star of Bethlehem, to meet the newly born child. From the very first notes, the characteristic timpani strokes of cantata 1, the Christmas festivities erupt: ‘Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage!’. Mortensen’s infectious energy and flamboyance bring the Christmas celebration to life.