Radiant trumpets and jubilant soloists! Easter is all about commemorating the suffering and death of Christ, but in Bach's time, Easter Sunday resonated with joyful notes. Alongside his renowned passions, Bach composed an Italian-style Easter oratorio, omitting chorales and an evangelist. For nearly 25 years, he refined his Oster-Oratorium, which debuted on Easter Sunday in 1725.

The Oster-Oratorium is a resplendent celebration of Easter, where radiant trumpets take the lead and soloists sing out their joy with gusto: a tribute to new beginnings, longer days, and nature's awakening. The piece's pastoral roots shine through in instruments that frolic like spirited young colts, brimming with hope and vitality.

programme

Johann Sebastian Bach
Christ lag in Todesbanden BWV 4
Oster-Oratorium BWV 249

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Ilse Eerens, soprano
Fabio Trümpy, tenor
Maarten Engeltjes
, countertenor

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programme notes

Immerse yourself in the music with Aurélie Walschaert's programme notes.

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playlist: Easter Music

Easter: death and resurrection, reflection and gratitude. Today perhaps more topical than ever. We collect the appropriate music in our playlist featuring Sisask, MacMillan, Sandström and more.

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📍Kölner Philharmonie
Bischofsgartenstraße 1, 50667 Köln, Germany

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