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| Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachtsoratorium) | 
 enlarge | Director: Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Actors: Peter Schreier, Robert Holl, Concentus Musicus Opera, Tolzer Knabenchor
Studio: Deutsche Grammophon
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.98
Buy New: $15.00
You Save: $14.98 (50%)
New (17) Used (5) Collectible (1) from $15.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 46098
Format: Classical, Color, Dts Surround Sound, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Ntsc
Languages: German (Original Language), English (Original Language), French (Original Language), Spanish (Original Language), Mandarin Chinese (Original Language), German (Subtitled), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Running Time: 153 minutes
Number Of Items: 2
Discs: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 000551709
UPC: 044007341049
EAN: 0044007341049
ASIN: B000B8ISP0
Theatrical Release Date: 2005
Release Date: November 22, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 A wonderful performance of Bach's music August 4, 2008
This is actually quite an old film from 1982 which has been transferred to DVD. The DVD itself therefore can only be played in 4:3 format and not widescreen, and it's an NTSC disc. However the film is crisp and clear and there have been no problems with the transfer. The quality of the sound in the recording is also excellent.
Subtitles have been provided in German, English, French, Spanish and Chinese. It's worth noting that I played this film back on my 10.2 inch small screen portable DVD player and had no difficulty reading them. The disc format is Region 0 and should be playable on any DVD player worldwide.
The actual performance of the Weihnachtsoratorium (to give it the name Bach gave it) is given on this disc by Peter Schreier, Robert Holl, soloists of the Tolzer Knabenchor and the Tolzer Knabenchor, with the Concentus Musicus Wein orchestra. Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducts.
The recording takes place in the Collegiate Church at Waldhausen and the delightful introduction to the film shows the church in winter, snow falling and bells ringing for Christmas day. This is despite the fact that the actual recording was made during the summer and autumn in 1981. A wonderful Nativity scene by the sculptor Josef Stammel has been used as an illustration between each of the six cantatas which form the Christmas Oratorio.
The performance is on period instruments, and the top notch playing accompanying the singing is particularly good in this production. The musicians in the film (both singers and instrumentalists) are totally absorbed in the work they are performing, and you feel also that they are enjoying the whole experience. The singing is also excellent; Peter Schreier and Robert Holl are internationally known singers and Nikolaus Harnoncourt specialises in conducting early music. Some of the choirboys admittedly do have slightly breathy voices but they are trained in the continental style of singing which gives a richness to their tone sometimes lacking in that of choirboys from other countries. This makes their voices particularly suited to this music.
This is a disc that you will enjoy again and again and I cannot recommend it too highly.
 Beautiful and unique rendition April 6, 2008
While not an expert on the Christmas Oratorio, I have been a "fan" of Nikalaus Hornoncourt since the Telefunken Bach Contatas (Concentus Musicus Wien) - I have them all) led me to purchase this DVD which, although over 25 years old, the recording is brilliant and shows the intensity of Hornoncourt at his best. I have heard Hornoncourt's interpretation is rather controversial, but I enjoyed it greatly. I recommend it heartily!
Fantastik! March 1, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Bach must have heard it thus. What a delight to both view and hear these Baroque masterpieces sung by an outstanding Bravarian Boy's choir, the Toelzer Knabenchor. Absolutely 'candy' both for the eye and ear.
The best performance ever! February 15, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I watched this version of the Christmas Oratorio completely captured by it! I am a great Boychoir fan, and I have to say that all of the little musicians in this edition are superb. The soloists are so perfect to make your spine tingle;and so professional too!No difference between them and the "grown up" professionals.
Harnoncourt is in complete controll of the orchestra at every bar (as you can see in the very numerous closeups on him).Also the sound is great thanks to the original instruments;you'll be able to see the very rare "oboe da caccia"(a sort of English horn with metal end), and you will hear the purity of sound of the natural trumpets and the wooden flutes.
In a word: The best performance ever!
Excelente video. January 24, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Excelente video. magistral interpretacion de una de las obras mas hermosas del mundo de la musica: el Oratorio de Navidad.
Imagenes del nacimiento que se encuentra en el mismo lugar de interpretacion forman parte esencial en la ejecucion de una de los trabajos de Johann Sebastian Bach.
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