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As Bach languishes under arrest in Weimar, he reflects on Christmases past at the royal court there. With Donald Macleod.

Christmas can be special wherever you live, but to experience a truly Christmassy Christmas, many would say that the only place to go is Germany. Plenty of Britain’s favourite Yuletide traditions originated there and Germany’s citizens have always had a special knack for celebrating this time of year. This was certainly true in JS Bach’s lifetime and, right through his career, he produced quantities of amazing Christmas music that we still love and revere today. All this week, Donald Macleod invites us to join Bach and his family during the Christmas season, at five different periods in his life, to see how his story develops and revel in the glorious works he created for Christmastime.

Today, Donald finds Bach imprisoned and facing the prospect of spending Christmas 1717 in captivity! We investigate how he got there and see how Bach’s Christmas obligations evolved during his nearly ten years serving the court in Weimar, and the warring Dukes who presided there.

Wachet! betet! betet! wachet', BWV 70a: Opening chorus
Bach Collegium Japan, directed by Masaaki Suzuki

In dulci jubilo, BWV 608; Lobt Gott, ihr Christen allzugleich, BWV 609; Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 610; Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich, BWV 605
Wolfgang Zerer, organ

Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63: 3. Gott, du hast es wohl gefüget & 7. Höchster, schau in Gnaden an
Carolyn Sampson, soprano; Sebastian Noack, bass; Collegium Vocale Gent, directed by Philippe Herreweghe

Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: 4. Verstockung kann Gewaltige verblenden, 5. Bereite dir, Jesu, noch itzo die Bahn & 6. Wohl mir, daß ich Jesum habe
Lisa Larsson, soprano; Klaus Mertens, bass; Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, directed by Ton Koopman

Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599
Wolfgang Zerer, organ

Prelude and Fugue in D minor, BWV 538
Ton Koopman, organ