The Christmas Oratorio, published in 1664, is one of Heinrich Schütz’s late works, but he didn’t stop there. Considered one of the greatest composers before Bach, Schütz’s music beautifully blended the latest musical trends from Italy with the German music of his time into a baroque style. Schütz’s Christmas Oratorio is performed by the Schwäbischer Singkreis and Orchestra.

An oratorio is a musical composition for voices and orchestra, telling a story—usually sacred—without costumes, scenery, or dramatic action.

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