ORATORIO DE NOEL OP.12 (VSC)

40.455/03 – vocal scoreThe text of the predominately lyrical, expressive, gentle-sounding oratorio is based on the Latin liturgy of Christmas which is oriented towards Catholic ritual. The work, composed in 1860, which meanwhile is also well known in Germany, shows its classicistic characteristics right from the beginning (Prélude, dans le style de Séb. Bach). The orchestra is limited to strings, harp and organ, and the choral parts have neither a wide range, nor are they difficult. In the orchestra the obbligato harp plays in only two of the 10 movements of the work, usually together with the organ. If a harp is not available, technically this part can be played by the organ.