Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend, BWV 248 II#History

{{See also|Church cantata#Second Day of Christmas}}

In 18th-century Leipzig, high holidays were celebrated on three consecutive days, with different prescribed readings and related music each day. Christmas, one of these high holidays, was celebrated from 25 to 27 December. For the principal churches, Thomaskirche and Nikolaikirche, the director musices determined which music was to be performed during the services on Sundays and feast days.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|pp=23–26}}{{sfn|Buelow|2016|p=272}}{{sfn|Wolff|2002|pp=253–254}}

On the Second Day of Christmas, 26 December, Leipzig celebrated Christmas in even years and Saint Stephen's Day in uneven years, with different readings. For even years, the epistle for Christmas was {{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Titus|chapter=3|verse=4|range=–7}} and the gospel was {{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=2|verse=15|range=–20}}. The theme of the first reading is God's mercy appearing in Christ and that of the second the shepherds at the manger.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA106 106]}}

{{see also|Church cantata (Bach)#Second Day of Christmas|Secular cantata (Bach)#Music celebrating the Saxonian prince-electoral family}}

Bach had become director musices in Leipzig in 1723.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|pp=23–26}} Early in his tenure, he had composed these church cantatas for the Second Day of Christmas, which was held as St. Stephen's Day in uneven years:

• 1723: Darzu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes, BWV 40, part of Bach's first cantata cycle{{sfn|Darzu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes BWV 40: Sacred cantata (2nd Christmas Day) at Bach Digital}}
• 1724: Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121, part of the chorale cantata cycle{{sfn|Christum wir sollen loben schon BWV 121: Chorale cantata (2nd Christmas Day) at Bach Digital}}
• 1725: Selig ist der Mann, BWV 57, part of Bach's third cantata cycle{{sfn|Selig ist der Mann, der die Anfechtung erduldet (Dialogus) BWV 57: Sacred cantata (2nd Christmas Day) at Bach Digital}}

File:Maria Josepha von Sachsen-Litauen-Polen-Österreich.jpg, the dedicatee of BWV 214, in a 1720 painting by {{nowrap|Rosalba Carriera}}]]

In 1733, Augustus III of Poland succeeded his father, Augustus the Strong, as Elector of Saxony and took residence in Dresden.{{sfn|Rathey|2003}} Bach hoped to become court composer for the Catholic Elector, and dedicated a Latin Missa to him that year, the Kyrie–Gloria Mass in B minor, BWV 232 I.{{sfn|Rathey|2003}} Several of Bach's secular cantatas celebrating the Saxonian prince-electoral family were performed in Leipzig, including these two cantatas first performed in 1733:{{sfn|Wessel|2015|pp=25–44, 47, 99–100}}

• Laßt uns sorgen, laßt uns wachen, BWV 213, also known as {{lang|de|Hercules am Scheidewege}} (Hercules at the Crossroads), on a libretto by Picander, was performed on {{nowrap|5 September 1733}}, the 11th birthday of the son of the elector;{{sfn|Wessel|2015|pp=25–44, 47, 99–100}}{{sfn|Lasst uns sorgen, lasst uns wachen (Dramma per musica) BWV 213: Secular cantata at Bach Digital}}
• A cantata for the elector's wife, Maria Josepha, to honour her 34th birthday on 8 December:{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA102 102], 820,827–830}} {{lang|de|Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten! BWV 214|italic=unset}} (Resound, ye drums! Ring out, ye trumpets!).{{sfn|Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten! BWV 214: Secular cantata (Birthday) at Bach Digital}} It is also known as "{{lang|de|Glückwunschkantate zum Geburtstage der Königin}}" (Congratulation cantata for the Queen's birthday), although Maria Josepha was not crowned Queen of Poland until January 1734.{{sfn|Wessel|2015|pp=25–44, 47, 99–100}}

{{See also|Christmas Oratorio}}

Bach composed his Christmas Oratorio for the Christmas season from Christmas Day on 25 December 1734 to Epiphany on 6 January 1735.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=V}} {{lang|de|Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend}}, {{nowrap|BWV 248 II}}, for the Second Day of Christmas in 1734, is the second of six cantatas (or parts) constituting this oratorio. Its first cantata, Jauchzet, frohlocket! Auf, preiset die Tage, BWV 248 I, had been performed the previous day.{{sfn|Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend (Christmas oratorio, part 2) BWV 248 II at Bach Digital}}

File:Govert Flinck - Angels Announcing the Birth of Christ to the Shepherds - WGA07928.jpg, 1639]]

While Part I of the oratorio covers the birth of Jesus, Part II is focused on the annunciation to the shepherds.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}} The story is told following the Gospel of Luke, interspersed with reflecting recitatives, arias and chorales.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA118 118]}} Deviating from the prescribed reading, the text of the cantata covers exclusively the announcement,{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119]}} while the itinerary to Bethlehem and adoration are topics of Part III, Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen, BWV 248 III, first performed on the Third Day of Christmas, 27 December 1734.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA131 131–133]}}

File:BWV 248 Libretto.JPG

The identity of the librettist of the Christmas Oratorio cantatas is unknown,{{sfn|Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend (Christmas oratorio, part 2) BWV 248 II at Bach Digital}} with Picander, who had collaborated with Bach earlier, a likely candidate.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA104 104]}} The oratorio's libretto was published in 1734.{{sfn|D-LEm I. B. 2a at Bach Digital}} The quotations from the Bible are rendered in Martin Luther's translation. The librettist included three stanzas from Lutheran hymns: Johann Rist's "Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht" from "Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist",{{sfn|Dahn 12|2019}} Paul Gerhardt's "Schaut hin! dort liegt im finstern Stall" from "Schaut, schaut, was ist für Wunder dar",{{sfn|Dahn 17|2019}} as the central movement of the cantata, and for the conclusion, by the same author, "Wir singen dir in deinem Heer" from "Wir singen dir, Immanuel".{{sfn|Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend (Christmas oratorio, part 2) BWV 248 II at Bach Digital}}{{sfn|Dahn 23|2019}}{{sfn|Dellal|2021}}

The three movements based on Lutheran hymn text used Lutheran chorale tunes associated with these hymns:{{sfn|Dahn 12|2019}}{{sfn|Dahn 17|2019}}{{sfn|Dahn 23|2019}}

• "Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist", Zahn 5741b, by Johann Schop (1641), for the first chorale movement{{sfn|Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist BWV 248/12 at Bach Digital}}{{sfn|Zahn|1889–1893|loc=III, pp. [https://archive.org/details/1508285990bsb11304501/page/n521/mode/2up 516–517]}}
• "Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her", Zahn 345–346, by Martin Luther (1539), for the second and third chorale movements{{sfn|Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her BWV 248/17 at Bach Digital}}{{sfn|Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her BWV 248/23 at Bach Digital}}{{sfn|Zahn|1889–1893|loc=I, p. [https://archive.org/details/1508283124bsb11304498/page/n105/mode/2up 98]}}

Two extended movements of {{nowrap|BWV 248 II}} are based on music from the BWV 213 and 214 cantatas:{{sfn|Wessel|2015|p=47}}

• the sixth movement of {{nowrap|BWV 248 II}}, "Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet", is based on the aria "Fromme Musen! meine Glieder" from BWV 214;{{sfn|Wessel|2015|p=47}}
• the tenth movement of the cantata for the Second Day of Christmas 1734, "Schlafe, mein Liebster, genieße der Ruh'", is based on the aria "Schlafe, mein Liebster, und pflege der Ruh" from BWV 213.{{sfn|Wessel|2015|p=47}}

{{nowrap|BWV 248 II}} was first performed in the Thomaskirche on 26 December 1734 and repeated during a vespers service at the Nikolaikirche the same day.{{sfn|Wolff|2002|p=254}}

The work is structured in 14 movements. Bach scored it for four vocal soloists, a four-part choir (SATB) and a Baroque instrumental ensemble of two traversos (Tra), two oboes d'amore (Oa), two oboes da caccia (Oc), two violins (Vl), viola (Va) and basso continuo.{{sfn|Bischof|2019}} The wind instruments illustrate the sphere of the shepherds. A typical performance takes 29 minutes.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA118 118]}}

The cantata begins with the instrumental Sinfonia, unlike all other parts of the oratorio. The tenor soloist narrates the story as the Evangelist. The soprano soloist appears for the first time in the oratorio as the angel bringing the news. The choir represents the angels singing "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe" (Glory to God in the Highest). The scene is reflected in two arias, an alto aria anticipating a lullaby for the newborn and a tenor aria calling to run to the manger in joy.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA118 118–120]}}

The following table follows the {{lang|de|Neue Bach-Ausgabe}} (New Bach Edition). The numbers are continuous for the complete Christmas Oratorio, beginning with 10 for its second cantata. The keys and time signatures are from Alfred Dürr and use the symbol for common time.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA118 118–120]}} The continuo, played throughout, is not shown.

{{Classical movement header | show_text_source = yes | work = {{lang|de|Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend}} | instruments1 = Winds | instruments2 = Strings }}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 10

| title = {{lang|it|Sinfonia|italic=no}}

| text_source =

| type =

| vocal =

| instruments1 = 2Tra 2Oa 2Oc

| instruments2 = 2Vl Va

| key = G major

| time = 12/8

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 11

| title = {{lang|de|Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend|italic=no}}

| text_source = {{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=2|verse=8|range=–9}}

| type = Recitative

| vocal = T

| instruments1 =

| instruments2 =

| key =

| time =

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 12

| title = {{lang|de|Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht|italic=no}}

| text_source = Rist

| type = Chorale

| vocal = SATB

| instruments1 = 2Tra 2Oa 2Oc

| instruments2 = 2Vl Va

| key = G major

| time = {{music|common-time}}

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 13

| title = {{lang|de|Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen
Fürchtet euch nicht|italic=no}}

| text_source = {{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=2|verse=10|range=-11}}

| type = Recitative

| vocal = T
S

| instruments1 =

| instruments2 =
2Vl Va

| key =

| time =

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 14

| title = {{lang|de|Was Gott dem Abraham verheißen|italic=no}}

| text_source = anon.

| type = Recitative

| vocal = B

| instruments1 = 2Oa 2Oc

| instruments2 = 2Vl Va

| key =

| time =

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 15

| title = {{lang|de|Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet|italic=no}}

| text_source = anon.

| type = Aria

| vocal = T

| instruments1 = Tra

| instruments2 =

| key = E minor

| time = 3/8

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 16

| title = {{lang|de|Und das habt zum Zeichen|italic=no}}

| text_source = {{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=2|verse=12}}

| type = Recitative

| vocal = T

| instruments1 =

| instruments2 =

| key =

| time =

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 17

| title = {{lang|de|Schaut hin! dort liegt im finstern Stall|italic=no}}

| text_source = Gerhardt

| type = Chorale

| vocal = SATB

| instruments1 = 2Tra 2Oa 2Oc

| instruments2 = 2Vl Va

| key = C major

| time = {{music|common-time}}

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 18

| title = {{lang|de|So geht denn hin!|italic=no}}

| text_source = anon.

| type = Recitative

| vocal = B

| instruments1 = 2Ob 2Oc

| instruments23 = 2Vl Va

| key =

| time =

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 19

| title = {{lang|de|Schlafe, mein Liebster, genieße der Ruh|italic=no}}

| text_source = anon.

| type = Aria

| vocal = A

| instruments1 = Tra 2Oa 2Oc

| instruments2 = 2Vl Va

| key = G Major

| time = 2/4

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 20

| title = {{lang|de|Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel|italic=no}}

| text_source = {{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=2|verse=13}}

| type = Recitative

| vocal = T

| instruments1 =

| instruments2 =

| key =

| time =

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 21

| title = {{lang|de|Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe|italic=no}}

| text_source = {{Sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Luke|chapter=2|verse=14}}

| type = Chorus

| vocal = SATB

| instruments1 = 2Tra 2Oa 2Oc

| instruments2 =

| key = G major

| time = {{music|alla-breve}}

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 22

| title = {{lang|de|So recht, ihr Engel, jauchzt und singet|italic=no}}

| text_source = anon.

| type = Recitative

| vocal = B

| instruments1 =

| instruments2 =

| key =

| time =

}}

{{Classical movement row

| number = 23

| title = {{lang|de|Wir singen dir in deinem Heer|italic=no}}

| text_source = Gerhardt

| type = Chorale

| vocal = SATB

| instruments1 = 2Tra 2Oa 2Oc

| instruments2 = 2Vl Va

| key = G major

| time = 12/8

}}

{{End}}

{{Listen

|type-music

|filename=Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Dalal) - 10 Sinfonia.ogg

|title=Sinfonia, BWV 248 II

|description= St Matthew's Concert Choir and Orchestra, dir. Phiroz Dalal}}

File:BWV248-II-sinfonia-2.jpg

The cantata begins with the instrumental Sinfonia.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA118 118]}}{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=34}} Set in G major, it is in a triple meter in siciliano rhythm. Albert Schweitzer likened the music to a concerto of the shepherds, playing oboes, and the angels playing strings and flute in unison with the first violin. The movement is a ternary form, ABA^', repeating the beginning modified after a middle section, and this a forerunner of the classical sonata form, as Dürr notes. Each section is in again three groups, taking the analogy to the sonata form further: string music, as a first theme, is followed by oboe music as a second theme and combined music as the closing group.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}} The movement is the only purely instrumental music in the Christmas Oratorio.{{sfn|Bossuyt|2004|p=87}}

The absence of a chorus in the first movement signifies the stillness of the nightly scene, giving more weight to the voices to follow. The major choral movement in this cantata is the representation of the angels' song.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}}

The tenor soloist as the Evangelist begins the narration in secco recitative after Luke: {{lang|de|"Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend"|italic=no}} ("And there were shepherds in the same region"),{{sfn|Dellal|2021}} describing the shepherds in the fields, frightened by the apparition of angels.{{sfn|Dellal|2021}}{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=37}}

{{Listen

|type=music

|filename=Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Dalal) - 12 Brich an o schones Morgenlicht.ogg

|title=Chorus: "Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht"

|description= St Matthew's Concert Choir and Orchestra, dir. Phiroz Dalal}}

In the response to the shepherds being afraid, they are told in a chorale not to fear.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=38}} The stanza "Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht"{{sfn|Dahn 12|2019}} ("Break forth, o lovely light of morning"),{{sfn|Dellal|2021}} which Bach set for four parts, is taken from a hymn by Johann Rist, "Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist":{{sfn|Dahn 12|2019}}

{{blockquote|Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht,

Und laß den Himmel tagen!

Du Hirtenvolk, erschrecke nicht,

Weil dir die Engel sagen,

Daß dieses schwache Knäbelein

Soll unser Trost und Freude sein,

Dazu den Satan zwingen

Und letztlich Friede bringen!}}

The shepherds are told that the weak child shall be comfort and joy to them and all (using the first person plural) and will conquer Satan and ultimately bring peace.{{sfn|Dellal|2021}} Markus Rathey notes that this is an apocalyptic outlook within the oratorio.{{sfn|Rathey|2016|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=UHDADAAAQBAJ&pg=PA60 60]}}

The narration continues, first sung by the Evangelist, "{{lang|de|Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen|italic=no}}" ("And the angel said to them"),{{sfn|Dellal|2021}} then continued by the angel's message, given to the soprano soloist, who appears here for the first time in the oratorio: "{{lang|de|Fürchtet euch nicht|italic=no}}" ("Do not be afraid").{{sfn|Dellal|2021}} The angel's recitative is accompanied by strings.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=39}}

The announcement of the angel is interrupted after telling of the birth of the Saviour, by a recitative and following aria. The bass sings the recitative, accompanied by the oboes representing the shepherds: "{{lang|de|Was Gott dem Abraham verheißen|italic=no}}" ("What God promised to Abraham").{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119]}} It connects the message to the shepherds to Abraham, who also was a shepherd.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=39}}

{{Listen

|type=music

|filename=Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Dalal) - 15 Frohe Hirten.ogg

|title=Tenor aria: "Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet"

|description=St Matthew's Concert Choir and Orchestra, dir. Phiroz Dalal}}

The tenor sings an aria, calling the other shepherds to run to see the child: "{{lang|de|Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet|italic=no}}" ("Joyful shepherds, hurry, oh hurry").{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119]}} The aria in E minor is accompanied by solo flute.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119]}}{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=40}} The music is based on the aria "Fromme Musen, meine Glieder" from Bach's secular cantata Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!, BWV 214, for the birthday of Maria Josepha, Electress of Saxony.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=V}}

The announcement of the angel is continued: "{{lang|de|Und das habt zum Zeichen|italic=no}}" ("And this shall be a sign for you"),{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119]}} mentioning swaddling-clothes and the manger.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119]}} The movement is marked to be sung by the tenor,{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=44}} which shows, according to Dürr, the "essentially undramatic conception of the oratorio".{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}}

{{Listen

|type=music

|filename=Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Dalal) - 17 Schaut hin, dort liegt im finstern Stall.ogg

|title=Chorale: "Schaut hin! dort liegt im finstern Stall"

|description=St Matthew's Concert Choir and Orchestra, dir. Phiroz Dalal}}

At this point, the lowliness of the humble stable is reflected in a chorale:{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=45}} "{{lang|de|Schaut hin! dort liegt im finstern Stall|italic=no}}" (Look, there lies in a dark stable),{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119]}} a setting for four parts of a stanza by Paul Gerhardt, which is sung to the melody of Martin Luther's "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her".{{sfn|Dahn 17|2019}} This chorale, in the low key of C major, is the central movement of this cantata and thus also the midpoint of the first three parts of the oratorio, performed on the three days of Christmas:{{sfn|Rathey|2016|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=UHDADAAAQBAJ&pg=PA216 216]}}

{{blockquote|Schaut hin, dort liegt im finstern Stall,

Des Herrschaft gehet überall!

Da Speise vormals sucht ein Rind,

Da ruhet itzt der Jungfrau'n Kind.}}

Its focus is on the dark stable, expressing amazement that the Almighty, the Virgin's child, rests where a cow had fed.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA121 121]}} Bach illustrates power over all by a rising scale of more than an octave in the bass line.{{sfn|Rathey|2016|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=UHDADAAAQBAJ&pg=PA216 216]}}

Another reflecting recitative of the bass, again interrupting the Biblical account, calls the shepherds to go and marvel: "{{lang|de|So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten, geht|italic=no}}" ("Then go forth, you shepherds, go"),.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119]}} It is accompanied by the oboes as the first bass recitative.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=46}}

{{Listen

|type=music

|filename=Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Dalal) - 19 Schlafe, mein Liebster.ogg

|title=Alto aria: "Schlafe, mein Liebster, genieße der Ruh"

|description=St Matthew's Concert Choir and Orchestra, dir. Phiroz Dalal}}

The aria is assigned to the alto voice.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=46}} It is a lullaby, as if imagined: "{{lang|de|Schlafe, mein Liebster, genieße der Ruh|italic=no}}" ("Sleep, my most beloved, enjoy your rest").{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA119 119–120]}} Set in G major, the voice is doubled by a flute playing an octave higher, and all oboes and strings.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA121 121]}} Bach based the music on "{{lang|de|Schlafe, mein Liebster}}", a soprano aria from Laßt uns sorgen, laßt uns wachen, BWV 213.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=V}}

The Evangelist continues the narration:{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=52}} "{{lang|de|Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel|italic=no}}" ("And suddenly there was with the angel"), telling of the heavenly hosts.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}}

{{Listen

|type=music

|filename=Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Dalal) - 21 Ehre sei Gott.ogg

|title=Chorus: "Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe und Friede auf Erden und den Menschen ein Wohlgefallen."

|description=St Matthew's Concert Choir and Orchestra, dir. Phiroz Dalal

}}

The choir represents the angels singing the words after Luke:{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=53}} "{{lang|de|Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe und Friede auf Erden und den Menschen ein Wohlgefallen.|italic=no}}" ("Glory to God on high and peace on Earth and goodwill towards mankind.").{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}} Bach treats the three aspects differently, as in a motet. The instruments only accompany. The first section, about glory, is developed in dense polyphony based on a passacaglia-type bass. The second section, about peace, is set to a pedal point. The third section, about goodwill, has lively themes full of coloraturas.{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=55}} After each idea has received extended treatment, the full text is repeated in the same sequence but condensed.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA121 121]}}

The bass sings a third recitative, this time secco:{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=59}} "{{lang|de|So recht, ihr Engel, jauchzt und singet|italic=no}}" ("Quite right, you angels, rejoice and sing"), calling to joyfully join the angels' song.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}}

{{Listen

|filename=Bach - Christmas Oratorio (Dalal) - 23 Wir singen dir in deinem Heer.ogg

|title=Chorale: "Wir singen dir in deinem Heer"

|description=St Matthew's Concert Choir and Orchestra, dir. Phiroz Dalal}}

The closing chorale{{sfn|Hofmann|2005|p=59}} is another stanza by Gerhardt, to the same melody as the cantata's central chorale: "{{lang|de|Wir singen dir in deinem Heer|italic=no}}"{{sfn|Dahn 23|2019}} ("We sing to You within Your host"):{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}}

{{blockquote|Wir singen dir in deinem Heer

Aus aller Kraft Lob, Preis und Ehr,

Daß du, o lang gewünschter Gast,

Dich nunmehr eingestellet hast.}}

Using the first person plural, it includes everyone in singing praises with the angels because the long-awaited guest has finally appeared.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA120 120]}} The chorale is set in G major, and instrumental motifs between the lines are taken from the opening Sinfonia, confirming the symmetry of the cantata's structure. The strings play in unison with the choir.{{sfn|Dürr|Jones|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA121 121]}}

• Christmas Oratorio discography

{{reflist | 20em}}

Bach Digital

• {{BDh|148|00|2019-03-11|Work|Christum wir sollen loben schon BWV 121: Chorale cantata (2nd Christmas Day)}}
• {{BDh|55|000|2019-03-11|Work|Darzu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes BWV 40: Sacred cantata (2nd Christmas Day)}}
• {{BDh|25367||2018-09-08|Source|D-LEm I. B. 2a}}
• {{BDh|11260||2018-07-15|Work|Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist BWV 248/12}}
• {{BDh|269|00|2019-03-11|Work|Lasst uns sorgen, lasst uns wachen (Dramma per musica) BWV 213: Secular cantata}}
• {{BDh|72|000|2019-03-11|Work|Selig ist der Mann, der die Anfechtung erduldet (Dialogus) BWV 57: Sacred cantata (2nd Christmas Day)}}
• {{BDh|270|00|2019-03-11|Work|Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten! BWV 214: Secular cantata (Birthday)}}
• {{BDh|11386||2019-03-11|Work|Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend (Christmas oratorio, part 2) BWV 248 II}}
• {{BDh|11261||2019-01-18|Work|Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her BWV 248/17}}
• {{BDh|11281||2019-01-17|Work|Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her BWV 248/23}}

Books

• {{cite book

| last = Buelow

| first = George J.

| chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=1uuuCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA272

| chapter = The Late Baroque Era

| title = The Late Baroque Era: Vol 4. From The 1680s To 1740

| publisher = Springer

| date = 2016

| isbn = 978-1-34-911303-3

}}

• {{cite book

| last = Bossuyt

| first = Ignace

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Uba5l4K5KvAC&pg=PA85

| title = Johann Sebastian Bach, Christmas Oratorio (BWV 248)

| publisher = Leuven University Press

| date = 2004

| isbn = 978-9-05-867421-0

}}

• {{cite book

| last1 = Dürr

| first1 = Alfred

| author-link = Alfred Dürr

| last2 = Jones

| first2 = Richard D. P.

| author2-link = Richard D. P. Jones

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=m9JuwslMcq4C&pg=PA118

| title = The Cantatas of J. S. Bach: With Their Librettos in German-English Parallel Text

| publisher = Oxford University Press

| year = 2006

| isbn = 978-0-19-929776-4

| pages = 118–121

}}

• {{cite book

| translator-last1 = Coombs

| translator-first1 = John

| date = 2005

| editor-last = Hofmann

| editor-first = Klaus

| editor-link = Klaus Hofmann

| title = Johann Sebastian Bach: Weihnachtsoratorium / Christmas Oratorio / Oratorium Tempore Nativitatis Christi / BWV 248

| url = https://www.carusmedia.com/images-intern/medien/30/3124853/3124853x.pdf

| type = Urtext, Vocal score

| series = Stuttgarter Bach-Ausgaben

| language = de, en, fr

| others = Continuo realisation by Horn, Paul, English version by Drinker, Henry S.

| publisher = Carus

| id = CV 31.248/53

}}

• {{cite book

| last = Rathey

| first = Markus

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=UHDADAAAQBAJ&pg=PA148

| title = Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio: Music, Theology, Culture

| publisher = Oxford University Press

| date = 2016

| isbn = 978-0-19-027526-6

| pages = 148–152

}}

• {{cite book

| last = Wessel

| first = Jens

| chapter-url = https://ediss.sub.uni-hamburg.de//volltexte/2016/7928/pdf/Dissertation.pdf

| chapter = Köthen (1717–1723)

| title = J. S. Bach und die italienische Oper / Drammi per musica für das kurfürstlich-sächsische und polnische Königshaus zwischen 1733 und 1736

| publisher = Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg

| date = 2015

| pages = 25–44, 47, 99–100

| language = de

| type = dissertation

}}

• {{cite book

| last = Wolff

| first = Christoph

| author-link = Christoph Wolff

| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=NHpL3cQg0_UC&pg=PA237

| title = Johann Sebastian Bach: The Learned Musician

| publisher = W. W. Norton & Company

| date = 2002

| isbn = 978-0-393-32256-9

}}

• {{cite book

| last1 = Zahn

| first1 = Johannes

| author-link1= Johannes Zahn

| date = 1889–1893

| title = Die Melodien der deutschen evangelischen Kirchenlieder

| volume =

| location = Gütersloh

| publisher = Bertelsmann

| language = de

}} [https://archive.org/details/1508283124bsb11304498 Vol. I], [https://archive.org/details/1508284209bsb11304500 Vol. II], [https://archive.org/details/1508285990bsb11304501 Vol. III], [https://archive.org/details/1508286757bsb11304502 Vol. IV], [https://archive.org/details/1508287113bsb11304503 Vol. V], [https://archive.org/details/1508288358bsb11304504 Vol. VI]

Online sources

• {{cite web

| last = Bischof

| first = Walter F.

| url = https://webdocs.cs.ualberta.ca/~wfb/cantatas/248II.html

| title = BWV 248II Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend / Weihnachts-Oratorium I

| website = University of Alberta

| year = 2019

| access-date = 4 December 2019

}}

• {{cite web

| last = Dahn

| first = Luke

| url = http://www.bach-chorales.com/BWV0248_12.htm

| title = BWV 248.12

| date = 2019

| website = bach-chorales.com

| access-date = 4 December 2019

| ref = {{sfnref|Dahn 12|2019}}

}}

• {{cite web

| last = Dahn

| first = Luke

| url = http://www.bach-chorales.com/BWV0248_17.htm

| title = BWV 248.17

| date = 2019

| website = bach-chorales.com

| access-date = 4 December 2019

| ref = {{sfnref|Dahn 17|2019}}

}}

• {{cite web

| last = Dahn

| first = Luke

| url = http://www.bach-chorales.com/BWV0248_23.htm

| title = BWV 248.23

| date = 2019

| website = bach-chorales.com

| access-date = 4 December 2019

| ref = {{sfnref|Dahn 23|2019}}

}}

• {{cite web

| last = Dellal

| first = Pamela

| author-link = Pamela Dellal

| url = http://www.pameladellal.com/notes_translations/translations_cantata/t_bwv248-2.htm#pab1_7

| title = BWV 248-II – "Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend"

| date = 2021

| website = pameladellal.com

| access-date = 22 December 2021

}}

• {{cite web

| last = Rathey

| first = Markus

| url = https://ism.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/Johann%20Sebastian%20Bach.pdf

| title = Johann Sebastian Bach's Mass in B Minor: The Greatest Artwork of All Times and All People

| website = ism.yale.edu

| date = 18 April 2003

| access-date = 14 November 2013

}}

{{commons category|Christmas Oratorio}}

• {{IMSLP|work=Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248 (Bach, Johann Sebastian)|cname=Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248}}
• Markus Schönewolf: [https://schoenewolf.com/bach-weihnachtsoratorium/ Weihnachtsoratorium] schoenewolf.com
• [http://www.bachdiskographie.de/textkangeist/bwv248_IItext.html BWV 248 / II] bachdiskographie.de
• Ambrose, Z. Philip: [http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach/BWV2482.html BWV 248II Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend (Weihnachts-Oratorium II)] (translation) uvm.edu

{{Masses, Magnificat, Passions and Oratorios by Johann Sebastian Bach}}

{{Church cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach}}

{{Bach cantatas}}

{{authority control}}

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend, BWV 248 II}}

Category:Church cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach

Category:1734 compositions

Category:Christmas cantatas