Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Christmas in Leipzig

Donald Macleod paints a portrait of a Bach family Christmas in Leipzig, where the family have moved so that Bach can take up his post as Cantor at the Thomasschule.

Donald Macleod paints a portrait of a Bach family Christmas in Leipzig, where the family have moved so that Bach can take up his post as Cantor at the Thomasschule. By 1723, Leipzig's a lively city with a university, nine banks and huge tri-annual trade fairs plus a legendary Christmas market. And it's at Christmas that Bach's workload seems Herculean, with several services each day over the holiday period, each requiring new repertoire.

Christen, Γ¤tzet diesen Tag (Cantata BWV 63, opening chorus)
Collegium Vocale Gent, Philippe Herreweghe (conductor)

Partita No 2 in C minor, BWV 826
Martha Argerich (piano)

Magnificat in D major, BWV 243
Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner (conductor)

Presenter: Donald Mcleod
Producer: Rosie Boulton.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Opening Chorus from Cantata BWV 63

    Choir: Collegium Vocale Gent. Conductor: Philippe Herreweghe.
    • Magnificat BWV 243a.
    • HARMONIA MUNDI.
    • 5.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Partita No 2 BWV 826

    Performer: Martha Argerich.
    • Bach, J S: Toccata in C minor, BWV911, etc..
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 2.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Magnificat BWV 243

    Choir: Monteverdi Choir. Orchestra: English Baroque Soloists. Conductor: Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
    • JS Bach Magnificat.
    • PHILIPS.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Thu 21 Dec 2017 12:00

Featured in...

Vaughan Williams Today

Vaughan Williams Today

Programmes, concerts and features celebrating Vaughan Williams's 150th anniversary.

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

Beethoven Unleashed – the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod’s best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time – why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.