Advent (or Christmas) Cantata. SATB Choir, Soloists, 2 Violins and Organ. (opt. cello)

This little gem was formerly attributed to J.S. Bach and cataloged as BWV 142 (Uns ist ein Kind geboren). It is now thought to be by Johann Kuhnau, Bach's predecessor at Leipzig, but remains in the BWV because the attribution is insecure. Well, as insecure as the attribution is, this little cantata is still a marvelous example of the Baroque church cantata, probably dating from 1720. Originally written for Christmas, (and available in a terrible English translation) we've added a new text to make it perfect for any ADVENT service - and scored it for two violins and organ with optional cello. 17 minutes long. (Note: You will notice that the tenor and alto arias contain exactly the same music, transposed up a 4th. This is what happened when you had to write a new cantata every week...)

The EXTRAS (ZIP) file contains the string parts