Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" in a slightly different way

Created: 11/24/2022, 8:00 p.m

By: Magnus Reitinger

Choir and orchestra led by Andrea Fessmann (front, middle) and composer Stephan König have already performed the "Christmas Oratorio in Jazz" in Leipzig's Thomaskirche.

© KlangKunst-Chor

The "Christmas Oratorio in Jazz" has repeatedly caused a storm of applause in Iffeldorf.

Now it can be experienced again at the Osterseen - and also in one of the most beautiful concert halls in Munich.

Iffeldorf - It is a rousing and touching work - with which the Iffeldorfer KlangKunst-Chor has already celebrated great success in Munich's Herkulessaal or in Leipzig's Thomaskirche.

On December 10, the "Christmas Oratorio in Jazz" can be heard again in the community center in Iffeldorf, and on December 12 in the Prinzregententheater in Munich.

Conductor Andrea Fessmann explains in an interview what inspires her personally about Stephan König's special arrangement of Bach's "Christmas Oratorio".

Why a new version of the "Christmas Oratorio"?

There really isn't anything to improve on Johann Sebastian Bach's music, is there?

Bach is perfect!

And it's not about "improve" at all, this version is just different.

Stephan König takes Bach's melodies and ideas and conjures up something new from them that is so familiar at the same time because you've known it for a long time.

What is different about the "Christmas Oratorio in Jazz" compared to Bach's original?

"Jazz".

Unexpected harmonies or even more thrilling rhythms keep coming.

Well-known arias are reinterpreted and are so enchanting that I don't even know which variant I actually like better.

Both probably...

Is that also the right thing for die-hard “Bachians”?

I can only speak of myself, because I would describe myself as such: Yes!

And the reaction of the audience in Leipzig's Gewandhaus and in the Thomaskirche prove me right.

The Bach city of Leipzig even invited me to the Bach Festival in 2018 with the “Christmas Oratorio in Jazz”.

What are your personal favorite parts of the "Christmas Oratorio in Jazz"?

Oh, where do I start?

With the jazz version of the alto aria "Prepare yourself, Zion" or the chorus "Ruler of Heaven"...?

Or when the shepherds set out for Bethlehem: "Let us now go to Bethlehem"... Or the incredibly rousing tenor aria "Now you may snort proud enemies"!

And, and, and... The only thing I don't like is the first break in the opening chorus, where the jazz band suddenly comes in.

I get a fright every time: Oh right, it's not just Bach...

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This work is a real hit for the KlangKunst-Chor, and has been on the program for seven years.

Doesn't that get a bit boring for you?

Never.

On the contrary!

Me and – I think I may speak for the whole choir here – we look forward to any further opportunity to perform this piece!

And the audience is happy too, I can tell from the reactions to my announcements.

Are there also recordings of the “Christmas Oratorio in Jazz”?

Yes, there is actually a CD of the premiere, but there are only a few copies left.

A reboot would be wonderful.

But we are still looking for sponsors...

You have already given guest performances with this work in Munich's Herkulessaal and in the Gewandhaus in Leipzig.

This year, in addition to the Iffeldorfer concert, there will be a performance at the Prinzregententheater in Munich.

Why right there?

The Prinzregententheater is one of the most beautiful concert halls I know.

Seeing this space from the inside is an experience in itself for audience and performers alike - and it sounds good too!

As a visitor, you feel a bit like in a fairy tale.

It's similar from the stage: you look into a dreamlike hall and you can also play music there.

I was allowed to stand there very often with the Bavarian Radio Choir and I am happy that I can now also make this special experience possible for the KlangKunst-Choir.

What will be different at the concert in the Prinzregententheater than at the performance in the Iffeldorf community center?

Iffeldorf is smaller, more direct, the artists are closer, more private.

The Prince Regent Theater is a total work of art with a royal spatial experience.

King Ludwig II was the ideal father of this theatre.

Your chance for publicity: Why should one definitely hear the "Christmas Oratorio in Jazz"?

If your mouth hasn't watered by this point, here's a little anecdote: After the world premiere in Iffeldorf, an old lady stood in front of me - and I thought "now I'll hear something".

But she said to me: “You know, I've been listening to Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio' every year since I was 16.

But from now on I only want to hear this version!”

The performances

of the "Christmas Oratorio in Jazz" begin on Saturday, December 10th at 8 p.m. in the community center in Iffeldorf and on Monday, December 12th at 8 p.m. in the Prinzregententheater in Munich.

The soloists are Beate Gartner (soprano), Martin Petzold (tenor) and the jazz singers Anna Holzhauser and Maximilian Höcherl.

Info/tickets: www.klangkunst-im-pfaffenwinkel.de or telephone 08856/3695.