Himmelfahrtsoratorium BWV 11

Besides the Weihnachtsoratorium BVW 248, Bach composed an additional work for the feast days of the church year 1734/35: The Himmelfahrtsoratorium BWV 11 [Ascension Oratorio]. Although in its dimensions and character the oratorio is akin to his cantatas, it occupies a special position as a result of the epic text on which it is based; the text includes a biblical story.

In particular, the festive atmosphere and instrumentation of the opening and closing choruses mirror the triumphant joy of Christ’s ascension. This is a new edition in the Stuttgart Bach Editions series, edited by Ulrich Leisinger.

Scoring: Soli SATB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 3 Tr, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Bc

Complete orchestral parts - consisting of:

• 1x set of parts (harmony parts): flute 1, flute 2, oboe 1, oboe 2, 3 trumpets and timpani
• 4x individual part violin 1
• 4x individual part violin 2
• 3x individual part viola
• 4x individual part violoncello/double bass
• 1x individual part organ