The cantata Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (TWV 1:1174) is taken from Telemann’s cantata cycle of 1717–18. Though festively scored for two oboes, two trumpets, kettledrums, strings and basso continuo, it will not overly strain the financial resources of today’s ensembles.

The well-known chorale tune features prominantly in all choruses. Telemann gives one aria each to the three soloists (SAB). Thanks to the relatively small instrumental ensemble, the choral passages can be taken one to a part. T...