Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

In the historic Weimar Herder Church in Germany Sir John Eliot Gardiner found an appropriate setting for his recording of the Bach Christmas Oratorio (BWV 248). Against the backdrop of the dramatic altar and Lucas Granach paintings, the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists perform Gardiner's new interpretation of this classic piece with consummate professionalism. This Weimar concert is a special performance for Sir John, as it marked the start of his Bach Cantata Pilgrimage in which he and his musicians performed over 80 concerts throughout Europe to honour the 250th anniversary of Bach's death in 1750. With his own inimitable interpretation of the Christmas Oratorio, Gardiner shows himself once again to be one of the great conductors of one of the greatest of composers and even if you have the music elsewhere in your collection it is well worth investing in this visual record. To watch Sir John at work is in itself a joy and his soloists are all first class too, namely Bernarda Fink (alto), Christoph Genz (tenor), Dietrich Henshel (bass) and Claron McFadden (soprano). As a bonus we get two documentaries: J.E. Gardiner's Bach Cantata Pilgrimage and J.E. Gardiner in Saxony and Thuringia. Both last more than 25 minutes and even the uncommitted viewer will surely find them of interest and Bach enthusiasts will find they bear repeated viewing although, of course, the set stands or falls on the music. Christmas sees Johann Sebastian at his most joyous and the choir and orchestra join the celebrations by giving a memorable performance. Yes, there are more than a few other recordings of any or all of the Bach cantatas available, but this is special and is thoroughly recommended.

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