Reinhard Keiser: Dialogus von der Geburt Christi

Immerse yourself in the rich, baroque splendor of Reinhard Keiser's "Dialogus von der Geburt Christi," a captivating Christmas Oratorio brought to life by the Rastatter Hofkapelle under the direction of Jürgen Ochs. Released on September 1, 2008, this album is a testament to the exquisite artistry of Keiser, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach, and offers a unique perspective on the nativity story through a dialogue between the shepherds and angels.

The Rastatter Hofkapelle, renowned for their performances on period instruments, delivers a vivid and authentic interpretation of Keiser's work. The album is divided into three parts, each exploring different aspects of the Christmas narrative, from the joyous announcement of Christ's birth to the profound theological implications of the Incarnation.

In addition to Keiser's "Dialogus," the album also features Graupner's "Magnificat," a beautiful setting of the biblical canticle that complements the Christmas Oratorio perfectly. The combination of these two works creates a cohesive and spiritually uplifting listening experience.

With a running time of just over 44 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful exploration of baroque sacred music. The Rastatter Hofkapelle's precise and expressive performances, coupled with the rich harmonies and contrapuntal writing of Keiser and Graupner, make this a recording that will delight both baroque music enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. The album was released under the Carus label, known for its high-quality recordings of early music.