For its annual holiday concerts, the Consort rejoices with a mix of Yuletide favorites. The rippling counterpoint of J.S. Bach’s Wachet auf (Sleepers Wake), composed during his time in Leipzig, is heard alongside Michael Praetorius’s wonderful setting of the same 16th-century Advent text from a century earlier. Complementing the joyous German holiday fare are Christmas classics from the English and American traditions, including festive carols by 18th-century American choral composer William Billings. With vocal quartet, winds, strings, and continuo.

This concert will be presented virtually and will be available on-demand December 11 through January 5.

Program:

Cantata BWV140, Wachet auf, by J. S. Bach

Holiday favorites by Michael Praetorius: In dulci jubilo, Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, En natus est Emmanuel

Music from Michael Praetorius's Terpsichore: Bransles doubles, Spagnoletta, Philov, Pavan de Spaigne, Three Volte

English and American holiday music: A Virgin Unspotted and Bethlehem by William Billings; Remember O Thou Man by Thomas Ravenscroft; Sweet was the Song the Virgin Sung; Greensleeves