(Sound, all ye drums now! Resound, all ye trumpets!) for soprano, alto, tenor and bass, transverse flute I+II, oboe I+II, timpani, strings and basso continuo

The words “Jauchzet, frohlocket!” (Triumph, rejoicing!) open one of Bach’s most instantly recognised works: the introductory chorus of the Christmas Oratorio BWV 248, which is indeed a parody of the homage cantata BWV 214. The Christmas Oratorio’s cleverly reworked libretto by Picander, however, conceals the convincing inner logic of the original work. Opening with the ringing words of “Sound, all ye drums now! Resound, all ye trumpets! Resonant viols, make swell now the air!”, the libretto of BWV 214 powerfully introduces the baroque festival orchestra and paves the way for a cantata whose strong military overtones were inspired by the sabrerattling events of the day.