How did this Lutheran chorale become a Christmas staple? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
"O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild" (O Little Jesus sweet, O Little Jesus mild) is a Christmas hymn attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach. However, BWV 493 is not associated with this particular hymn. BWV stands for Bach Werke Verzeichnis, which is the catalog of Bach's works.
The hymn "O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild" is actually part of a larger work known as the Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachts-Oratorium), specifically in Part V, where it is sung by the shepherds. The Christmas Oratorio itself is a set of six cantatas composed by Bach for the Christmas season.
Here are a few interesting facts about Johann Sebastian Bach and the Christmas Oratorio:
Christmas Oratorio Composition: Bach composed the Christmas Oratorio in 1734 for the Christmas season. It is a masterful piece that narrates the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Structure: The Christmas Oratorio is divided into six parts, each intended for performance on a different day of the Christmas season. The individual parts can also be performed separately.
Diverse Musical Styles: One remarkable aspect of the Christmas Oratorio is its use of diverse musical styles, including recitatives, arias, choruses, and chorales. Bach skillfully combines these elements to convey the narrative and evoke different emotions.
Integration of Chorales: Bach often integrated chorales into his works, and "O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild" is an example of a chorale within the Christmas Oratorio. Chorales were hymn-like compositions that played a significant role in Lutheran liturgy.
Bach's Legacy: The Christmas Oratorio, along with Bach's other works, has had a lasting impact on classical music. Bach is considered one of the greatest composers in Western classical music history, and his compositions continue to be widely performed and celebrated.
While BWV 493 may not directly correspond to "O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild," understanding its context within the Christmas Oratorio provides insight into Bach's genius and his contribution to the musical celebration of the Christmas story.