SINFONIA (score & parts)

This radiant Sinfonia opens Part 2 of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (1734) — the only cantata in the cycle without an opening chorus. Instead, Bach lets the orchestra speak, capturing the moment heaven and earth briefly become one. It’s the sole instrumental movement in the entire Oratorio, and a rare example of Bach’s use of purely orchestral writing in his sacred works.
Scored for strings, continuo, two flutes, and a remarkable quartet of oboes (two oboes d’amore and two oboes da caccia), the music is built on contrasts: strings, long associated with angels, play the gentle rocking rhythm of the siciliano, while the reed instruments — evoking shepherds — sustain bourdon-like tones in a rustic pastorale. The result is a soft yet richly textured soundscape, full of warmth and wonder.
In this arrangement, we’ve added two alto flutes to deepen the resonance of the ‘reed’ group. Both alto parts may be played on C flutes if preferred, and all options are included. For added spatial magic, we suggest separating the ‘orchestra’ (three top flutes and bass flute) from the ‘oboe’ quartet (two flutes and two alto flutes) in performance.

Delivery Details

We endeavour to dispatch all orders which are in stock on the day the order has been placed. If you need delivery by a certain time please state this clearly on your order and we will do our best to oblige.

For Royal Mail Special Delivery, Airmail (Signed For) and Courier shipments, a signature may be required upon delivery to your address. You are responsible for your order once the package arrives at the supplied delivery address. We cannot be held responsible if the package(s) goes missing once delivered. If any goods are received faulty or damaged on receipt, you must notify us within 7 days of receiving them (via email or telephone) quoting your order reference. We cannot be held responsible for goods that do not arrive with the customer due to errors made by the customer when entering their address details. Please ensure that you check all your details before confirming your order. For more information on deliveries, please click here.