Bach: Kantate BWV 63 Christen, ätzet diesen Tag (Altviool)

With its scoring for a large number of performers, who according to earlier practice were divided into various groups, this Cantata is clearly a festive work. In the richness of its scoring it was equalled, but not surpassed, by Bach’s first Leipzig Cantate for the Election of the Town Council, BWV 119, of 1723. It is noticeable that the words of BWV 63 relate to Christmas only in the recitatives, while the choruses and arias express the praise of God in general terms.