Two Bach Chorales: Vom Himmel hoch, from the Christmas Oratorio; Gloria sei dir gesungen, from Cantata 140, “Wachet auf” (cello duo)

Title: Two Bach Chorales: Vom Himmel hoch, from the Christmas Oratorio; Gloria sei dir gesungen, from Cantata 140 (Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme)

Composer: J. S. Bach, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Two Cellos

Printout: 2 pages

Note: These two chorales are mainstays of the Christmas repertoire. Vom Himmel hoch, which Bach used repeatedly in diverse ways, is the angels’ pronouncement of Christ’s birth to the shepherds. Gloria set dir gesungen is from Cantata 140 (Sleepers awake) It was written for the first Sunday in Advent, but is suitable for any time during the Christmas season.

Please check out these Christmas duets for two cellos:

In the bleak midwinter

Lo, how a rose e’er blooming

Pastoral Symphony (Pifa) from The Messiah