Oratorio for Ascension Day BWV 11

Besides the Weihnachtsoratorium BWV 248, Bach composed an additional work for the feast days of the church year 1734/35: The Himmelfahrtsoratorium BWV 11 (Oratorio for Ascension Day). Although in its dimensions and character the oratorio is akin to his cantatas, it occupies a special position as a result of the epic text on which it is based; the text includes a biblical story. In particular, the festive atmosphere and instrumentation of the opening and closing choruses mirror the triumphant joy of Christ’s ascension.