Oratorios

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Vocal Works

Oratorios

Bach's use of the word "oratorio" differed from the normal Baroque definition. His Christmas Oratorio, Easter Oratorio, and Ascension Oratorio functioned more like narrative cantatas, each focused on a particular story. The Christmas Oratorio has six parts, each for a different day between Christmas and Epiphany. The music for all three oratorios borrows heavily from Bach's earlier secular cantatas.

Cantatas. Bach composed cantatas for special occasions, with both sacred and secular texts.

Passions. Including the St. John and St. Matthew Passions.

Church music with Latin texts. Latin church music intended for special feast days.
Oratories. Including the Christmas, Easter and Ascension Oratorios.

Motets. Written for special occasions with German text.