Rheinberger’s largescale Christmas cantata “Der Stern von Bethlehem” (The Star of Bethlehem) is one of the composer’s most popular and bestknown works. It retells the Christmas story in nine lyrical scenes – from the angels’ glad tidings and the shepherds at the manger to the journey of the three Wise Men from the East.
To make this poetic, colorful and (in the best sense of the word) “romantic” work accessible to even more vocal ensembles, Birger Petersen has created an arrangement for soloists, choir and organ. The cantata can thus now be performed by smaller choirs in concert or within a church service, either in its entirety or in excerpts. The choir can use the vocal score and choral score from the orchestral version. While this new arrangement can be played on a twomanual organ with pedalboard, larger instruments with richer registrations are recommended.
The composer, organist and Rheinberger expert Birger Petersen is also Professor of Music Theory in Mainz.
Original version: Soli SB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, Eh, 2 Clt, 2 Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Tr, 3 Trb, Arpa, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Vc, Cb, Org. Arrangement for choir & organ: Soli SB, Coro SATB, Org.
- ISMN: 9790007330361 (M007330361)
