Berlioz Oratorio The Childhood of Christ

Nativity oratorio by Hector Berlioz: oratorio's brief history, cast of characters, and synopsis.

The Childhood of Christ  is a sacred oratorio composed by French composer Hector Berlioz who also wrote the text himself. The original language was in French with the title "L'Enfance du Christ," Trilogie sacrée, Op. 25.

Writing of the piece started in 1850 with "La Fuite en Egypte" (The Flight into Egypt.) It continued in 1853 with "L'Arivée à Sais" (The Arrival at Sais) and only completed after a year with "Le Songe d'Hérode" (Herod's Dream).




 

Video Credit: 

Berlioz : L’Enfance du Christ (the Childhood of Christ). The Orchestre National de France conducted by James Conlon performs “ l’Enfance du Christ “ composed by Hector Berlioz, with François Lis ( Herode), Stéphane Degout (Joseph), Stéphanie d’Oustrac (Marie), Nahuet di Pierro (Polydorus) and Jérémy Ovenden (narrator). Concert tribute to Sir Colin Davis. 2:36 Part 1 Le songe d’Hérode (Herod’s Dream) 44:00 Part 2 La fuite en Egypte (The Flight to Egypt) 01:00:15 Part 3 L’arrivée à Saïs (The arrival at Sais). YouTube, uploaded by France Musique. Accesssed December 12, 2020.

Image credit:

CD Cover: Berlioz "L'enfance du Christ" MUNCH RCA Shaded Dog 1957 LM-6053 NM Red Seal. 

 

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