by Matthew Raley [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxr_stB1uJI&feature=related]

Here is a bass aria from J. S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio, along with a hearty "Merry Christmas!" from me. The bass is Dietrich Henschel, with John Eliot Gardiner and the English Baroque Soloists. The aria's text in English:

Mighty Lord, O strongest sovereign, Dearest Savior, O how little Heedest thou all earthly pomp!

He who all the world doth keep, All its pomp and grace hath fashioned, Must within the hard crib slumber.

My posts resume in the new year.