where can i get just the orchestra accompaniment recording for Christmas oratorio by JS Bach?

Question

Our choir is performing Christmas Oratorio by JS Bach . We dont have a full-fledged orchestra. Piano accompaniment lacks the brilliance. Can I get just get the accompaniment music(audio) somewhere ? Are such CDs available in the market?

Answer 1

I would be very surprised to find out that such a thing existed. I can't imagine there is much demand for it. For smaller works, perhaps but not for something large scale like the Christmas Oratorio.

As an alternative perhaps you can arrange one of the following:

Is there a local community college orchestra that might be interested in participating?

How about having the music recorded on a computer? There might be an enterprising electronic music person in your area (the community college comes to mind again) who might be able to transcribe the orchestration to a synthesizer. It won't sound perfect but it can sound close enough to make it worth while. Plus, you'd have much more control over tempos, etc.

It's conceivable there are reductions for, stay, string quartet or small orchestra with or without woodwinds. Google "music publishers" and check out what they might have available. Call some of the publishers for guidance; they're so into the music market that they can point you in directions you might not know about -- or they can save you alot of time by definitively saying 'it doesn't exist.'

If there is nothing available you might consider drawing up a reduced score yourself for whatever instrumental resources you can muster. Obviously this is a pretty time-consuming occupation but you might be able to get a local college music student (or students) to help out; they could use it as an academic project and you get the end result.

I agree that the piano would be a little weak, especially for a long and varied work like the Christmas Oratorio (although it would be an improvement over any recording for recitatives). How about an organ? If your facility doesn't have an organ one you can probably rent one. A good organist might be able to supplement
the piano score to suit the instrument.

Good luck!

Answer 2

J.S. Bach Home Page

Suggested Purchasing Sources
These links are offered for your convenience and information only. The J.S. Bach Home page does not endorse any of these commercial resources and does not receive a commission on purchases made.

Also, many recording companies offer direct mail-order, see: Record Companies
Digital Downloads: The future has arrived and the cd is rapidly becoming obsolete.
iTunes The largest legal download site on the web. Although their DRM (digital rights management) is evil, their selection is excellent.
eMusic A monthly subscription download service with an excellent selection of independent classical releases including Naxos. No DRM and they let you re-download if you lose your files.
Audio Lunchbox Excellent site with large selection of independent classical releases including Naxos. No DRM and they let you re-download if you lose your files.
Chandos Records The first classical record label to get a clue that downloads are great. Excellent selection.
Magnatune The first online record label, selling downloads in a variety of formats including lossless (cd quality). Wonderful catalog that is growing all the time.
CD's In the U.S.
Amazon.Com An excellent selection of cd's, often with listening samples.
Amazon.com Z Shops Private sellers at amazon, including out-of-print cd's.
iclassics.comAn extensive site with online store, artist info and sound samples.
Academy RecordsAn excellent used cd store in New York City.
ArkivMusic.comSource for classical recordings.
H&B Recordings Direct An excellent source with a large selection. Highly recommended.
Berkshire Records Outlet Specialising in close-outs, you can find some great bargains.
eBay Out-of-print treasures turn up often. Also, new cd's at (sometimes) reduced prices.
CD Connection Another highly recommended site to buy cd's.
CD's In Europe
Amazon.co.uk An excellent selection of cd's. A wonderful source for European releases not available in the U.S.
Hancock and Monks New and used CDs, sheet music, scores and books, and a useful source for deleted titles.
HMV A chain store but with a surprisingly good classical selection.
Musica.co.uk Another excellent source for European releases not available in the U.S.
Amazon.de
Germany
(In German)Great selection of classical cd's not available in the U.S. and, sometimes, even in the U.K. With excellent customer support.
German Music Express
Netherlands
(In English)Specialising in European cd releases not easily available in the U.S. Their selection is excellent.
jpc
Germany
(German, other languages pending)Excellent selection.
Amazon.fr
France
(In French)Great selection of classical cd's not available in the U.S. and, sometimes, even in the U.K.
CD Mail
France
(In French and English)A cd web site located in France with an eclectic selection. CD's in France cost twice as much. Also the shipping is expensive. But it's worth it for that cd that isn't available in the U.S.!
FNAC
France
(In French only)An excellent book & cd store in France. Their web site is also excellent.
Alapage
France
(In French and English)Another web site with a large online cd catalog. Also expensive.
Crotchet
United KingdomA cd web site in the U.K.
MDT
United KingdomAnother cd web site in the U.K. specialising in international orders. Limited online catalog, you have to email them with your request.

Answer 3

type the name and stuff into yahoo and it will come up with loadsa stuff...also try ebay and amazon...