Polyharmonique – «Christvesper 1624»

KuSpo Münchenstein, Switzerland - Weihnachtsoratorium by Rogier Michael (1602)

Rogier Michael’s Christmas History of 1602 is the first German‑language work to set the complete Nativity story to music. The Gospel is still delivered without basso‑continuo accompaniment—as a recitative‑like chant in the traditional lection tone—framed by polyphonic and homophonic choral movements for angels, shepherds, magi, Herod, and others, producing a rich palette of sonorities. Performed annually at the Dresden court until about 1660, the piece became the model for Heinrich Schütz’s better‑known Christmas History.

Rogier Michael (c. 1553 – 1623), born in Mons, belonged to the last generation of Franco‑Flemish polyphonists. After studies in Vienna and Venice he fused that heritage with contemporary Italian innovations. From 1587 he served as Kapellmeister at the Dresden court, where Heinrich Schütz succeeded him in 1617.

Text: Alexander Schneider / Oren Kirschenbaum