Bach Christmas Oratorio

Johann Sebastian Bach (31 March [O.S. 21 March] 1685, Eisenach, Germany – 28 July 1750, Leipzig) was better known as a virtuoso organist than as a composer in his day. His sacred music, organ and choral works, and other instrumental music had an enthusiasm and seeming freedom that concealed immense rigor. Bach's use of counterpoint was brilliant and innovative, and the immense complexities of his compositional style -- which often included religious and numerological symbols that seem to fit perfectly together in a profound puzzle of special codes -- still amaze musicians today.