A delightful early eighteenth-century “mini-drama” by a German composer, still popular in Germany today. The low male voices are the shepherds, who are later joined by tenors and trebles as the angels singing “Gloria in excelsis.” Can be done with organ accompaniment alone, or dressed up with string quintet and winds for a glorious and joyful Christmas work. Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in b-flat and two horns in f parts are optional. Clarinet in b-flat can be substituted for oboe.