Article December 22, 2003 Issue

A mighty joy

By Anni Ulich

Not long after the Second World War had ended in Germany, on a wintry night a few months after my father had died of starvation, my mother took us children to a church not far from the center of town to listen to the "Christmas Oratorio" by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was the first time I had ever heard it.

We entered the shadowy, candle-lit church, sat down on the steps of the altar because all the seats were taken, and covered ourselves with a blanket because there was no heating. These "seats" gave us an open view of the organ gallery where the musicians and the choir were sitting.

Then it happened: The opening chorale of the oratorio suddenly filled the entire church: "Jauchzet, frohlocket! auf, preiset die Tage! Rühmet, was heute der Höchste gentan!"—Exalt, rejoice! Up, praise the days! Sing the praises for what the Most High has done today!"

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