Bach's original setting of the Magnificat in E-flat major written for Christmas vespers in 1723 includes four inserts, placed at the end of the score, to give a dramataic representation of the Nativity. Although the later D major version is most often performed today, this earlier E-flat major version stands on its own merits with many attractive features which disappeared with the downward transposition.

Scoring: Soprano solo (2), Alto solo, Tenor solo, Bass solo, Mixed choir: SSATB, Trumpet...