The history of the composition of the oratorio is odd: the kernel of this three-part work were the movements from the middle section, the “Flight to Egypt,” which Berlioz composed on a whim in 185 and which he passed off as the work of a baroque composer whose existence he himself had invented. In 1854 the triptych, which was completed with the parts entitled “The dream of Herodes” and “The arrival at Sais,” had its celebrated first performance. Starting from the Gospel of St. Matthew, with the visit of the astrologer to Herodes and the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, Berlioz chose to relate the story of the events of Christmas from another angle. This skillful dramatisation, with impressive instrumental sections, such as the independent trio for two flutes and harp as well as the effective choruses with local color, make this “sacred trilogy” a grateful enrichment of the repertoire for Christmas music.