“Easter Oratorio” was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, or JS Bach, a Baroque composer. His original score for this oratorio contains three trumpets, two oboes, timpani, strings, and continuo with harpsichord or organ and bassoon.  

During the third year of JS Bach’s work in Leipzig, this was in 1725, he composed a pastoral cantata for the birthday of Duke Christian of Saxony-Weissenfels on the 23rd of February. He used the words “Flee, disappear, go away, O Cares” (German: Entflieht, verschwindet, entweicht, ihr Sorgen!”). A few weeks later, he changed the text to “Hurry, come running” (German: Kommt, eilet und laufet), and so Easter cantata was born. This was first performed on the 1st of April, 1725.  

Ten years later, in 1735, Bach revised and enlarged this cantata and called it “Easter Oratorio” (German: Oster Oratorium), justifiably, not only because of its scope which combines in eleven musical numbers the components of soloists, choruses, and the orchestra itself, but also because the style is reminiscent of earlier Italian oratorios. This work also differs from all of his other church compositions by JS Bach as it is based on the story told not just by an Evangelist, but sung by several different characters. Upon the request of the two Marys, the disciples follow them to the grave of Jesus to find the tomb empty. The angel who had announced the resurrection, that Jesus is alive, had spoken the truth.  

Source:  The World of the Oratorio by Kurt Pahlen, Amadeus Press, translated to English version (1990)