Christmas Oratorio
Nun Seid Ihr Wohl Gerochen, BWV 248, Part 6
Members of the choir can watch the trumpeter play the beginning of this wonderful selection. It requires great skill and fantastic breath control. One had to be careful, however, not to miss the choir’s entrance. The trumpet gives them a wake-up call just in time.
The Monteverdi Choir
An eurer Feinde Schar,
Denn Christus hat zerbrochen,
Was euch zuwider war.
Tod, Teufel, Sünd und Hölle
Sind ganz und gar geschwächt;
Bei Gott hat seine Stelle
Das menschliche Geschlecht.
On all the foes of man,
And Christ doth end in triumph
The conflict He began.
Sin, Death, and Hell, and Satan,
Their mighty Victor own;
And Man doth stand forgiven
Before His Father’s throne.
Did you notice the familiar tune the choir was singing? That’s “O Sacred Head Surrounded” from the St. Matthew’s Passion, also by Bach. So, in the midst of the joyous Christmas celebration, Bach reminds us of Jesus’ mission to suffer for mankind.
O Sacred Head Surrounded
Ich Steh’ An Deiner Krippen Hier, BWV 248, Part 6
A lullaby for the Christ Child.
The Monteverdi Choir
o Jesu, du mein Leben;
ich komme, bring’ und schenke dir,
was du mir hast gegeben.
Nimm hin, es ist mein Geist und Sinn,
Herz, Seel’ und Mut, nimm alles hin
und laß dir’s wohlgefallen.
Dear Jesus, Lord and Savior
A gift of love within my hand
To thank Thee for Thy favor
O take my humble offering
my heart, my soul, yes, everything
Is Thine to keep forever.
Jesus Joy of Man’s Desiring, BWV 147, No. 10
Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir
meines Herzens Trost und Saft,
Jesus wehret allem Leide,
er ist meines Lebens Kraft,
meiner Augen Lust und Sonne,
meiner Seele Schatz und Wonne;
darum laß’ ich Jesum nicht
aus dem Herzen und Gesicht.
my heart’s comfort and essence,
Jesus fends off all suffering,
He is my life’s strength,
my eye’s desire and sun,
my soul’s treasure and pleasure;
Therefore I will not leave Jesus
out of heart and face.
Wer Nur Den Lieben Gott Laast Walten, BWV 93
Vocal Concert Dresden
und hoffet auf ihn allezeit,
den wird er wunderbar erhalten
in aller Not und Traurigkeit.
Wer Gott, dem Allerhöchsten, traut,
der hat auf keinen Sand gebaut.
7. Sing, bet und geh auf Gottes Wegen,
verricht das deine nur getreu
und trau des Himmels reichem Segen,
so wird er bei dir werden neu;
denn welcher seine Zuversicht
auf Gott setzt, den verlässt er nicht.
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee.
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move.
Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving.
So do thine own part faithfully.
And trust His word ; though undeserving,
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee —
God never yet forsook at need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.
Wachet Auf Ruft Uns Die Stimme, BWV 140
The men’s voices ring out on this selection.
This song refers to Matthew 25, The Parable of the Ten Virgins. “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Bach Ensemble, Helmuth Rilling
das Herz tut ihr vor Freuden springen,
sie wachet und steht eilend auf.
Ihr Freund kommt von Himmel prächtig,
von Gnaden stark, von Wahrheit mächtig,
ihr Licht wird hell, ihr Stern geht auf.
Nun komm, du werte Kron’,
Herr Jesu, Gottes Sohn, Hosianna!
Wir folgen all zum Freudensaal
und halten mit das Abendmahl.
her heart leaps for joy within her,
she wakens and hastily arises.
Her glorious Friend comes from heaven,
strong in mercy, powerful in truth,
her light becomes bright, her star rises.
Now come, precious crown,
Lord Jesus, the Son of God! Hosannah!
We all follow to the hall of joy
and hold the evening meal together.
St. Louis Church Choir 