Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Indulging in a little Distler: Oh, Bless the House, Whate'er Befall

Scoping out youtube for Hugo Distler's choral arrangement of "Wachet Auf" didn't yield the desired results, but it did yield this interesting little piece.

It falls into the "theme and variations" genre.  There is a simple, hymn-like playing of the theme, followed by a number of variations.

This is a live recording, with coughs and a few mistakes thrown in for good measure.  Otherwise, it would sound canned ;)  Ten Table Talk Radio points to the person who can identify the word that is spoken at the very end of the recording.  It's probably in Dutch.

Southern Lutheran Kantor: the first variation is for you!  I think you could rock it out on the Mighty Capra.

Mom and Dad: stanza 3 below is for you!  I think we all turned out OK.

Oh, blest the house, whate'er befall,
Where Jesus Christ is all in all!
A home that is not wholly His -
How sad and poor and dark it is!

Oh, blest that house where faith is found
And all in hope and love abound;
They trust their God and serve Him still
And do in all His holy will!

Oh, blest the parents who give heed
Unto their children's foremost need
And weary not of care or cost.
May none to them and heaven be lost!

Oh, blest the house, it prospers well,
In peace and joy the parents dwell,
And in their children's lot is shown
How richly God can bless His own.

Then here will I and mine today
A solemn promise make and say:
Though all the world forsake Thy Word,
I and my house will serve the Lord!



Text from LSB 862