All for Hymn

Epiphany Carol: How Lovely Shines the Morning Star

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

[Improvisation by Ulfert Smidt]

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Voll Gnad' und Wahrheit von dem Herrn,
Die süße Wurzel Jesse!
Du Sohn David zus Jakobs Stamm,
Mein König und mein Bräutigam,
Hast mir mein Herz besessen,
Lieblich, freundlich,
Schön und herrlich, groß und ehrlich,
Reich von Gaben,
Hoch und sehr prächtig erhaben!

How lovely shines the Morning Star!
The nations see and hail afar
The light in Judah shining.
Thou David's Son of Jacob's race,
My Bridegroom and my King of Grace,
For Thee my heart is pining.
Lowly, Holy,
Great and glorious, Thou victorious
Prince of graces,
Filling all the heavenly places.

[Arrangement: Praetorius]

Ei meine Perl', du werte Kron',
Wahr'r Gottes- und Mariensohn,
Ein hochgeborner König!
Mein Herz heißt dich ein Lilium,
Dein süßes Evangelium
Ist lauter Milch und Honig.
Ei mein Blümlein,
Hosianna, himmlisch Manna,
Das wir essen,
Deiner kann ich nicht vergessen!

O highest joy by mortals won,
True Son of God and Mary's Son,
Thou high-born King of ages!
Thou art my heart's most beauteous Flower,
And Thy blest Gospel's saving power
My raptured soul engages.
Thou mine, I Thine;
Sing hosanna! Heavenly manna
Tasting, eating,
Whilst Thy love in songs repeating.

[Arrangement: Buxtehude]

Geuss sehr tief in mein Herz hinein,
Du heller Jaspis und Rubin,
Die Flamme deiner Liebe
Und erfreu' mich, daß ich doch bleib'
An deinem auserwählten Leib
Ein' lebendige Rippe!
Nach dir ist mir,
Gratiosa coeli rosa,
Krank und glimmet
Mein Herz, durch Liebe verwundet.

Now richly to my waiting heart,
O Thou, my God, deign to impart
The grace of love undying.
In Thy blest body let me be,
E'en as the branch is in the tree,
Thy life my life supplying.
Sighing, Crying.
For the savor Of Thy favor;
Resting never,
Till I rest in Thee forever.

[Arrangement: JS Bach]

Von Gott kommt mir ein Freudenschein,
Wenn du mit deinen Äugelein
Mich freundlich tust anblicken.
O Herr Jesu, mein trautes Gut,
Dein Wort, dein Geist, dein Leib und Blut
Mich innerlich erquicken!
Nimm mich freundlich
In dein' Arme, daß ich warme
Werd' von Gnaden!
Auf dein Wort komm' ich geladen.

A pledge of peace from God I see
When Thy pure eyes are turned to me
To show me Thy good pleasure.
Jesus, Thy Spirit and Thy Word,
Thy body and Thy blood, afford
My soul its dearest treasure.
Keep me Kindly
In Thy favor, O my Savior!
Thou wilt cheer me;
Thy Word calls me to draw near Thee.

[Arrangement: Max Reger]

Herr Gott Vater, mein starker Held,
Du hast mich ewig vor der Welt
In deinem Sohn geliebet.
Dein Sohn hat mich ihm selbst vertraut,
Er ist mein Schatz, ich bin sein' Braut,
Sehr hoch in ihm erfreuet.
Eia, eia,
Himmlisch Leben wird er geben
Mir dort oben!
Ewig soll mein Herz ihn loben.

Thou, mighty Father, in Thy Son
Didst love me ere Thou hadst begun
This ancient world's foundation.
Thy Son hath made a friend of me,
And when in spirit Him I see,
I joy in tribulation.
What bliss Is this!
He that liveth To me giveth
Life forever;
Nothing me from Him can sever.

[Arrangement: JS Bach]

Zwingt die Saiten in Zithara
Und laßt die süße Musika
Ganz freudenreich erschallen,
Daß ich möge mit Jesulein,
Dem wunderschönen Bräut'gam mein,
In steter Liebe wallen!
Singet, springet,
Jubilieret, triumphieret,
Dankt dem Herren!
Groß ist der König der Ehren!

Lift up the voice and strike the string.
Let all glad sounds of music ring
In God's high praises blended.
Christ will be with me all the way,
Today, tomorrow, every day,
Till traveling days be ended.
Sing out, Ring out
Triumph glorious, O victorious,
Chosen nation;
Praise the God of your salvation.

[Arrangement: Samuel Scheidt]

Wie bin ich doch so herzlich froh,
Daß mein Schatz ist das A und O.
Der Anfang und das Ende!
Er wird mich doch zu seinem Preis
Aufnehmen in das Paradeis,
Des klopf' ich in die Hände.
Amen! Amen!
Komm, du schöne Freudenkrone,
Bleib nicht lange,
Deiner wart' ich mit Verlangen!

Oh, joy to know that Thou, my Friend,
Art Lord, Beginning without end,
The First and Last, Eternal!
And Thou at length--O glorious grace!--
Wilt take me to that holy place,
The home of joys supernal.
Amen, Amen!

Come and meet me! Quickly greet me!

With deep yearning,

Lord, I look for your returning.

[The Choir of St. Thomas Episcopal School. Arrangement: JS Bach(?)]

~~~~~

A word-for-word English translation of the German can be found here.

[Improvisation: Evert Groen]

Fantasia on [obscure] Christmas Carols

2012-01-05T07:09:00.001-06:00

This is the truth sent from above

The truth of God, the god of love

Therefore don't turn me from your door

But hearken all both rich and poor

The first thing which I will relate

Is that God did man create

The next thing which to you I'll tell

Woman was made with man to dwell

Then after this was God's own choice

To place them both in paradise

There to remain from evil free

Except they ate of such a tree

And they did eat which was a sin

And thus their ruin did begin

Ruined themselves, both you and me

And all of their posterity

Thus we were heirs to endless woes

Till God the Lord did interpose

And so a promise soon did run

That he would redeem us by His Son

By His Son

Come all you worthy gentlemen that may be standing by

Christ our blessed Saviour was born on Christmas day.

The blessed Virgin Mary unto the Lord did pray

Oh we wish you the comfort and tidings of joy

The blessed Virgin Mary unto the Lord did pray

Oh we wish you the comfort and tidings of joy

Christ our Blessed Saviour now in the manger lay

He's lying in the manger while oxen feed on hay

The blessed Virgin Mary unto the Lord did pray

Oh we wish you the comfort and tidings of joy

The blessed Virgin Mary unto the Lord did pray

Oh we wish you the comfort and tidings of joy

The blessed Virgin Mary unto the Lord did pray

Oh we wish you the comfort and tidings of joy

On Christmas night all Christians sing

to hear the news the angels bring

On Christmas night all Christians sing

to hear the news the angels bring

News of great joy, news of great mirth.

News of our merciful King's birth

News of great joy, news of great mirth.

News of our merciful King's birth

When Sin departs before thy grace

then life and health come in it's place.

When Sin departs before thy grace

then life and health come in it's place.

Angels and men with joy may sing

All for to see the newborn King

All for to see the newborn King

Angels and men with joy may sing

All for to see the newborn King

God bless the ruler of this house and long on may he reign

From out of darkness we have light

which makes the angels sing this night

Many happy Christmases he live to see again

From out of darkness we have light

which makes the angels sing this night

God bless our generation who live both far and near

Glory to God and peace to men

And we wish them a happy, a happy New Year

Both now and evermore Amen

God bless the ruler of this house and long on may he reign

Many happy Christmases he live to see again

God bless our generation who live both farand near

And we wish them a happy, a happy New Year

Oh we wish you a happy, a happy New Year.

Both now and evermore. Amen

~~~~~

Ralph Vaughan William's Fantasia on Christmas Carols is featured in two parts in this video series.

Obscure Carols Macaronic: In Dulci Jubilo

2012-01-04T08:39:00.002-06:00

Macaronic hymns are hymns that use a foreign or classic language and the vernacular of the people. A hymn may come along nicely in English and then end in the Greek phrase, "Kyrie eleison," meaning, "Lord, have mercy."

Sometimes this is a practical choice. The Hebrew word, "hallelujah" (or "alleluia") carries a different tone than it's translation, "Praise the Lord." I mean, Handel's chorus, "Hallelujah" just wouldn't sound the same as, "PRAISE ... THE LO - RD! PRAISE ... THE LO - RD!"

Other times it is left in tact for the beauty of the text. The carol, "In Dulci Jubilo" was originally in German and Latin. For English-speaking folk, most hymnals will translate the entire work into English, but in choral works, the Latin is often left alone.

~~~~~

Setting by Robert Lucas Pearsall (1795-1856)

German with Latin:

In dulci jubilo,

Nun singet und seid froh!

Unsers Herzens Wonne

Leit in praesepio;

Und leuchtet wie die Sonne

Matris in gremio.
Alpha es et O!

Alpha es et O!

English with Latin:

In dulci jubilo,

Let us our homage show!

Our heart's joy reclineth

In praesepio;

And like a bright star shineth

Matris in gremio.
Alpha es et O!

Alpha es et O!

Full German translation:

Nun singet und seid froh,
Jauchzt all' und saget so:
Unsers Herzens Wonne
Liegt in der Krippe bloß
Leuchtet als die Sonne
In seiner Mutter Schoß.
Du bist A und O.
Du bist A und O.

The embed was disabled for this video, so please click here to view it.

Full English translation:

Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:

[News! News!]
Jesus Christ was born to-day:
Ox and ass before Him bow,
And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!

Christ is born today!

This English translation is used as the base for Gustav Holst's Christmas Day

which incorporates a number of other obscure carols.

In this translation, the phrase, "News! News!" is added.

Full English translation in Lutheran hymnals (TLH 92). It is based on the full German translation:

Now sing we, now rejoice

With heart and sol and voice!

He from whom joy streameth

Poor in a manger lies;

Not so brightly beameth

The sun in yonder skies.

Thou my Savior art!

Literal translation from Wiki:

In sweet rejoicing,
now sing and be glad!
Our hearts' joy
lies in the manger;
And it shines like the sun
in the mother's lap.
You are the alpha and omega!

~~~~~

From the album, Mass for Christmas Morning.

Obscure Carols: I Wonder as I Wander

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-06:00

"I Wonder as I Wander" has it's roots in the Appalachian tradition of North Carolina, but was fully composed in the last century. You can read about it here.

~~~~~

I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.

I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

This video features photos taken on Christmas Eve in Appalachia.

Obscure Carols: Truth from Above

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Rather than focus on the Christmas account in Luke 2, this carol starts with creation and lays the foundation for the coming Messiah. There is no mention in this carol of shepherds, wise men, angels, mangers, stables, inns, etc. Rather, the focus is on why we need a Savior.

I was able to locate nine verses of this carol. Most settings do not use all of them.

~~~~~

This is the truth sent from above
The truth of God, the God of love
Therefore don't turn me from your door
But hearken will both rich and poor

The first thing that I do relate
Is that God did man create
The next thing which to you I'll tell
Woman was made with man to dwell

And after that, 'twas God's own choice
To place them both in Paradise,
There to remain of evil free
Except they ate of such a tree.

But they did eat, which was a sin,
And so their ruin did begin,
Ruined themselves, both you and me,
And all of their posterity.

Thus we were heirs to endless woes
Till God and Lord did interpose
And so a promise soon did run
That He would redeem us by His Son

And at that season of the year
Our blessed Redeemer did appear
He here did live and here did preach
And many thousands he did teach

Thus He in love to us behaved
To show us how we must be saved
And if you want to know the way
Be pleased to hear what He did say

Go preach the Gospel new, He said,
To all the nations that are made
And he that does believe in me,
From all his sins I’ll set him free.

God grant to all within this place
True saving faith—that special grace,
Which to His people doth belong—
And thus I close my Christmas song.

0:00 Creator Alme Siderum (Plainsong Chant)

1:28 Truth From Above (Setting by Ralph Vaughan Williams)

3:49 An Early Tree (Setting by William Byrd)

Obscure Carols: The Old Year Now Hath Passed Away

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000-06:00

The old year now hath passed away;

We thank Thee, 0 our God, today

That Thou hast kept us through the year

When danger and distress were near.

We pray Thee, 0 eternal Son,

Who with the Father reign'st as One,

To guard and rule Thy Christendom

Through all the ages yet to come.

Take not Thy saving Word away,

Our souls' true comfort, staff, and stay.

Abide with us and keep us free

From errors, following only Thee.

Oh, help us to forsake all sin,

A new and holier course begin!

Mark not what once was done amiss;

A happier, better year be this,

Wherein as Christians we may live

Or die in peace that Thou canst give,

To rise again when Thou shalt come

And enter Thine eternal home.

There shall we thank Thee and adore

With all the angels evermore.

Lord Jesus Christ, increase our faith

To praise Thy name through life and death.

~~~~~

One tune associated with this text is "Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns bend."

~~~~~

Das alte Jahr vergangen ist,

wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ,

dass du uns hast in großer G'fahr

so gnädiglich behüt' dies Jahr.

Wir bitten dich, ewigen Sohn

des Vaters in dem höchsten Thron,

du wollst dein arme Christenheit

ferner bewahren allezeit.

Entzieh uns nicht dein heilsamWort,

das ist der Seelen Trost und Hort,

vor falscher Lehr, Abgötterei

bewahr uns, Herr, und steh uns bei.

Hilf, dass wir von der Sünde Bahn

und fromm zu werden fangen an.

der Sünd im alten Jahr nicht denk,

ein gnadenreiches Jahr uns schenk,

Christlich zu leben, seliglich

zu sterben und hernach fröhlich

Am Jüngsten Tage aufzustehn,

mit dir im` Himmel einzugehn,

Zu danken und zu loben dich

mit allen Engeln ewiglich.

O Jesu, unsern Glauben mehr

zu deines Namens Lob und Ehr.

~~~~~

The tune used in Bach's Orgelbuchlein is "Das alte Jahr vergangen ist."

Obscure Carols: Gabriel's Message

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000-06:00

Among liturgical traditions Gabriel's Message (also known as The Basque Carol) has had somewhat of a resurgence and found its way into hymnals and hymnal supplements of the last 10 or 15 years. In the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod the carol appeared in Hymnal Supplement '98 and Lutheran Service Book (2006).

The carol is most appropriate for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, as the Gospel reading for that day is Gabriel's appearance to Mary.

~~~~~

The angel Gabriel from Heaven came,

His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;

All hail,said he,thou lowly maiden Mary,

Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

For know a blessèd mother thou shalt be,

All generations laud and honor thee,

Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,

Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,

To me be as it pleaseth God, she said,

My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name.

Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born

In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,

And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say—

Most highly favored lady,Gloria!

Obscure Carols: The Huron Carol

2011-12-30T06:05:00.002-06:00

"The Huron Carol" is a new carol to me, courtesy of Facebook friend Jeffrey "The Aslan."

Here's some bullet points from the Wiki article:

Canada's oldest Christmas song
Written in 1643 by Jean de Brébeuf
Brébeuf was a Jesuit missionary at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Canada
Lyrics were in the native language of the Huron/Wendat people
Original Huron title is "Jesous Ahatonhia" ("Jesus, he is born")
Melody based on a traditional French folk song, "Une Jeune Pucelle" ("A Young Maid")
English lyrics were written in 1926 by Jesse Edgar Middleton
English lyrics derived from Brebeuf's original song and Huron religious concepts
The hymn also uses a traditional Algonquian name, Gitchi Manitou, for God.
The song remains a common Christmas hymn in Canadian churches of many Christian denomination

So there's the interesting one to me. My parents live in Michigan just south of the Huron National Forest. I had never heard of it before this year. I guess I thought this one would have drifted into Michigan along with Canadian coins.

So here's a video followed by the English lyrics. As I was writing this morning, I couldn't find the original tongue. If you know them, feel free to drop them in the comments. Finally, look for concepts that may be from the Huron tribe instead in lieu of the biblical account.

~~~~~

’Twas in the moon of wintertime,

When all the birds had fled,

That mighty Gitchi Manitou

Sent angel choirs instead;

Before their light the stars grew dim,

And wondering hunters heard the hymn:

Jesus your King is born,

Jesus is born,

In excelsis gloria.

Within a lodge of broken bark

The tender babe was found,

A ragged robe of rabbit skin

Enwrapped His beauty round;

But as the hunter braves drew nigh,

The angel song rang loud and high:

Jesus your King is born,

Jesus is born,

In excelsis gloria.

The earliest moon of wintertime

Is not so round and fair

As was the ring of glory on

The helpless Infant there.

The chiefs from far before Him knelt

With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.

Jesus your King is born,

Jesus is born,

In excelsis gloria.

O children of the forest free,

O seed of Manitou,

The holy Child of earth and Heav’n

Is born today for you.

Come kneel before the radiant Boy,

Who brings you beauty, peace and joy.

Jesus your King is born,

Jesus is born,

In excelsis gloria.

Obscure Carols: Noel by Brad Holmes

2011-12-29T05:44:00.001-06:00

This carol comes from the Congo region and can be heard on the 2011 Christmas broadcast from St. Olaf College. Special thanks to Jonathan Tan at Cantus Mundi for posting this video and the translation. Below is the honors choir from the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. You can check out 2 other groups over on Jonathan's post.

~~~~~

Noel! Noel!

Yesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto.

Noel! Noel!

Yesu me kwisa ku zinga ti beto

Kana nge zola ku zaba mwana,

Nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama.

Kana nge zola ku zaba mwana,

Nge fwiti kwisa ku fukama.

Noel! Noel!

Jesus has come to live with us.

Noel! Noel!

Jesus has come to live with us.

If you want to know the Child,

You have to come kneel.

If you want to know the Child,

You have to come kneel.

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents

2011-12-28T05:20:00.000-06:00

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters too, how may we do,

For to preserve this day

This poor Youngling for Whom we sing

By, by, lully, lullay?

Herod the king, in his raging,

Charged he hath this day

His men of might, in his own sight,

All young children to slay.

That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!

And ever morn and day

For Thy parting neither say nor sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay

Today marks the Commemoration of the Holy Innocents

~~~

Then Herod,
when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men,
became furious,
and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem
and in all that region who were two years old or under,
according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

“A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

(Matthew 2:16-18 ESV)

500th Post: St. John the Evangelist

2011-12-27T05:57:00.001-06:00

Well, I've reached the 500th post here on All for Hymn on the Commemoration of St. John the Evangelist.

Around this site you will find a few things of interest for today's commemoration.

First, the complete Passion according to St. John begins here and you can hit "Newer Post" to take you to the next section.

Second, two posts on John 3:16 can be found here and here.

~~~~~

God so loved the world

that He gave His only-begotten Son

that whoso believeth in Him

should not parish

but have everlasting life.

For God sent not His Son

into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through Him

might be saved.

God so loved the world

that He gave His only-begotten Son

that whoso believeth in Him

should not parish

but have everlasting life.

~~~~~

~~~~~

Thanks to everyone who has been following the blog. Have a blessed Christmas Season and New Year. Daily posts can be found on my personal facebook page. If you "friend" me on facebook, please send a PM along with the request noting that you read the blog.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part VI:VII-XI

2011-12-26T23:00:00.000-06:00

7. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]
Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum,

dass sie sich nicht sollten wieder zu Herodes lenken,

und zogen durch einen andern Weg wieder in ihr Land.

And God then warned them in a dream

that they should not go again unto Herod,

and they went by another way back to their country.

~~~~~

8. Recitativo (T)

So geht! Genug, mein Schatz geht nicht von hier,
Er bleibet da bei mir,
Ich will ihn auch nicht von mir lassen.
Sein Arm wird mich aus Lieb
Mit sanftmutsvollem Trieb
Und größter Zärtlichkeit umfassen;
Er soll mein Bräutigam verbleiben,
Ich will ihm Brust und Herz verschreiben.
Ich weiß gewiss, er liebet mich,
Mein Herz liebt ihn auch inniglich
Und wird ihn ewig ehren.
Was könnte mich nun für ein Feind
Bei solchem Glück versehren!
Du, Jesu, bist und bleibst mein Freund;
Und werd ich ängstlich zu dir flehn:
Herr, hilf!, so lass mich Hülfe sehn!

Then go! 'Tis well, my treasure leaveth not,
He bideth here with me,
I will not ever let him leave me.
His arm will in his love
With soft affection's warmth
And deepest tenderness embrace me;
He shall remain my faithful bridegroom,
I will my breast and heart assign him.
I know full well he loveth me,
My heart, too, loves him fervently
And shall alway adore him.
What harm to me could any foe
Amidst such fortune do now?
Thou, Jesus, art fore'er my friend;
And when in fear I cry to thee:
"Lord, help!," let me thy help behold!

~~~~~

9. Aria (T)

Nun mögt ihr stolzen Feinde schrecken;
Was könnt ihr mir für Furcht erwecken?
Mein Schatz, mein Hort ist hier bei mir.
Ihr mögt euch noch so grimmig stellen,
Droht nur, mich ganz und gar zu fällen,
Doch seht! mein Heiland wohnet hier.

Now may ye boastful foes be frightened;
Ye can in me what fear awaken?
My store, my hoard is here by me.
Be ye unbounded in your fury
And threaten me with utter ruin,
Beware, my Savior dwelleth here!

~~~~~

10. Recitativo (S, A, T, B)

Was will der Höllen Schrecken nun,
Was will uns Welt und Sünde tun,
Da wir in Jesu Händen ruhn?

What hope hath hell's own terrors now,
What harm will world and sin us do,
While we in Jesus' hands rest sure?

~~~~~

11. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen
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.

Now are ye well avengéd
Upon your hostile host,
For Christ hath fully broken
All that which you opposed.
Death, devil, hell and error
To nothing are reduced;
With God hath now its shelter
The mortal race of man.

~~~~~

Thank you for listening.

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part VI:II-VI

2011-12-26T20:00:00.000-06:00

2. Recitativo (T, B)

[Evangelist]

Da berief Herodes die Weisen heimlich
und erlernet mitFleiß von ihnen,
wenn der Stern erschienen wäre?
und weiset sie gen Bethlehemund sprach:

[Herodes]
Ziehet hin und forschet fleißig nach dem Kindlein,
und wenn ihr's findet,
sagtmir's wieder,
dass ich auch komme und es anbete.

[Evangelist]
Then did Herod summon the wise men in secret,
and with diligence he learnedfrom them
when the star was to appear.
And he sent them forth to Bethlehem andsaid:

[Herod]
Go ye forth and search with diligence for the baby,
and when ye find him,
bringme word,
that I as well may come and worship him.

~~~~~

3. Recitativo (S)

Du Falscher, suche nur den Herrn zu fällen,
Nimm alle falsche List,
Dem Heiland nachzustellen;
Der, dessen Kraft kein Mensch ermißt,
Bleibt doch in sichrer Hand.
Dein Herz, dein falsches Herz ist schon,
Nebst aller seiner List, des Höchsten Sohn,
Den du zu stürzen suchst, sehr wohl bekannt.

Thou liar, seek nought but the Lord's destruction,
Lay ev'ry cunning snare
And pitfall for our Savior;
He, whose great pow'r no man can gauge,
Abides in hands secure.
Thy heart, thy lying heart e'en now,
Along with all its guile, to God's own Son
Whom thou dost strive to fell is fully known.

~~~~~

4. Aria (S)

Nur ein Wink von seinen Händen
Stürzt ohnmächtger Menschen Macht.
Hier wird alle Kraft verlacht!
Spricht der Höchste nur ein Wort,
Seiner Feinde Stolz zu enden,
O, so müssen sich sofort
Sterblicher Gedanken wenden.

But a wave of his own hand will
Bring down feeble human might.
Here is all dominion mocked!
Speak the Highest but one word,
His opponents' pride to finish,
Oh, then surely must at once
Change its course all mortal purpose.

~~~~~

5. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]
Als sie nun den König gehöret hatten,

zogen sie hin.

Und siehe, der Stern,

den sie im Morgenlande gesehen hatten,

ging für ihnen hin,

bis dass er kam und stund oben über,

da das Kindlein war.

Da sie den Stern sahen,

wurden sie hoch erfreuet

und gingen in das Haus

und funden das Kindlein mit Maria, seiner Mutter,

und fielen nieder

und beteten es an

und täten ihre Schätze auf

und schenkten ihm Gold, Weihrauch und Myrrhen.

And as soon as they had heard the king,

they went their way.

And lo, the star,

which in the East they had seen already,

went before their way,

until it came and stood above that place where the baby was.

And when they saw the star,

they rejoiced with great gladness

and went into the house

and found there the baby with Mary, his mother,

and fell before him

and worshipped him

and opened up their treasures then

and gave to him gold, incense, and myrrh.

~~~~~

6. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier,
O Jesulein, 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 dirs wohlgefallen!

I stand before thy cradle here,
O Jesus-child, my being,
I come now, bring and offer thee
What thou to me hast given.
Take all! It is my spirit, will,
Heart, soul and mind, take all to thee,
And let it serve thy pleasure!

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part VI:I

2011-12-26T17:00:00.000-06:00

1. Coro (S, A, T, B)

Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben,
So gib, dass wir im festen Glauben
Nach deiner Macht und Hülfe sehn!

Wir wollen dir allein vertrauen,
So können wir den scharfen Klauen
Des Feindes unversehrt entgehn.

Lord, when our boastful foes blow fury,
Help us to keep our faith unshaken
And to thy might and help to look!

We would make thee our sole reliance
And thus unharmed the cutting talons
And clutches of the foe escape.

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part V:VI-XI

2011-12-26T14:00:00.000-06:00

6. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]
Da das der König Herodes hörte,

erschrak er und mit ihm das ganze Jerusalem.

And thus when Herod the king had heard this,

he trembled, and with him the whole of Jerusalem.

~~~~~

7. Recitativo (A)

Warum wollt ihr erschrecken?
Kann meines Jesu Gegenwart euch solche Furcht erwecken?
O! solltet ihr euch nicht
Vielmehr darüber freuen,
Weil er dadurch verspricht,
Der Menschen Wohlfahrt zu verneuen.

Wherefore would ye be frightened?
Can my dear Jesus' presence then in you such fear awaken?
Oh! Should ye not by this
Instead be moved with gladness,
That he thereby hath pledged
To make anew mankind's well-being!

~~~~~

8. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]
Und ließ versammlen alle Hohepriester und Schriftgelehrten

unter dem Volk

und erforschete von ihnen,

wo Christus sollte geboren werden.

Und sie sagten ihm:

Zu Bethlehem im jüdischen Lande;

denn also stehet geschrieben durch den Propheten:

Und du Bethlehem

im jüdischen Lande

bist mitnichten die kleinest

unter den Fürsten Juda;

denn aus dir soll mir kommen der Herzog,

der über mein Volk Israel ein Herr sei.

And assembling all the high priests and scribes

from amongst the people,

did he then inquire of them,

where the birth of Christ was supposed to happen.

And they said to him:

"In Bethlehem in the land of Judea;

for even thus is it written by the prophet:

'And thou, Bethlehem,

in the land of Judea

art by no means the least

among the princes of Judah;

for from thee shall to me come the ruler,

who shall over my people Israel be master.'"

~~~~~

9. Aria (S, A, T)

Ach, wenn wird die Zeit erscheinen?
Ach, wenn kömmt der Trost der Seinen?
Schweigt, er ist schon würklich hier!

Jesu, ach so komm zu mir!

Ah, when will that time appear then?
Ah, when will his people's hope come?
Hush, he is already here!

Jesus, ah, then come to me!

~~~~~

10. Recitativo (A)

Mein Liebster herrschet schon.
Ein Herz, das seine Herrschaft liebet
Und sich ihm ganz zu eigen gibet,
Ist meines Jesu Thron.

~

My dearest ruleth now.
The heart which his dominion loveth
And gives itself to him entirely
Shall be my Jesus' throne.

~~~~~

11. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Zwar ist solche Herzensstube
Wohl kein schöner Fürstensaal,
Sondern eine finstre Grube;
Doch, sobald dein Gnadenstrahl
In denselben nur wird blinken,
Wird es voller Sonnen dünken.

~

Though in truth my heart's poor lodging
Is no lovely royal hall,
Rather but a dreary chamber,
Yet, when once thy mercy's beams
Bring to it the merest glimmer,
It seems as though with sun to shimmer.

~~~~~

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part V:II-V

2011-12-26T11:00:00.000-06:00

2. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]
Da Jesus geboren war zu Bethlehem

im jüdischen Lande

zur Zeit des Königes Herodis,

siehe, da kamen die Weisen vom Morgenlande

gen Jerusalem und sprachen.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem

in the land of Judea

in the days when Herod was the king,

behold, there came the wise from the East

to Jerusalem, who said:

~~~~~

3. Coro (S, A, T, B) e Recitativo (A)

[Die Weisen]

Wo ist der neugeborne König der Jüden?

[Alto]

Sucht ihn in meiner Brust,
Hier wohnt er, mir und ihm zur Lust!

[Die Weisen]
Wir haben seinen Stern gesehen im Morgenlande und sind kommen, ihn anzubeten.

[Alto]
Wohl euch, die ihr dies Licht gesehen,
Es ist zu eurem Heil geschehen!
Mein Heiland, du, du bist das Licht,
Das auch den Heiden scheinen sollen,
Und sie, sie kennen dich noch nicht,
Als sie dich schon verehren wollen.
Wie hell, wie klar muss nicht dein Schein,
Geliebter Jesu, sein!

[The Wise Men]

Where doth the newborn babe, the king of the Jews, lie?

[Alto]
Seek him within my breast,
He dwells here, mine and his the joy!

[The Wise Men]
We have indeed his star now witnessed where morning riseth [1]

and are come now to give him worship.

[Alto]

Blest ye, who have this light now witnessed,
It is for your salvation risen!
My Savior, thou, thou art that light,
Which to the nations shall shine also,
And they, they do not know thee yet,
As they e'en now would pay thee honor.
How bright, how clear must then thy rays,
Belove'd Jesus, be!

~~~~~

4. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Dein Glanz all Finsternis verzehrt,
Die trübe Nacht in Licht verkehrt.
Leit uns auf deinen Wegen,
Dass dein Gesicht
Und herrlichs Licht
Wir ewig schauen mögen!

Thy light all darkness doth consume,
The gloomy night to day transform.
Lead us upon thy pathways,
That we thy face
And glorious light
For evermore may witness!

~~~~~

5. Aria (B)

Erleucht auch meine finstre Sinnen,
Erleuchte mein Herze
Durch der Strahlen klaren Schein!

Dein Wort soll mir die hellste Kerze
In allen meinen Werken sein;
Dies lässet die Seele nichts Böses beginnen.

Illumine, too, my gloomy spirit,
Illumine my bosom
With the beams of thy clear light!

Thy word shall be my brightest candle
In all the works which I shall do;
My soul shall this keep from all wicked endeavor.

~~~~~

[1] i.e., "in the East."

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation and Footnote © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part V:I

2011-12-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

1. Coro (S, A, T, B)

Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen,
Dir sei Lob und Dank bereit.

Dich erhebet alle Welt,
Weil dir unser Wohl gefällt,
Weil anheut
Unser aller Wunsch gelungen,
Weil uns dein Segen so herrlich erfreut.

~

Glory to thee, God, be sung now,
Thee be praise and thanks prepared,

Thee exalteth all the world,
For our good is thy desire,
For today
Is our ev'ry wish accomplished,
For us thy favor brings such splendid joy.

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part IV:V-VII

2011-12-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

5. Recitativo B e Choral S

Wohlan, dein Name soll allein

Jesu, meine Freud und Wonne,

In meinem Herzen sein!

Meine Hoffnung, Schatz und Teil,

So will ich dich entzücket nennen,

Mein Erlösung, Schmuck und Heil,

Wenn Brust und Herz zu dir vor Liebe brennen.
Doch, Liebster, sage mir:

Wie rühm ich dich, wie dank ich dir?

Hirt und König, Licht und Sonne,
Ach! wie soll ich würdiglich,
Mein Herr Jesu, preisen dich?

O joy, thy name shall now alone

Jesus, my true joy and pleasure,

Within my bosom dwell!

My true treasure, share and hope,

Thus will I call thy name with rapture

My salvation, crown and health,

When breast and heart for thee with love are burning.
But, dearest, tell me now:
How thee to praise, how thee to thank.

King and shepherd, sun and radiance,
Ah, how shall I worthily,
My Lord Jesus, give thee praise?

~~~~~

6. Aria (T)

Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben,
Mein Heiland, gib mir Kraft und Mut,
Dass es mein Herz recht eifrig tut!

Stärke mich,
Deine Gnade würdiglich
Und mit Danken zu erheben!

I would but for thine honor live now;
My Savior, give me strength of will,
That this my heart with zeal may do.

Strengthen me
Thy mercy worthily
And with gratitude to honor!

~~~~~

7. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Jesus richte mein Beginnen,
Jesus bleibe stets bei mir,
Jesus zäume mir die Sinnen,
Jesus sei nur mein Begier,
Jesus sei mir in Gedanken,
Jesu, lasse mich nicht wanken!

Jesus order my beginning,
Jesus bide alway with me,
Jesus bridle my intention,
Jesus be my sole desire,
Jesus be in all my thinking,
Jesus, let me never waver.

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part IV:II-IV

2011-12-26T02:00:00.000-06:00

2. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]
Und da acht Tage um waren,

dass das Kind beschnitten würde,

da ward sein Name genennet Jesus,

welcher genennet war von dem Engel,

ehe denn er im Mutterleibe empfangen ward.

And when eight days were accomplished

that the child be circumcised,

was his name then called Jesus,

which was so named by the angel,

before he was conceived within his mother's womb.

~~~~~

3. Recitativo (B) e Choral (S)

Immanuel, o süßes Wort!
Mein Jesus heißt mein Hort,
Mein Jesus heißt mein Leben.
Mein Jesus hat sich mir ergeben,
Mein Jesus soll mir immerfort
Vor meinen Augen schweben.
Mein Jesus heißet meine Lust,
Mein Jesus labet Herz und Brust.

Jesu, du mein liebstes Leben,

Komm! Ich will dich mit Lust umfassen,

Meiner Seelen Bräutigam,

Mein Herze soll dich nimmer lassen,

Der du dich vor mich gegeben

Ach! So nimm mich zu dir!

An des bittern Kreuzes Stamm!

Auch in dem Sterben sollst du mir

Das Allerliebste sein;
In Not, Gefahr und Ungemach
Seh ich dir sehnlichst nach.
Was jagte mir zuletzt der Tod für Grauen ein?
Mein Jesus! Wenn ich sterbe,
So weiß ich, dass ich nicht verderbe.
Dein Name steht in mir geschrieben,
Der hat des Todes Furcht vertrieben.

Immanuel, O sweetest word!
My Jesus is my shield,
My Jesus is my being.
My Jesus is to me devoted,
My Jesus shall I ever hold
Before my eyes suspended.
My Jesus is my joyful rest,
My Jesus soothes my heart and breast.

Jesus, thou, my life belove'd,

Come! I would now with joy embrace thee,

Of my soul the bridegroom true,

My heart shall nevermore release thee,

Thou who didst for me surrender

Ah! Take me to thyself!

To the bitter cross's tree!

E'en in my dying shalt thou my

Most cherished treasure be;
In need, in dread and sore distress
I'll look and yearn for thee.
What cruelty at last can death then hound me with?
My Jesus! When I die here,
I know that I shall never perish.
Thy name is written deep within me,
It hath the fear of death now banished.

~~~~~

4. Aria (S)

Flößt, mein Heiland, flößt dein Namen
Auch den allerkleinsten Samen
Jenes strengen Schreckens ein?
Nein, du sagst ja selber nein. (Nein!)
Sollt ich nun das Sterben scheuen?
Nein, dein süßes Wort ist da!
Oder sollt ich mich erfreuen?
Ja, du Heiland sprichst selbst ja. (Ja!)

Doth, my Savior, doth thy name have
E'en the very smallest kernel
Of that awful terror now?
No, thyself thou sayest "No." (No!)
Ought I now of death be wary?
No, the gentle word is here!
Rather, ought I greet it gladly?
Yes, O Savior, thou say'st "Yes." (Yes!)

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part IV:I

2011-12-25T23:00:00.000-06:00

1. Coro (S, A, T, B)

Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben
Vor des Höchsten Gnadenthron!
Gottes Sohn
Will der Erden
Heiland und Erlöser werden,
Gottes Sohn
Dämpft der Feinde Wut und Toben.

Fall and thank him, fall and praise him
At the Highest's throne of grace!
God's own Son
Will of earth the
Savior and Redeemer be now,
God's own Son
Stems our foe's great wrath and fury.

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part III:XI-XIII

2011-12-25T20:00:00.000-06:00

11. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]
Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um,

preiseten und lobten Gott um alles,

das sie gesehen und gehöret hatten,

wie denn zu ihnen gesaget war.

And the shepherds then turned back again,

glorifying and praising God for all the things

which they had seen and had heard,

just as it had been told to them.

~~~~~

12. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Seid froh dieweil,
Dass euer Heil
Ist hie ein Gott und auch ein Mensch geboren,
Der, welcher ist
Der Herr und Christ
In Davids Stadt, von vielen auserkoren.

Be glad this while,
For now your health
Is here as God and as a man born to you,
The one who is
The Lord and Christ
In David's city, out of many chosen.

~~~~~

13. Coro (S, A, T, B)

Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen,
Lass dir die matten Gesänge gefallen,
Wenn dich dein Zion mit Psalmen erhöht!
Höre der Herzen frohlockendes Preisen,
Wenn wir dir itzo die Ehrfurcht erweisen,
Weil unsre Wohlfahrt befestiget steht!

Ruler of heaven, give ear to our stammer,
Let these our weary refrains bring thee pleasure,
As thee thy Zion with psalms doth exalt!
Hear thou our hearts, though, exultant with praises,
As we to thee here our homage now render,
For our salvation stands strong and secure!

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part III:VII-X

2011-12-25T17:00:00.000-06:00

7. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]

Und sie kamen eilend und funden beide,

Mariam und Joseph, dazu das Kind in der Krippe liegen.

Da sie es aber gesehen hatten,

breiteten sie das Wort aus,

welches zu ihnen von diesem Kind gesaget war.

Und alle, für die es kam, wunderten sich der Rede,

die ihnen die Hirten gesaget hatten.

Maria aber behielt alle diese Worte

und bewegte sie in ihrem Herzen.

And they went forth quickly and found there

both Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

When they, however, had ceased their looking,

they spread forth the saying

which had been told unto them concerning this child.

And all to whom it came wondered at the story

which had been reported to them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept to herself then all these sayings,

and she pondered them within her heart.

~~~~~

8. Aria (A)

Schließe, mein Herze, dies selige Wunder

Fest in deinem Glauben ein!

Lasse dies Wunder, die göttlichen Werke,

Immer zur Stärke

Deines schwachen Glaubens sein!

Keep thou, my heart now, this most blessed wonder

Fast within thy faith alway!

And let this wonder, these godly achievements,

Ever as comfort

Of thy feeble faith abide!

~~~~~

9. Recitativo (A)

Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren,

Was es an dieser holden Zeit

Zu seiner Seligkeit

Für sicheren Beweis erfahren.

Oh yes, my heart shall ever cherish

All it at this most gracious time

To its eternal bliss

With certain signs of proof hath witnessed.

~~~~~

10. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Ich will dich mit Fleiß bewahren,

Ich will dir

Leben hier,

Dir will ich abfahren,

Mit dir will ich endlich schweben

Voller Freud

Ohne Zeit

Dort im andern Leben.

I will thee steadfastly cherish,

For thy sake

My life make,

In thee I will perish,

With thee will I one day hover

Full of joy

For alway

There when life is over.

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part III:I-VI

2011-12-25T14:00:00.000-06:00

1. Coro (S, A, T, B)

Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen,
Lass dir die matten Gesänge gefallen,
Wenn dich dein Zion mit Psalmen erhöht!
Höre der Herzen frohlockendes Preisen,
Wenn wir dir itzo die Ehrfurcht erweisen,
Weil unsre Wohlfahrt befestiget steht!

~~~~~

2. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]

Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren,

sprachen die Hirten untereinander:

And when the angel went away from them up to heaven,

said the shepherds one to another:

~~~~~

3. Coro (S, A, T, B)

[Die Hirten]
Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem

und die Geschichte sehen,

die da geschehen ist,

die uns der Herr kundgetan hat.

[The Shepherds]

"Let us now go quickly to Bethlehem

and this event now witness

which hath here taken place,

that which the Lord made known to us."

4. Recitativo (B)

Er hat sein Volk getröst',
Er hat sein Israel erlöst,
Die Hülf aus Zion hergesendet
Und unser Leid geendet.
Seht, Hirten, dies hat er getan;
Geht, dieses trefft ihr an!

He brought his people hope,
He hath his Israel redeemed,
His help from Zion he hath sent us
And all our suff'ring ended.
See, shepherds, this thing hath he done;
Go, this thing go and see!

~~~~~

5. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Dies hat er alles uns getan,
Sein groß Lieb zu zeigen an;
Des freu sich alle Christenheit
Und dank ihm des in Ewigkeit.
Kyrieleis

This hath he all for us brought forth,
His great love to manifest;
Rejoice thus all Christianity
And thank him in eternity.
Kyrieleis! [1]

6. Aria (Duetto) (S, B)

Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen
Tröstet uns und macht uns frei.

Deine holde Gunst und Liebe,
Deine wundersamen Triebe
Machen deine Vatertreu

Wieder neu.

Lord, thy mercy, thy forgiveness,
Comforts us and sets us free.

Thy most gracious love and favor,
Thy most wonderful affection
Here make thy paternal faith
New again.

~~~~~

[1] This Kyrieleis 'have mercy, Lord' provides a transition to the first line of the following aria.

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation and Footnote © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part II:XI-XIV

2011-12-25T11:00:00.000-06:00

11. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]
Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel

die Menge der himmlischen Heerscharen,

die lobten Gott und sprachen:

And suddenly there was with the angel

the multitude of the host of heaven,

there praising God and saying:

~~~~~

12. Coro (S, A, T, B)

[Die Engel]
Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe

und Friede auf Erden

und den Menschen ein Wohlgefallen.

[Choir of Angels]
Glory to God in the highest

and peace on the earth now

and to mankind a sign of favor.

~~~~~

13. Recitativo (B)

So recht, ihr Engel, jauchzt und singet,
Dass es uns heut so schön gelinget!
Auf denn! wir stimmen mit euch ein,
Uns kann es so wie euch erfreun.

'Tis meet, ye angels, sing and triumph,
That we today have gained such fortune!
Up then! We'll join our voice to yours,
We can as well as ye rejoice.

~~~~~

14. Choral

Wir singen dir in deinem Heer
Aus aller Kraft, Lob, Preis und Ehr,
Dass du, o lang gewünschter Gast,
Dich nunmehr eingestellet hast.

We sing to thee amidst thy host
With all our strength, laud, fame and praise,
That thou, O long desiréd guest,
Art come into this world at last.

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part II:IX-X

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

9. Recitativo B

So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten, geht,
Dass ihr das Wunder seht:
Und findet ihr des Höchsten Sohn
In einer harten Krippe liegen,
So singet ihm bei seiner Wiegen
Aus einem süßen Ton
Und mit gesamtem Chor
Dies Lied zur Ruhe vor!

So go then there, ye shepherds, go,
That ye this wonder see:
And when ye find the Highest's Son
Within an austere manger lying,
Then sing to him beside his cradle
In tones that sweetly ring
And with assembled choir
This song of slumber bring!

~~~~~

10. Aria A

Schlafe, mein Liebster, genieße der Ruh,
Wache nach diesem vor aller Gedeihen!

Labe die Brust,
Empfinde die Lust,
Wo wir unser Herz erfreuen!

Sleep now, my dearest, enjoy now thy rest,
Wake on the morrow to flourish in splendor!

Lighten thy breast,
With joy be thou blest,
Where we hold our heart's great pleasure!

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part II:II-VIII

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

2. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]

Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend

auf dem Felde bei den Hürden,

die hüteten des Nachts ihre Herde.

Und siehe, des Herren Engel trat zu ihnen,

und die Klarheit des Herren leuchtet um sie,

und sie furchten sich sehr.

And there were shepherds in that very region

in the field nearby their sheepfolds,

who kept their watch by night over their flocks.

And see now, the angel of the Lord came before them,

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them,

and they were sore afraid.

~~~~~

3. Choral

Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht,
Und lass den Himmel tagen!
Du Hirtenvolk, erschrecke nicht,
Weil dir die Engel sagen,
Dass dieses schwache Knäbelein
Soll unser Trost und Freude sein,
Dazu den Satan zwingen
Und letztlich Friede bringen!

Break forth, O beauteous morning light,
And bring day to the heavens!
Thou shepherd folk, be not afraid,
For thee the angel telleth
That this the helpless little boy
Shall be our comfort and our joy,
Here for to conquer Satan
And peace at last to bring us!

~~~~~

4. Recitativo (T, S)

[Evanglist]

Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen:

[Engel]

Fürchtet euch nicht, siehe,

ich verkündige euch große Freude,

die allem Volke widerfahren wird.

Denn euch ist heute der Heiland geboren,

welcher ist Christus, der Herr,

in der Stadt David.

[Evangelist]

And the angel spake unto them:

[Angel]

Be not afraid, see now,

I proclaim to you news of great gladness,

which all the nations of the world will learn.

For to you today is the Savior born,

who is Christ, the Lord,

in the city of David.

~~~~~

5. Recitativo (B)

Was Gott dem Abraham verheißen,
Das lässt er nun dem Hirtenchor
Erfüllt erweisen.
Ein Hirt hat alles das zuvor
Von Gott erfahren müssen.
Und nun muss auch ein Hirt die Tat,
Was er damals versprochen hat,
Zuerst erfüllet wissen.

What God to Abraham did promise,
This hath he to the shepherd choir
Revealed and proven.
A shepherd all this once before
Of God to learn was destined;
And now as well a shepherd must
The deed of yore he promised us
Be first to see completed.

~~~~~

6. Aria (T)

Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet,
Eh ihr euch zu lang verweilet,
Eilt, das holde Kind zu sehn!
Geht, die Freude heißt zu schön,
Sucht die Anmut zu gewinnen,
Geht und labet Herz und Sinnen!

Joyful shepherds, haste, ah hasten,
Ere ye here too long should tarry,
Haste, the gracious child to visit!
Go, your gladness is too fair,
Seek his grace's inspiration,
Go and comfort heart and spirit.

~~~~~

7. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]

Und das habt zum Zeichen:

Ihr werdet finden das Kind in Windeln gewickelt

und in einer Krippe liegen.

And let this be your sign:

ye will discover the babe in swaddling clothes there wrapped

and in a manger lying.

~~~~~

8. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Schaut hin, dort liegt im finstern Stall,
Des Herrschaft gehet überall!
Da Speise vormals sucht ein Rind,
Da ruhet itzt der Jungfrau'n Kind.

Look there, he lies in manger drear
Whose power reacheth ev'rywhere!
Where fodder once the ox did seek,
There resteth now the Virgin's child.

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part II:I

2011-12-25T02:00:00.000-06:00

1. Sinfonia

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part I:V-IX

2011-12-24T23:00:00.000-06:00

5. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Wie soll ich dich empfangen

Und wie begegn' ich dir?

O aller Welt Verlangen,

O meiner Seelen Zier!

O Jesu, Jesu, setze

Mir selbst die Fackel bei,

Damit, was dich ergötze,

Mir kund und wissend sei!

How shall I then receive thee

And how thy presence find?

Desire of ev'ry nation,

O glory of my soul!

O Jesus, Jesus,

Set out for me thy torch,

That all that brings thee pleasure

By me be clearly known.

~~~~~

6. Recitativo (T)

Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn

und wickelte ihn in Windeln

und legte ihn in eine Krippen,

denn sie hatten sonst keinen Raum in der Herberge.

And she brought forth her first-born son

and wrapped him in swaddling cloths

and laid him within a manger,

for they had no other room in the inn for them.

~~~~~

7. Choral S e Recitativo B

Er ist auf Erden kommen arm,

Wer will die Liebe recht erhöhn,

Die unser Heiland vor uns hegt?

Dass er unser sich erbarm,

Ja, wer vermag es einzusehen,

Wie ihn der Menschen Leid bewegt?

Und in dem Himmel mache reich,

Des Höchsten Sohn kömmt in die Welt,

Weil ihm ihr Heil so wohl gefällt,

Und seinen lieben Engeln gleich.

So will er selbst als Mensch geboren werden.

Kyrieleis!

He is to earth now come so poor,

Who will the love then rightly praise
Which this our Savior for us keeps?

That he us his mercy show

Yea, is there one who understandeth
How he by mankind's woe is moved?

And in heaven make us rich

The Most High's Son comes in the world
Whose health to him so dear is held,

And to his own dear angels like.

So will he as a man himself be born now.

Kyrieleis!

~~~~~

8. Aria (B)

Großer Herr, o starker König,
Liebster Heiland, o wie wenig
Achtest du der Erden Pracht!

Der die ganze Welt erhält,
Ihre Pracht und Zier erschaffen,
Muss in harten Krippen schlafen.

Mighty Lord, O strongest sovereign,
Dearest Savior, O how little
Heedest thou all earthly pomp!

He who all the world doth keep,
All its pomp and grace hath fashioned,
Must within the hard crib slumber.

~~~~~

9. Choral (S, A, T, B)

Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein,
Mach dir ein rein sanft Bettelein,
Zu ruhn in meines Herzens Schrein,
Dass ich nimmer vergesse dein!

Ah my belove'd Jesus-child,
Make here thy bed, clean, soft and mild
For rest within my heart's own shrine,
That I no more fail to be thine!

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part I:II-IV

2011-12-24T20:00:00.000-06:00

2. Recitativo (T)

[Evangelist]

Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit,

dass ein Gebot von dem Kaiser Augusto ausging,

dass alle Welt geschätzet würde.

Und jedermann ging,

dass er sich schätzen ließe,

ein jeglicher in seine Stadt.

Da machte sich auch auf Joseph aus Galiläa,

aus der Stadt Nazareth,

in das jüdische Land zur Stadt David,

die da heißet Bethlehem;

darum, dass er von dem Hause und Geschlechte David war:

auf dass er sich schätzen ließe mit Maria,

seinem vertrauten Weibe,

die war schwanger.

Und als sie daselbst waren,

kam die Zeit,

dass sie gebären sollte.

It occurred, however, at the time

that a decree from the Emperor Augustus went out

that all the world should be enrolled.

And everyone then went forth

to be enrolled,

each person unto his own city.

And then as well went up Joseph from Galilee

from the city of Nazareth

into the land of Judea to David's city

which is called Bethlehem,

because he was of the house and of the lineage of David

to be enrolled there with Mary,

who was betrothed to be his wife,

and she was pregnant.

And while they were in that place,

there came the time

for her to be delivered.

~~~~~

3. Recitativo (A)

Nun wird mein liebster Bräutigam,

Nun wird der Held aus Davids Stamm

Zum Trost, zum Heil der Erden

Einmal geboren werden.

Nun wird der Stern aus Jakob scheinen,

Sein Strahl bricht schon hervor.

Auf, Zion, und verlasse nun das Weinen,

Dein Wohl steigt hoch empor!

Now is my dearest bridegroom rare,

Now is the prince of David's stem

As earth's redeeming comfort

Here born in time amongst us.

Now will shine bright the star of Jacob,

Its beam e'en now breaks forth.

Rise, Zion, and abandon now thy weeping,

Thy fortune soars aloft.

~~~~~

4. Aria (A)

Bereite dich, Zion, mit zärtlichen Trieben,

Den Schönsten, den Liebsten bald bei dir zu sehn!

Deine Wangen

Müssen heut viel schöner prangen,

Eile, den Bräutigam sehnlichst zu lieben!

Prepare thyself, Zion, with tender affection,

The fairest, the dearest soon midst thee to see!

Thy cheeks' beauty

Must today shine much more brightly,

Hasten, the bridegroom to love with deep passion.

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

The Complete Weihnachts-oratorium of JS Bach, Part I:I

2011-12-24T17:00:00.000-06:00

1. Coro (S, A, T, B)

Jauchzet, frohlocket! auf, preiset die Tage,
Rühmet, was heute der Höchste getan!
Lasset das Zagen, verbannet die Klage,
Stimmet voll Jauchzen und Fröhlichkeit an!

Dienet dem Höchsten mit herrlichen Chören,
Lasst uns den Namen des Herrschers verehren!

~~~~~

Triumph, rejoicing, rise, praising these days now,
Tell ye what this day the Highest hath done!
Fear now abandon and banish complaining,
Join, filled with triumph and gladness, our song!

Serve ye the Highest in glorious chorus,
Let us the name of our ruler now honor!

~~~~~

The complete Christmas Oratorio is featured on All for Hymn
beginning at 6:00 PM ET on December 24, 2011
and running every 3 hours.

Web publication: http://www.uvm.edu/~classics/faculty/bach.

Used by permission.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube
for posting the complete work.

Beginning this evening: The Complete Weihnachts-oratorio

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Starting this evening at 6:00 PM EDT, All for Hymn will present the complete Weihnachts-oratorio of JS Bach. A new post will hit every 3 hours until 11:59 PM EDT on December 26.

Special thanks to counterpoint85 over on youtube for posting the complete work and to Z. Philip Ambrose who granted permission to use his translations over here at All for Hymn. He has the translations of the entire vocal works over at the University of Vermont's website. Check it out here.

For now, here's the instrumental work at the beginning of Movement II.

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: Worthy Is the Lamb

2011-04-25T12:01:00.007-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part III
A Hymn of Thanksgiving for the final overthrow of Death

~~~~~

53. Chorus

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,
and hath redeemed us to God by His blood,
to receive power,
and riches,
and wisdom,
and strength,
and honour,
and glory,
and blessing.

Blessing and honour,
glory and power,
be unto Him
that sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

Revelation 5: 12-14

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

During this Holy Week, All for Hymn is featuring Handel's Messiah in it's complete form. New posts will hit roughly every 5-6 hours beginning at 6:00 am CDT on Palm Sunday (April 17, 2011) and running through 6:00 PM CDT on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011).

We have reached the finale of Handel's Messiah. Thank you for listening and following along. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and keep you in His peace this Easter season.

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Air: If God Is for Us

2011-04-25T06:00:00.006-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part III
A Hymn of Thanksgiving for the final overthrow of Death

~~~~~

52. Air (Soprano)

If God be for us,
who can be against us?

Who shall lay anything
to the charge of God's elect?
It is God that justifieth,
who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,
yea rather, that is risen again,
who is at the right hand of God,
who makes intercession for us.
Romans 8:31, 33-34

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

During this Holy Week, All for Hymn is featuring Handel's Messiah in it's complete form. New posts will hit roughly every 5-6 hours beginning at 6:00 am CDT on Palm Sunday (April 17, 2011) and running through 6:00 PM CDT on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011).

UPDATE: The final post will be NOON CDT on Easter Monday (April 25, 2011).

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Recitative, Duet, Chorus

2011-04-25T00:01:00.006-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part III
A Hymn of Thanksgiving for the final overthrow of Death

~~~~~

49. Recitative (Alto)

Then shall be brought to pass
the saying that is written:
DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY.
I Corinthians 15:54

50. Duet (Alto and tenor)

O death, where is thy sting?
O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin,
and the strength of sin is the law.
I Corinthians 15:55-56

51. Chorus

But thanks be to God,
who giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 15:57

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

During this Holy Week, All for Hymn is featuring Handel's Messiah in it's complete form. New posts will hit roughly every 5-6 hours beginning at 6:00 am CDT on Palm Sunday (April 17, 2011) and running through 6:00 PM CDT on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011).

UPDATE: The final post will be NOON CDT on Easter Monday (April 25, 2011).

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Accompagnato and Air

2011-04-24T18:00:00.006-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part III
A Hymn of Thanksgiving for the final overthrow of Death

~~~~~

47. Accompagnato (Bass)

Behold, I tell you a mystery;
we shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed in a moment,
in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet.
I Corinthians 15: 51-52

48. Air (Bass)

The trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption
and this mortal must put on immortality.
I Corinthians 15:52-53

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

During this Holy Week, All for Hymn is featuring Handel's Messiah in it's complete form. New posts will hit roughly every 5-6 hours beginning at 6:00 am CDT on Palm Sunday (April 17, 2011) and running through 6:00 PM CDT on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011).

UPDATE: The final post will be NOON CDT on Easter Monday (April 25, 2011).

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: Since by Man Came Death

2011-04-24T12:01:00.011-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part III
A Hymn of Thanksgiving for the final overthrow of Death

~~~~~

46. Chorus

Since by man came death,
by Man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die,
even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
I Corinthians 15:21-22

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

During this Holy Week, All for Hymn is featuring Handel's Messiah in it's complete form. New posts will hit roughly every 5-6 hours beginning at 6:00 am CDT on Palm Sunday (April 17, 2011) and running through 6:00 PM CDT on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011).

UPDATE: The final post will be NOON CDT on Easter Monday (April 25, 2011).

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Air: I Know that My Redeemer Liveth

2011-04-24T06:00:00.005-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part III
A Hymn of Thanksgiving for the final overthrow of Death

~~~~~

45. Air (Soprano)

I know that my Redeemer liveth,
and that He shall stand
at the latter day upon the earth.

And though worms destroy this body,
yet in my flesh shall I see God.
Job 19: 25-26

For now is Christ risen from the dead,
the first fruits of them that sleep.
I Corinthians 15: 20

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Conductor: Sir Neville Marriner
(C) 1992 Universal International Music B.V.

Sylvia McNair, soprano

~~~~~

During this Holy Week, All for Hymn is featuring Handel's Messiah in it's complete form. New posts will hit roughly every 5-6 hours beginning at 6:00 am CDT on Palm Sunday (April 17, 2011) and running through 6:00 PM CDT on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011).

UPDATE: The final post will be NOON CDT on Easter Monday (April 25, 2011).

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: Hallelujah

2011-04-24T00:01:00.006-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

44. Chorus

Hallelujah!

For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.

The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord,
and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.

King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Hallelujah!

Revelation 19: 6; 11:15; 19:16

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Recitative and Air

2011-04-23T18:00:00.007-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

42. Recitative (Tenor)

He that dwelleth in Heav'n
shall laugh them to scorn;
The Lord shall have them in derision.
Psalm 2:4

43. Air (Tenor)

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
Psalm 2:9

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Air and Chorus

2011-04-23T12:01:00.002-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

40. Air (Bass)

Why do the nations so furiously rage together,
and why do the people imagine a vain thing?

The kings of the earth rise up,
and the rulers take counsel together
against the Lord,
and against His anointed.
Psalm 2:1-2

41. Chorus

Let us break their bonds asunder,
and cast away their yokes from us.
Psalm 2:3

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: Their Sound Is Gone Out

2011-04-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

39. Chorus

Their sound is gone out into all lands,
and their words unto the ends of the world.
Romans 10:18; Psalm 19:4

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Air: How Beautiful Are the Feet

2011-04-23T00:01:00.002-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

38. Air (Soprano)

How beautiful are the feet of them
that preach the gospel of peace,
and bring glad tidings of good things.
Isaiah 52: 7; Romans 10:15

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: The Lord Gave the Word

2011-04-22T18:00:00.004-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

37. Chorus

The Lord gave the Word;
great was the company of the preachers.
Psalm 68:11

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Air: Thou Art Gone Up

2011-04-22T12:01:00.008-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

36. Air (Alto)

Thou art gone up on high;
Thou hast led captivity captive,
and received gifts for men;
yea, even from Thine enemies,
that the Lord God might dwell among them.
Psalm 68:18

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Recitative and Chorus

2011-04-22T06:00:00.004-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

34. Recitative (Tenor)

Unto which of the angels said
He at any time:
"Thou art My Son,
this day have I begotten Thee?"
Hebrews 1:5

~~~~~

35. Chorus
Let all the angels of God worship Him.
Hebrews 1:6

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: Lift Up Your Heads

2011-04-22T00:01:00.004-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

33. Chorus
Lift up your heads,
O ye gates;
and be ye lift up,
ye everlasting doors;
and the King of Glory shall come in.

Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads,
O ye gates;
and be ye lift up,
ye everlasting doors;
and the King of Glory shall come in.

Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord of Hosts,
He is the King of Glory.
Psalm 24:7-10

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Accompagnato and Air

2011-04-21T18:00:00.004-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

31. Accompagnato (Soprano)

He was cut off out of the land of the living:
for the transgressions
of Thy people was He stricken.
Isaiah 53:8

32. Air (Soprano)

But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell;
nor didst Thou suffer
Thy Holy One to see corruption.
Psalm 16:10

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Accompagnato and Arioso

2011-04-21T12:01:00.006-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

29. Accompagnato (Tenor)

Thy rebuke hath broken His heart:
He is full of heaviness.
He looked for some to have pity on Him,
but there was no man,
neither found He any to comfort him.
Psalm 69:20

30. Arioso (Tenor)

Behold,
and see if there be any sorrow
like unto His sorrow.
Lamentations 1:12

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Accompagnato and Chorus

2011-04-21T06:00:00.004-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

27. Accompagnato (Tenor)

All they that see Him laugh Him to scorn;
they shoot out their lips,
and shake their heads, saying:
Psalm 22:7

~~~~~

28. Chorus

"He trusted in God
that He would deliver Him;
let Him deliver Him,
if He delight in Him."
Psalm 22:8

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: All We Like Sheep

2011-04-21T00:01:00.007-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

26. Chorus

All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way.

And the Lord hath laid on Him
the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: Surely He Hath/And with His Stripes

2011-04-20T18:00:00.005-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

24. Chorus

Surely He hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows!
He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.
Isaiah 53:4-5

25. Chorus

And with His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Air: He Was Despised

2011-04-20T12:01:00.005-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

23. Air (Alto)

He was despised
and rejected of men,
a man of sorrows
and acquainted with grief.
Isaiah 53:3

He gave His back to the smiters,
and His cheeks to them
that plucked off His hair:
He hid not His face
from shame and spitting.
Isaiah 53:6

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: Behold the Lamb of God

2011-04-20T06:00:00.006-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part II
The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind's rejection of God's offer, and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

~~~~~

22. Chorus

Behold the Lamb of God,
that taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:29

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Recitative, Accompagnato, Chorus

2011-04-20T00:01:00.006-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

19. Recitative (Soprano)

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.
Isaiah 35:5-6

20. Aria

(Alto)
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd;
and He shall gather the lambs with His arm,
and carry them in His bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:11

(Soprano)
Come unto Him, all ye that labour,
come unto Him that are heavy laden,
and He will give you rest.

Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him,
for He is meek and lowly of heart,
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29

~~~~~

21. Chorus

His yoke is easy,
and his burden is light.
Matthew 11:30

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Air: Rejoice Greatly

2011-04-19T18:00:00.008-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

Air (Soprano)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, thy King cometh unto thee;

He is the righteous Saviour,
and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.
Zecharaiah 9:9-10

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Recitative, Accompagnato, Chorus

2011-04-19T12:01:00.009-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

14a. Recitative (Soprano)

There were shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flocks by night.
Luke 2:8

14b. Accompagnato (Soprano)

And lo,
the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them,
and they were sore afraid.
Luke 2:9

15. Recitative (Soprano)

And the angel said unto them:
"Fear not,
for behold,
I bring you good tidings
of great joy,
which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day
in the city of David
a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11

16. Accompagnato
Soprano
And suddenly there was with the angel,
a multitude of the heavenly host,
praising God,
and saying:
Luke 2:13

~~~~~

17. Chorus

"Glory to God in the highest,
and peace on earth,
good will towards men."
Luke 2:14

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Pastoral

2011-04-19T06:00:00.007-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

13. Pifa

Pastoral Symphony

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: For Unto Us

2011-04-19T00:01:00.004-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

12. Chorus

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon His shoulder;
and His name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counsellor,
the mighty God,
the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Accompagnato and Air

2011-04-18T18:00:00.005-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

10. Accompagnato (Bass)

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people;

but the Lord shall arise upon thee,
and His glory shall be seen upon thee.

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light,
and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Isaiah 60:2-3

11. Air (Bass)

The people that walked in darkness
have seen a great light;

and they that dwell
in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them hath the Light shined.
Isaiah 9: 2

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Recitativ, Air and Chorus

2011-04-18T12:01:00.036-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

8. Recitative (Alto)

Behold,
a virgin shall conceive
and bear a son,
and shall call His name
Emmanuel,
God with us.
Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23

9. Air and Chorus

(Alto)
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion,
get thee up into the high mountain.
O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem,
lift up thy voice with strength;
lift it up, be not afraid;
say unto the cities of Judah,
behold your God!
Isaiah 40:9

Arise, shine,
for thy Light is come,
and the glory of the Lord i
s risen upon thee.
Isaiah 60:1

(Chorus)
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion,
get thee up into the high mountain.
O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem,
lift up thy voice with strength;
lift it up, be not afraid;
say unto the cities of Judah,
behold your God!
Isaiah 40:9

Arise, shine,
for thy Light is come,
and the glory of the Lord i
s risen upon thee.
Isaiah 60:1

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Accompagnato and Aria

2011-04-18T06:00:00.009-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

6. Air (Alto)
But who may abide the day of His coming,
and who shall stand when He appeareth?

For He is like a refiner's fire.
Malachi 3:2

~~~~~

7. Chorus
And He shall purify the sons of Levi,
that they may offer unto the Lord
an offering in righteousness.
Malachi 3:3

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Accompagnato: Thus Saith the Lord

2011-04-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

Accompagnato (Bass)
Thus saith the Lord, the Lord of Hosts;
Yet once a little while
and I will shake
the heav'ns and the earth,
the sea and the dry land:
And I will shake all nations;
and the desire of all nations shall come.
Haggai 2:6-7

The Lord, whom ye seek,
shall suddenly come to His temple,
even the messenger of the Covenant,
whom ye delight in:
behold, He shall come,
saith the Lord of Hosts.
Malachi 3:1

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Chorus: And the Glory

2011-04-17T18:00:00.001-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

4. Chorus
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 40:5

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Accompagnato and Aria

2011-04-17T12:01:00.029-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH

Part I

The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

2. Accompagnato (Tenor)

Comfort ye,
comfort ye my people,
saith your God.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem,
and cry unto her,
that her warfare is accomplish'd,
that her Iniquity is pardoned.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness;
prepare ye the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isaiah 40:1-3

3. Air (Tenor)
Ev'ry valley shall be exalted,
and ev'ry mountain and hill made low;
the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.
Isaiah 40:4

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

The Complete Handel's Messiah: Sinfonia

2011-04-17T06:00:00.026-05:00

HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Part I
The prophesy and realization of God's plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

~~~~~

1. Sinfonia

Brisbane Concert Choir
Sinfonia of St Andrew's
Conductor: Debra Shearer-Dirié
Orchestra Leader: Chen Yang

Milica Ilic, soprano
Dorothy Williams, alto
Thomas Moran, tenor
Sam Hartley, bass
Emma Hadfield, harpsichord
Eduarda van Klinken, organ

St Andrew's Uniting Church
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sunday 13th July 2008

~~~~~

Presentation of Our Lord and Purification of Mary: Nunc Dimittis

2011-02-02T09:00:00.107-06:00

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Purification of Mary. It's a mouthful, but 40 days after a child's birth these events took place.

We meet Simeon, who has been promised to see the Messiah before his death. We also meet the prophetess Anna, who never left the temple and worshiped with fasting and prayer day and night.

Anna proclaimed Jesus arrival "to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" and Simeon gave us a prophecy and a canticle. The Latin title of this canticle is Nunc Dimittis, also known as "The Song of Simeon."

Historically, this canticle is sung near the end of Compline (Prayer at the Close of the Day). English-speaking churches may include it in Vespers or Evening Prayer as well. Lutherans also use this as a Post-Communion Canticle.

~~~~~

The Song of Simeon in Latin

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine,
Secundum verbum tuum in pace:
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:
Lumen ad revelationem gentium,
et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.

Gloria Patri, et Filio,
et Spiritui Sancto:
Sicut erat in principio,
et nunc, et semper,
et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.

The Tallis Scholars
Setting by Palastrina

~~~

Voces8
Setting by Gustav Holst

~~~~~

Classic English Translation

Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace,
According to Thy Word.
For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people.
A light to lighten the Gentiles
And the glory of Thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

The Choir of King's College
Setting by George Dyson

~~~

International Children's Choir Festival
Oxford, England

~~~

Combined Choirs in Ely Cathedral
Setting by Charles Villiers Stanford

~~~~~

Iggy's Word-for-Word Translation

Now dismiss your servant, Lord,
According to Your Word, in peace,
Because my eyes have seen your salvation
Which You prepared before the face of all people
A light for the Revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit
as it was in the beginning,
and now, and always,
and in eternity. Amen.

The Brotherhood of St. Gregory
Song of Simeon metered in English
with Antiphon and Responses
from the Office of Compline

~~~~~

Moscow Patriarchate Choir
Sung in Russian

~~~~~

Pittsburgh Compline Choir
The Lord's Prayer and Nunc Dimittis

Baptism of Our Lord: He Would a New Life Give Us

2011-01-09T08:00:00.116-06:00

The Sunday after January 6th is designated for the celebration of the Baptism of Our Lord and marks the start of a focus on the work of Christ on earth. Miracles are a common theme during the Epiphany Season, as well as other significant events in the earthly life of Jesus, culminating in His Transfiguration.

Martin Luther's hymn about this event is Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam. Common English titles include Lutheran Service Book's "To Jordan Came the Christ our Lord" (#406) and Cyber Hymnal's "To Jordan came our Lord the Christ" (see it here). The German text can be found here.

We also have JS Bach's Canata #7 based on this text and tune.

The Cyber Hymnal translation is below. There is a translation misstep in here, but that would be a topic for another post, or perhaps the comment section!

~~~~~

Buxtehude: BuxWV 180, Chorale Prelude
Gerard van Reenen, Cornet and Organ

~~~

Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam
Nach seines Vaters Willen,
Von Sanct Johann’s die Taufe nahm,
Sein Werk und Amt zu ’ rfüllen.
Da wollt’ er stiften uns ein Bad,
Zu waschen uns von Sünden,
Ersäufen auch den bittern Tod
Durch sein selbst Blut und Wunden,
Es galt ein neues Leben.

To Jordan came our Lord the Christ,
To do God’s pleasure willing,
And there was by Saint John baptized,
All righteousness fulfilling;
There did He consecrate a bath
To wash away transgression,
And quench the bitterness of death
By His own blood and passion;
He would a new life give us.

JS Bach: Cantata #7, Part I

~~~

So hört und merket alle wohl,
Was Gott heisst selbst die Taufe,
Und was ein Christen glauben soll,
Zu meiden Ketzer Haufen:
Gott spricht und will, das Wasser sei
Doch nicht allein schlecht Wasser,
Sein heilig’s Wort ist auch dabei
Mit reichem Geist ohn’ Massen,
Der ist allhie der Täufer.

So hear ye all, and well perceive
What God doth call baptism,
And what a Christian should believe
Who error shuns and schism:
That we should water use, the Lord
Declareth it His pleasure;
Not simple water, but the Word
And Spirit without measure;
He is the true Baptizer.

JS Bach: Cantata #7, Part II

~~~

Solch’s hat er uns beweiset klar,
Mit Bildern und mit Worten,
Des Vaters Stimm man offenbar
Daselbst am Jordan hörte.
Er sprach: das ist mein lieber Sohn,
An dem ich hab’ Gefallen,
Den will ich euch befohlen han,
Dass ihr ihn höret alle
Und folget seinen Lehren.

To show us this, He hath His Word
With signs and symbols given;
On Jordan’s banks was plainly heard
The Father’s voice from Heaven:
“This is My well-beloved Son,
In whom My soul delighteth;
Hear Him.” Yea, hear Him every one
Whom He Himself inviteth,
Hear and obey His teaching.

JS Bach: Cantata #7, Part III

~~~

Auch Gottes Sohn hie selber steht
In seiner zarten Menschheit,
Der heilig’ Geist hernieder fährt
In Taubenbild verkleidet;
Dass wir nicht sollen zweifeln d’ran,
Wenn wir getaufet werden,
All’ drei Person getaufet han,
Damit bei uns auf Erden
Zu wohnen sich ergeben.

In tender manhood Jesus straight
To holy Jordan wendeth;
The Holy Ghost from Heaven’s gate
In dovelike shape descendeth;
That thus the truth be not denied,
Nor should our faith e’er waver,
That the Three Persons all preside,
At baptism’s holy laver,
And dwell with the believer.

JS Bach: BWV 685 Chorale Prelude
from Clavier-Übung III

~~~

Sein’ Jünger heisst der Herre Christ:
Geht hin all’ Welt zu lehren,
Dass sie verlor’n in Sünden ist,
Sich soll zur Busse kehren;
Wer glaubet und sich taufen lässt,
Soll dadurch selig werden,
Ein neugeborner Mensch er heisst,
Der nicht mehr konne sterben,
Das Himmelreich soll erben.

Thus Jesus His disciples sent:
Go teach ye every nation,
That lost in sin they must repent;
And flee from condemnation:
He that believes and is baptized,
Obtains a mighty blessing;
A new-born man, no more he dies,
Eternal life possessing,
A joyful heir of Heaven.

Michael Praetorius: Cantata
Musica Fiata
La Capella Ducale
Roland Wilson, Conductor

~~~

Wer nicht glaubt dieser grossen G’nad,
Der bleibt in seinen Sünden,
Und ist verdammt zum ew’gen Tod
Tief in der Höllen Grunde,
Nichts hilst sein’ eigen’ Heiligkeit,
All’ sein Thun ist verloren.
Die Erbsünd’ macht’s zur Nichtigkeit,
Darin er ist geboren,
Vermag ihm selbst nichts helfen.

Who in this mercy hath not faith,
Nor aught therein discerneth,
Is yet in sin, condemned to death,
And fire that ever burneth;
His holiness avails him not,
Nor aught which he is doing;
His inborn sin brings all to naught,
And maketh sure his ruin;
Himself he cannot succor.

J Pachelbel: Chorale Prelude

~~~

Das Aug’ allein das Wasser seiht,
Wie Menschen Wasser giessen,
Der Glaub’ im Geist die Kraft versteht
Des Blutes Jesu Christi,
Und ist für ihm ein’ rothe Fluth
Von Christus Blut gefärbet,
Die allen Schaden heilen thut
Von Adam her geerbet,
Auch von uns selbst begangen.

The eye of sense alone is dim,
And nothing sees but water;
Faith sees Christ Jesus, and in Him
The Lamb ordained for slaughter;
She sees the cleansing fountain red
With the dear blood of Jesus,
Which from the sins inherited
From fallen Adam frees us,
And from our own misdoings.

JS Bach: BWV 684, Chorale Prelude
Hans-Andre Stamm, Organist

~~~~~

This hymn was featured last year at this time. Seven different videos are featured on seven different posts, starting with this one and progressing through the next 6 posts.

The Epiphany of Our Lord: The Light in Judah Shining

2011-01-06T08:00:00.052-06:00

The "Queen of the Chorales" is Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, or "How Lovely Shines the Morning Star." Both the original German text and the English versification are taken from The Cyber Hymnal. Other translations can be found at The Lutheran Hymnal #343 and Lutheran Service Book #395.

~~~~~

Setting by Johann Ludwig Krebs

~~~

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Voll Gnad und Wahrheit von dem Herrn,
Die süße Wurzel Jesse!
Du Sohn Davids aus Jakobs Stamm,
Mein König und mein Bräutigam,
Hast mir mein Herz besessen,
Lieblich, freundlich,
Schön und herrlich, groß und ehrlich,
Reich von Gaben,
Hoch und sehr prächtig erhaben!

How lovely shines the Morning Star!
The nations see and hail afar
The light in Judah shining.
Thou David’s Son of Jacob’s race,
My Bridegroom and my King of Grace,
For Thee my heart is pining.
Lowly, holy, great and glorious,
Thou victorious Prince of graces,
Filling all the heav’nly places.

Settings by JS Bach and Sigfrid Karg-Elert

~~~

Ei meine Perl’, du werte Kron,
Wahr’ Gottes und Mariens Sohn,
Ein hochgeborner König!
Mein Herz heißt dich ein Himmelsblum;
Dein süßes Evangelium
Ist lauter Milch und Honig.
Ei mein Blümlein,
Hosianna! Himmlisch Manna,
Das wir essen,
Deiner kann ich nicht vergessen!

O highest joy by mortals won,
True Son of God and Mary’s Son,
Thou highborn King of ages!
Thou art my heart’s most beauteous Flower,
And Thy blest Gospel’s saving power
My raptured soul engages.
Thou mine, I Thine; sing hosanna!
Heav’nly manna tasting, eating,
Whilst Thy love in songs repeating.

Description not available

~~~

Geuß sehr tief in das Herz hinein,
Du leuchtend Kleinod, edler Stein,
Mit deiner Liebe Flamme,
Daß ich, o Herr, ein Gliedmaß bleib
An deinem auserwählten Leib,
Ein Zweig an deinem Stamme.
Nach dir wallt mir,
Mei Gemüte,
Ewig Güte, bis es findet
Dich, des Liebe mich entzündet.

Now richly to my waiting heart,
O Thou, my God, deign to impart
The grace of love undying.
In Thy blest body let me be,
E’en as the branch is in the tree,
Thy life my life supplying.
Sighing, crying, for the savor
Of Thy favor; resting never
Till I rest in Thee forever.

Setting by JS Bach
St. James Cappella Magna
St. Ignatius in Rome

~~~

Von Gott kommt mir ein Freudenschein,
Wenn du mich mit den Augen dein
Gar freundlich tust anblicken.
O Herr Jesu, mein trautes Gut,
Dein Wort, dein Geist, dein Leib und Blut
Mich innerlich erquicken.
Nimm mich freundlich
In dein Arme, Herr erbarme
Dich in Gnaden;
Auf dein Wort komm ich geladen.

A pledge of peace from God I see
When Thy pure eyes are turned to me
To show me Thy good pleasure.
Jesus, Thy Spirit and Thy Word,
Thy body and Thy blood afford
My soul its dearest treasure.
Keep me kindly in Thy favor,
O my Savior! Thou wilt cheer me;
Thy Word calls me to draw near Thee.

A Family sings stanza 4
Von Gott Kommt...

~~~

Herr Gott Vater, mein starker Held,
Du hast mich ewig vor der Welt
In deinem Sohn geliebet.
Dein Sohn hat mich ihm selbst vertraut,
Er ist mein Schatz, ich seine Braut,
Drum mich auch nichts betrübet.
Eia, eia,
Himmlisch Leben wird er geben
Mir dort oben!
Ewig soll mein Herz ihn loben.

Thou, mighty Father, in Thy Son
Didst love me ere Thou hadst begun
This ancient world’s foundation.
Thy Son hath made a friend of me,
And when in spirit Him I see,
I joy in tribulation!
What bliss is this! He that liveth
To me giveth life forever;
Nothing me from Him can sever.

Setting by Michael Praetorius
Musica Fiata
La Capella Ducale
Roland Wilson, Director

~~~

Zwingt die Saiten in Cythara
Und laßt die süße Musika
Ganz freudenreich erschallen,
Daß ich möge mit Jesulein,
Dem wunderschönen Bräutgam mein,
In steter Liebe wallen!
Singet, springet,
Jubilieret, triumphieret,
Dankt dem Herren;
Groß ist der König der Ehren!

Lift up the voice and strike the string,
Let all glad sounds of music ring
In God’s high praises blended.
Christ will be with me all the way,
Today, tomorrow, every day,
Till traveling days be ended.
Sing out, ring out, triumph glorious,
O victorious, chosen nation;
Praise the God of your salvation.

Setting by Dietrich Buxtehude
Piet Kee, Organist
Schnitger organ of St. Laurenskerk (Alkmaar)

~~~

Wie bin ich doch so herzlich froh,
Daß mein Schatz ist das A und O.
Der Anfang und das Ende.
Er wird mich doch zu seinem Preis
Aufnehmen in das Paradeis;
Des klopf ich in die Hände.
Amen, Amen,
Komm, du schöne Freudenkrone,
Bleib nicht lange,
Deiner wart’ ich mit Verlangen

Oh, joy to know that Thou, my Friend,
Art Lord, Beginning without end,
The First and Last, eternal!
And Thou at length—O glorious grace!—
Wilt take me to that holy place,
The home of joys supernal.
Amen, Amen! Come and meet me!
Quickly greet me! With deep yearning
Lord, I look for Thy returning.

Setting by JS Bach
Wiener Sangerknaben
Chorus Viennensis

~~~~~

Don't forget to check out Lutheran Time Out's broadcast of this hymn. You can listen to it here and check out the text and tune from The Lutheran Hymnal here. Each Thursday Lutheran Time Out posts a Scripture reading, hymn, and a reading from a commentary. New posts go up shortly at around 12:15 pm ET.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas: GO, TELL IT!

2011-01-05T08:00:00.070-06:00

Yesterday's post ended with the ancient hymn "Of the Father's Love Begotten" combined with the South African Freedom Song Thula sizwe. You can hear the full work at the end of yesterday's post, but here is an excerpt of the work.

Sean Ivory and Paul Caldwell: Hope for Resolution
[Of the Father's Love Begotten
with Thula sizwe,
a South African Freedom Song]
Georgetown University Concert Choir

~~~~~

If you've followed this blog for awhile you probably know that I serve an urban congregation in Chicago. One carol that is an absolute must this time of year is "Go, Tell It on the Mountain."

The tune plus text of the refrain comes from the African-American tradition, while the text of the stanzas comes from an African-American educator named John Wesley Work, Jr. Work taught Latin and Greek at Fisk University and eventually chaired the department. He is possibly the first African-American to gather spirituals and publish them.

There is a variation going on with the refrain. Most editions end the refrain with "...that Jesus Christ is born." Some editions end the refrain with, "...that Jesus Christ was born." The latter usage kind of leaves Jesus back in the manger. The former usage brings Jesus to the present, and opens the door to a discussion of how Jesus comes to us today. All that said, my favorite arrangement is the final video below, and they are using the latter with an alternate text and counter-melody for the stanzas. The video appears to be at the close of a Christmas Vespers service.

~~~~~

The Blind Boys of Alabama

~~~

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light.

Kurt Franklin: Go Tell It on the Mountain
The Second Bethlehem B.C. Mass Choir
Krystal Johnson, Lead Vocalist

~~~

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.

The shepherds feared and trembled,
When lo! above the earth,
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed the Savior’s birth.

This a wonderful arrangement
Both the composer and the group are unknown

~~~

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.

Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessèd Christmas morn.

~~~

The Ambassadors of Harmony Double Quartet
First Baptist Church, St. Charles, Missouri

~~~

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.

"Go Tell it on the Mountain" with "Mary Had a Little Baby"
Arrangement by Bruce Thompson
The Choir of Jane M. Smith Memorial Church

~~~~~

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas: This is He whom Seers in Old Time

2011-01-04T08:00:00.194-06:00

A few years back I attended Music of the Baroque's "Holiday" concert. It featured music from the Renaissance and earlier. These early Christian texts were far more focused on the incarnation, "the Word Became flesh," than they were on the story of a baby in a manger.

Corde natus ex parentis, or "Of the Father's Love Begotten" was written in the 5th century by Aurelius Prudentius. Rather than focusing on the historical account, Prudentius gives us details on the means and purpose and background of the Messiah's coming.

Since there are more verses than are found in most hymnals, the English and Latin texts are taken from the original Cyber Hymnal, now found at www.hymntime.com. The English text has the addition of "evermore and evermore" at the end of each stanza, so the Latin phrase, "saeculorum saeculis" has been added below.

If you listen to just one of these settings, take the last one, which combines the ancient chant with a modern South African freedom song.

~~~~~

Fred Gramann: Change Ring Prelude on Divinum Mysterium
Back Bay Ringers

~~~

Corde natus ex parentis
Ante mundi exordium
A et O cognominatus,
Ipse fons et clausula
Omnium quae sunt, fuerunt,
Quaeque post futura sunt,
Saeculorum saeculis.

Of the Father’s love begotten,
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore!

Paul Wohlgemuth: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Baylor University Combined Choirs

~~~

Ipse iussit et creata,
Dixit ipse et facta sunt,
Terra, caelum, fossa ponti,
Trina rerum machina,
Quaeque in his vigent sub alto
Solis et lunae globo,
Saeculorum saeculis.

At His Word the worlds were framèd;
He commanded; it was done:
Heaven and earth and depths of ocean
in their threefold order one;
All that grows beneath the shining
Of the moon and burning sun,
Evermore and evermore!

Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Musaic

~~~

Corporis formam caduci,
Membra morti obnoxia
Induit, ne gens periret
Primoplasti ex germine,
Merserat quem lex profundo
Noxialis tartaro,
Saeculorum saeculis.

He is found in human fashion,
Death and sorrow here to know,
That the race of Adam’s children
Doomed by law to endless woe,
May not henceforth die and perish
In the dreadful gulf below
Evermore and evermore!

"BrotherAlphonsusMary" sings without accompaniment

~~~

O beatus ortus ille,
Virgo cum puerpera
Edidit nostram salutem,
Feta Sancto Spiritu,
Et puer redemptor orbis
Os sacratum protulit,
Saeculorum saeculis.

O that birth forever blessèd,
When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bare the Savior of our race;
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face,
Evermore and evermore!

Wilbur Held: Divinum Mysterium
"Heavyvoxes"

~~~

Psallat altitudo caeli,
Psallite omnes angeli,
Quidquid est virtutis usquam
Psallat in laudem Dei,
Nulla linguarum silescat,
Vox et omnis consonet,
Saeculorum saeculis.

This is He whom seers in old time
Chanted of with one accord;
Whom the voices of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word;
Now He shines, the long expected,
Let creation praise its Lord,
Evermore and evermore!

Justin Merritt: Corde Natus ex Parentis
Arizona State Symphonic Choir

~~~

Ecce, quem vates vetustis
Concinebant saeculis,
Quem prophetarum fideles
Paginae spoponderant,
Emicat promissus olim;
Cuncta conlaudent eum,
Saeculorum saeculis.

O ye heights of heaven adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him,
And extol our God and King!
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert sing,
Evermore and evermore!

Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
The Sons of Orpheus

~~~

Macte iudex mortuorum,
Macte rex viventium,
Dexter in Parentis arce
Qui cluis virtutibus,
Omnium venturus inde
Iustus ultor criminum,
Saeculorum saeculis.

Righteous judge of souls departed,
Righteous King of them that live,
On the Father’s throne exalted
None in might with Thee may strive;
Who at last in vengeance coming
Sinners from Thy face shalt drive,
Evermore and evermore!

Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Santa Barbara High School Madrigals

~~~

Te senes et te iuventus,
Parvulorum te chorus,
Turba matrum, virginumque,
Simplices puellulae,
Voce concordes pudicis
Perstrepant concentibus,
Saeculorum saeculis.

Thee let old men, thee let young men,
Thee let boys in chorus sing;
Matrons, virgins, little maidens,
With glad voices answering:
Let their guileless songs re-echo,
And the heart its music bring,
Evermore and evermore!

Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Cool Springs Symphony

~~~

Tibi, Christe, sit cum Patre
Hagioque Pneumate
Hymnus, decus, laus perennis,
Gratiarum actio,
Honor, virtus, victoria,
Regnum aeternaliter,
Saeculorum saeculis.

Christ, to Thee with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving,
And unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory,
Evermore and evermore!

Sean Ivory and Paul Caldwell: Hope for Resolution
[Of the Father's Love Begotten
with Thula sizwe,
a South African Freedom Song]
Lutheran Youth Choir of North America

~~~~~

On the Tenth Day of Christmas: We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth

2011-01-03T08:00:00.012-06:00

The Hymn of the Day for Christmas Day is LSB 382, "We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth." Not your typical Christmas carol, the text comes from Martin Luther and the tune from a publication in Erfurt in 1524.

Many carols come from the folk tradition. They often confuse the star with the shepherds or the angels with the wise men. They place the birth of Jesus in snow-covered Bethlehem. BTW, the 5-day forecast for Bethlehem shows highs in the mid 60's and lows in the mid 40's. It is possible for Bethlehem to get snow (rare-but possible) but Scripture does not tell us this.

Once in awhile, a carol comes along that is chock full of theology. Luther does not disappoint on this front! Below is the translation that is in public domain. Check out Lutheran Service Book #382 for an alternate translation.

The recordings that include the lyrics are in German. It should be noted that the final phrase in the German isn't "Hallelujah" but Kyrieleis. Short for the Greek phrase, Kyrie eleison, the meaning is "Lord, have mercy." This changes the tone of the hymn. The proper translation is placed in brackets after each verse.

Georg Böhm: Choral Partita, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Simone Stella, organist

~~~

O Jesu Christ, all praise to Thee,
Who art pleased a Man to be;
The virgin’s womb Thou dost not scorn,
And angels shout to see Thee born.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]

Dietrich Buxtehude: BuxWV 188, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Christoph Claus, organist

~~~

The eternal Father’s only Son
Takes a manger for His throne;
The everlasting fount of good,
Assumes our mortal flesh and blood.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]

Michael Praetorius: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Performers are not known

~~~

The first of all in earth or skies
Now in Mary’s bosom lies;
To be a little child He deigns,
Who all things by Himself sustains.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]

Various Composers: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Giovanni Vianini, organist

~~~

The eternal Light to us descends,
And to earth its brightness lends;
Purely it shines upon our night,
To make us children of the light.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]

JS Bach: BWV 91, Nr. 6, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Recital das Classes de Canto Coral 2009/II
do curso de Música da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

~~~

The only Son, true God confessed,
Comes to His own world a guest;
And through this vale of tears our Guide,
Doth in His Heaven our home provide.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]

Melchior Schärer (circa 1600): Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Der Singkreis Zell am See
Rainer Straub conducting

~~~

In poorest guise to us He came,
Taking all our sin and shame,
That, as His heirs in Heaven above,
We may with angels share His love.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]

JS Bach: BWV 248(?) Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Der Bachchor Siegen mit Bachorchester Siegen
Ulrich Stötzel

~~~

His love to show, surpassing thought!
He this wondrous work hath wrought;
Then let us all unite to raise
Our song of glad unceasing praise.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]

JS Bach: BWV 604, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Tien-Ming PAN, Organist

~~~~~

On the Ninth Day of Christmas: Be Near Me, Lord Jesus

2011-01-02T08:00:00.002-06:00

Philharmonia Orchestra, UK

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lays down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky look down where he lay;
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

St. John's College Choir

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes;
I love Thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And say by my side until morning is nigh.

King's College Choir

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

Anthony Deaton, guitar

On the Eighth Day of Christmas: How Sweet the Name!

2011-01-01T08:00:00.036-06:00

The Eighth Day of a boy's life in ancient Jewish life was marked by his circumcision and naming. The Church celebrates this event in Jesus life on January 1 (eight days after she celebrates His birth).

"How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" was written by John Newton. You might know him as the man who wrote Amazing Grace. Lutheran Service Book and its predecessor hymnals pair this text with the tune "Saint Peter." A quick youtube search reveals other tunes have been paired to this text throughout the years.

Tune: St. Peter

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.

Tune: St. Peter

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.

Tune: St. Peter

Dear Name, the Rock on which I build,
My Shield and Hiding Place,
My never failing treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace!

Tune: Shape Note Melody

By Thee my prayers acceptance gain,
Although with sin defiled;
Satan accuses me in vain,
And I am owned a child.

Tune: Edelweiss
[Yes, that "Edelweiss"]

Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
O Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.

Tune: St. Peter

Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.

Tune: Shape Note Melody

Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath,
And may the music of Thy Name
Refresh my soul in death!

Tune: St. Peter

On the Seventh Day of Christmas: Unto Us a Child Is Born

2010-12-31T08:00:00.024-06:00

Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah,
Dass er im Geist den Herren sitzen sah
Auf einem hohen Thron, in hellem Glanz,
Seines Kleides Saum den Chor füllet ganz.
Es stunden zween Seraph bei ihm daran,
Sechs Fluegel sah er eineu jeden han;
Mit zween verbargen sie ihr Antlitz klar,
Mit zween bedeckten sie die Füsse gar,
Und mit den andern zween sie flogen frei;
Gen ander ruften sie mit grossem G’schrei:
“Heilig ist Gott, der Herre Zebaoth!
Heilig ist Gott, der Herre Zebaoth!
Heilig ist Gott, der Herre Zebaoth!
Sein’ Ehr’ die ganze Welt erfüllet hat!”
Von dem G’schrei zittert Schwell’ und Balken gar,
Das Haus auch ganz voll Rauch und Nebel war.

~~~

Isaiah, mighty seer, in days of old
The Lord of all in spirit did behold
High on a lofty throne, in splendor bright,
With flowing train that filled the temple quite.
Above the throne were stately seraphim;
Six wings had they, these messengers of Him.
With twain they veiled their faces, as was meet,
With twain in reverent awe they hid their feet,
And with the other twain aloft they soared,
One to the other called and praised the Lord:
"Holy is God, the Lord of Sabaoth!
Holy is God, the Lord of Sabaoth!
Holy is God, the Lord of Sabaoth!
Behold, His glory filleth all the earth!"
The beams and lintels trembled at the cry,
And clouds of smoke enwrapped the throne on high.

~~~~~

Praetorius: Mass for Christmas Morning
Jesaia Dem Propheten with Puer Nobis nascitur

~~~~~

Puer nobis nascitur
Rector angelorum;
In hoc mundo pascitur
Dominus dominorum.

In præsepe ponitur
Sub fœno asinorum.
Cognoverunt dominum
Christum regem cœlorum.

Hinc Herodes timuit -
Magno cum dolore,
Et pueros occidit,
Infantes cum livore.

Qui natus est ex Marie -
Die hodierna
Ducat nos cum gratia
Ad gaudia superna.

O et A et A et O
Cum cantibus in choro,
Cum canticis et organo,
Benedicamus domino.

~~~

Unto us a Child is born,
Christians, hear the story;
In this world our flesh is worn,
By Christ, the Lord of glory.

In a manger He is laid,
Where the kine are sleeping;
Angels recognize their Lord,
And o'er Him watch are keeping,

Haughty Herod trembles now,
Great his fear and sorrow;
Bethl'em's Infants he will slay
Before the dawn to-morrow.

Jesu, born of Virgin Maid,
In Thy visitation
Shew Thy mercy, Lord, on us,
And grand us Thy salvation.

Alpha and Omega, Thine
Be this day our chorus;
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
Now let Thy grace be o'er us.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas: The Children Sing

2010-12-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a children's Christmas service from Grace Lutheran Church in Dyer, Indiana. The pastor of this congregation is Christopher Gillespie. Check out his blog, Outer Rim Territories.

Part I

~~~

Part II

On the Fifth Day of Christmas: Commemoration of David

2010-12-29T08:00:00.010-06:00

With the release of Lutheran Service Book came new commemorations. Patterned after the Eastern Orthodox, although not celebrated on the same day, Lutherans now commemorate persons from the Old Testament. The Commemoration of David falls on December 29th on the new calendar.

David's Lamentation is an early American composition by William Billings (1746-1800). Billings was self-taught, and some of his music sounds to me like it was written on horseback! That said, Billings had his own style, and I can appreciate that.

The work is about David's reaction to the death of his son Absolem. A PDF file of this song may be found here.

~~~~~

William Billings: David's Lamentation
Camerata ad Libitum Workshop Choir

David the king was grieved and wounded,
he went to his chamber, his chamber and wept.
And as he went, he wept and said,

O my son!
O my son!
Would to God I had died,
Would to God I had died,
Would to God I had died for thee,
O Absolem, my son, my son!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas: The Holy Innocents

2010-12-28T08:00:00.026-06:00

Not all of our carols are joyful or heart-warming. A number of commemorations fall during Christmastide, and those are not all warm and fuzzy. Stephen was the first martyr. The Holy innocents were the children Herod killed after the visit of the Magi.

Where Good King Wenceslas mentions the Feast of Stephen, The Coventry Carol is all about the Holy Innocents. Where "Away in a Manger" is heart-warming, the Coventry Carol is mournful. Where "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is exuberant, the Coventry Carol is disconsolate. It is a lullaby that tries to comfort the boy Jesus during a tumultuous time.

One might call it Mary's Lamentation. The third video below states, "The Coventry Carol depicts Mary's lament over the impending doom of her infant son, Jesus, in the wake of King Herod's order that all infant boys in Bethlehem be put to death."

Most of the settings below use the same tune. Guitar, lute and other stringed instruments seem to be fitting for this carol. The second-last setting is a unique composition for choir. Listen for the soprano solo near towards the end of the setting.

~~~~~

~~~~~

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day
This poor Youngling for whom we sing
By, by, lully, lullay?

Herod the king, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight,
All young children to slay.

That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!
And ever morn and day
For Thy parting neither say nor sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.

Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
By, by, lully, lullay.

~~~~~

On the Third Day of Christmas: St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

2010-12-27T08:00:00.131-06:00

St. John is the author of the Gospel account bearing his name, plus 1st, 2nd and 3rd John and the Revelation.

He never mentions himself by name in his Gospel. He is always the "beloved" or "the one whom Jesus loved."

Lots of great music comes from John's writings.

Probably the most well-known is JS Bach's Passion According to St. John.

Bach used the text from Scripture as well as hymn verses to convey the message of Jesus' crucifixion. The final hymn verse is Ach Herr, lass' dein lieb' Engelein, or "Lord, Let at Last Thine Angels Come." You can find the texts for both the German and the English here. The first setting of this text is in German and taken directly from Bach's Passion. The second setting is Hans Leo Hasler's setting for double chorus in English. You can check out the conductor's blog by clicking "Composing My Thoughts" over on the sidebar. As a bonus, the spiritual, "I Can Tell the World" follows the video. The students are from Winnebego Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

JS Bach: Ach Herr, lass' dein lieb' Engelein

~~~

"Lord, Let at Last Thine Angels Come" with "I Can Tell the World"

~~~~~

From John's Epistles comes the praise chorus, "Behold What Manner Of Love." The text is from 1 John 3:1 and is quoted pretty much word-for-word. This simple song is taught to children and adults alike. Here's a piano arrangement followed by a setting for two guitars and solo voice.

"Behold What Manner of Love" for piano

~~~

"Behold What Manner of Love" for guitars and solo voice

~~~~~

The Book of Revelation lends itself to hymn writing. Popularly known as "This is the Feast," the song "Festival Canticle: Worthy is Christ" is sometimes sung in the place of "Glory to God in the Highest" during the Divine Service. Here's the original setting featuring a male chorus.

"Festival Canticle: Worthy is Christ"

This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia!

Worthy is Christ the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.

This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia!

Power, riches, wisdom and strength,
and honor and blessing and glory are His.

This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia!

Sing with all the people of God
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever, Amen.

This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia!

For the Lamb who was slain
has begun his reign. Alleluia!

This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

~~~~~

Similar themes run through the final sections of Handel's Messiah. Here is a dramatized version of "Worthy Is the Lamb" and the Great "Amen." They use hand motions inspired by American Sign Language. German subtitles are included!

GF Handel: Worthy is the Lamb and Amen

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,
and hath redeemed us to God by His blood,
to receive power,
and riches,
and wisdom,
and strength,
and honour,
and glory,
and blessing.

Blessing,
and honour,
glory
and power
be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb,
for ever and ever.

Amen

Revelation 5:12-13

~~~~~

Perhaps the most famous of all of John's writings is from his Gospel account, John 3:16. To read this passage in multiple languages click here. To listen to the text sung in various musical settings, click here.

Too busy for that? Here's John Stainer's classic setting of John 3:16 (and 17).

John Stainer: God So Loved the World

God so loved the world,
God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son
that whoso believeth, believeth in Him
should not perish,
should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God sent not His Son
into the world to condemn the world,
God sent not His Son
into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world might be saved.

God so loved the world,
God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son
that whoso believeth, believeth in Him
should not perish,
should not perish but have everlasting life,
everlasting life,
everlasting, everlasting life.

God so loved the world,
God so loved the world,
God so loved the world.

On the Second Day of Christmas: The Feast of St. Stephen

2010-12-26T08:00:00.021-06:00

St. Stephen was the first martyr. He was killed for his faith. Today's festival provides a unique contrast to the manger scene (which is romanticized in our hymnody and liturgical decoration). For more on the placement of the Feast of St. Stephen, you can check out last year's post.

St. Stephen finds himself in the first line of the Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas."

This carol is rooted in folklore and tells the legend of a Christian king and his page helping a homeless person and the miracle of how the page was kept warm on their walk. The final stanza offers a moral lesson that can be learned from the story. As the hymn is rooted in folk legend and has no mention of Jesus, it is not found in many hymnals. The carol lends itself more to moral teaching than a proclamation of the Gospel.

Still, this is an outstanding arrangement of this carol! The text provides a dialog between the king and the page which otherwise can go unnoticed if all verses are sung by a choir or congregation. This setting singles those lines out as solo parts.

"Good King Wenceslas"

Choir:
Good King Wenceslas looked out
on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night,
though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
gathering winter fuel.

King:
"Hither, page, and stand by me,
if thou knowst it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"

Page:
"Sire, he lives a good league hence,
underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence,
by Saint Agnes’ fountain."

King:
"Bring me flesh and bring me wine,
bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine,
when we bear them thither."

Choir:
Page and monarch forth they went,
forth they went together,
Through the cold wind’s wild lament
and the bitter weather.

Page:
"Sire, the night is darker now,
and the wind blows stronger,
Fails my heart, I know not how;
I can go no longer."

King:
"Mark my footsteps good, my page,
tread now in them boldly,
Thou will find the winter’s rage
freeze your blood less coldly."

Choir:
In his master’s steps he trod,
where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
wealth or rank possessing,
You who now will bless the poor
shall yourselves find blessing.

Nine Lessons and Carols, Part XI: Collect and Blessing

2010-12-25T20:00:00.005-06:00

The service concludes with the Collect of the Day (a prayer specifically for the occasion), a Blessing and a closing carol.

Pastor: The Lord be with you.
All: And with thy spirit.

Pastor: Let us pray.
O God, who makest us glad
with the yearly remembrance
of the birth of Thy only Son,
Jesus Christ:
Grant that
as we joyfully receive Him for our Redeemer,
so we may with sure confidence behold Him,
when He shall come to be our judge;
who liveth and reigneth with Thee
and the Holy Spirit,
one God,
world without end.

All: Amen.

Pastor: Christ, Who by His incarnation
gathered into one things
earthly and heavenly,
grant you the fullness
of inward peace and goodwill,
and make you partakers of the divine nature;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you always.

All: Amen.

~~~~~

David Willcocks, "O Come, All Ye Faithful"

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels.

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

God of God,
Light of Light,
Lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God,
Begotten, not created.

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
‘Glory to God
In the highest.’

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesu, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing.

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Nine Lessons and Carols, Part X: The Ninth Reading

2010-12-25T17:00:00.004-06:00

[The congregation stands for the ninth reading]

St John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

JOHN 1:1-14(ESV):

1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through him,
and without him was not any thing made
that was made.

4 In him was life,
and the life was the light of men.

5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God,
whose name was John.

7 He came as a witness,
to bear witness about the light,
that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the light,
but came to bear witness about the light.

9 The true light,
which enlightens everyone,
was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world,
and the world was made through him,
yet the world did not know him.

11 He came to his own,
and his own people
did not receive him.

12 But to all who did receive him,
who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God,

13 who were born,
not of blood nor of the will of the flesh
nor of the will of man,
but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we have seen his glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

~~~~~

Egil Hovland, "The Glory of the Father"

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
We beheld the glory of the Father,
We beheld the glory of the Father
Full of grace and truth.

In the beginning was the Word.
The Word was with God,
The Word was with God.
In Him was life,
and the life was the Light of men.
He came to his own
And His own,
And His own received Him not.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
We beheld the glory of the Father,
We beheld the glory of the Father
Full of grace and truth.

~~~~~

Gustav Holst, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth He stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the Light of light descendeth
From the realms of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.

At His feet the six wingèd seraph,
Cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the presence,
As with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Lord Most High!

Nine Lessons and Carols, Part IX: The Eighth Reading

2010-12-25T14:00:00.055-06:00

The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.

MATTHEW 2:1-12 (ESV):

1 Now after Jesus was born
in Bethlehem of Judea
in the days of Herod the king, behold,
wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,

2 saying, “Where is he
who has been born king of the Jews?
For we saw his star when it rose
and have come to worship him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this,
he was troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him;

4 and assembling
all the chief priests and scribes of the people,
he inquired of them
where the Christ was to be born.

5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly
and ascertained from them
what time the star had appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying,
“Go and search diligently for the child,
and when you have found him,
bring me word,
that I too may come and worship him.”

9 After listening to the king,
they went on their way.
And behold,
the star that they had seen when it rose
went before them
until it came to rest
over the place where the child was.

10 When they saw the star,
they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

11 And going into the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother,
and they fell down and worshiped him.
Then, opening their treasures,
they offered him gifts,
gold and frankincense and myrrh.

12 And being warned in a dream
not to return to Herod,
they departed to their own country
by another way.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

~~~~~

Ulfert Smidt, Organ Choral, Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern

~~~~~

JS Bach, BWV 1, Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Voll Gnad und Wahrheit von dem Herrn,
Die süße Wurzel Jesse!
Du Sohn Davids aus Jakobs Stamm,
Mein König und mein Bräutigam,
Hast mir mein Herz besessen,
Lieblich,
Freundlich,
Schön und herrlich,
groß und ehrlich,
reich von Gaben,
Hoch und sehr prächtig erhaben.

How glorious shines the morning star
With truth and blessing from the Lord,
The darling root of Jesse!
You, David's Son of Jacob's stem,
My King and my Bridegroom
who has taken possession of my heart, are
Lovely,
Kindly,
Beautiful and magnificent,
great and righteous,
rich in blessings,
Exalted and supurbly noble.

~~~~~

"The Three Kings"

[The baritone solo sings one melody with the text, "The Three Kings" while the choir accompanies him with the carol, "How Brightly Shines the Morning Star." The choir parts are in italics.]

Three Kings from Persian lands afar
To Jordan follow the pointing star:
And this the quest of the travelers three,
Where the new-born King of the Jews may be.
Full royal gifts they bear for the King;
Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.

How brightly shines the morning star!
With grace and truth from heaven afar
Our Jesse tree now bloweth.

The star shines out with a steadfast ray;
The kings to Bethlehem make their way,
And there in worship they bend the knee,
As Mary’s child in her lap they see;
Their royal gifts they show to the King;
Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.

Of Jacob’s stem and David’s line,
For thee, my Bridegroom, King divine,
My soul with love o’erfloweth.

Thou child of man, lo, to Bethlehem
The Kings are traveling, travel with them!
The star of mercy, the star of grace,
Shall lead thy heart to its resting place.
Gold, incense, myrrh thou canst not bring;
Offer thy heart to the infant King.

Thy word, Jesu, Inly feeds us,
Rightly leads us, Life bestowing.
Praise, O praise such love o’erflowing.