Obscure Carols: Gabriel's Message

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

"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

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

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

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

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

2. Recitativo (T, B)

[Evangelist]

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

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

~

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

[Herod]
Go ye forth and search with diligence for the baby,
and when ye find him,
bring me 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

~

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!

~~~~~

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
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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

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
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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

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
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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

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
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English Translation © Z. Philip Ambrose, translator,

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

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for posting the complete work.

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

1. Sinfonia

~~~~~

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

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.

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.