Cantata BWV 121 - English Translation [interlinear format]

Event: Chorale Cantata for the 2^nd Day of Christmas [Christmas Monday, St. Stefanus Day] Readings: Epistle: Titus. 3: 4-7 / Acts 6: 8-15 & 7: 55-60; Gospel: Matthew 23: 35-39 / Luke 2: 15-20 Text: Martin Luther (Mvts. 1, 6); Anon (Mvts. 2-5) Chorale Text: Christum wir sollen loben schon
1	Chorus [S, A, T, B]
	Cornetto e Oboe d'amore e Violino I col Soprano, Trombone I e Violino II coll'Alto, Trombone II e Viola col Tenore, Trombone III col Basso, Continuo
	Christum wir sollen loben schon, We should now praise Christ, *Der reinen Magd Marien Sohn,* son of the pure maiden Mary, *So weit die liebe Sonne leucht* as far as the dear sun shines Und an aller Welt Ende reicht. and reaches to the end of the world.

2	Aria [Tenor]
	Oboe d'amore, Continuo
	O du von Gott erhöhte Kreatur, O you creature who are exalted by God, *Begreife nicht, nein, nein, bewundre nur:* don't try to understand, no, no, just be content to wonder: *Gott will durch Fleisch des Fleisches Heil erwerben.* God wants through flesh to accomplish the salvation of the flesh. Wie groß ist doch der Schöpfer aller Dinge, How great is the creator of everything, *Und wie bist du verachtet und geringe,* and how slight and contemptible you are, *Um dich dadurch zu retten vom Verderben.* when it comes to saving yourself from ruin.

3	Recitative [Alto]
	Continuo
	Der Gnade unermeßlich's Wesen The being whose grace is immeasurable Hat sich den Himmel nicht has not chosen the heavens Zur Wohnstatt auserlesen, for his dwelling place Weil keine Grenze sie umschließt. since no bounds can encompass his grace. Was Wunder, daß allhie Verstand und Witz gebricht, What wonder that here reason and wit fail Ein solch Geheimnis zu ergründen, to fathom such a mystery, *Wenn sie sich in ein keusches Herze gießt.* when grace is poured into a chaste heart. Gott wählet sich den reinen Leib zu einem Tempel seiner Ehren, God chooses a pure body to be a temple of his honour, *Um zu den Menschen sich mit wundervoller Art zu kehren.* in order that in a marvellous way he might come among mankind.

4	Aria [Bass]
	Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
	Johannis freudenvolles Springen John's joyful leap Erkannte dich, mein Jesu, schon. already recognised you, my Jesus. Nun da ein Glaubensarm dich hält, Since now the arm of one who believes holds you, *So will mein Herze von der Welt* my heart wants to flee from this world Zu deiner Krippe brünstig dringen. and press ardently to your crib.

5	Recitative [Soprano]
	Continuo
	Doch wie erblickt es dich in deiner Krippe? But how does my heart gaze on you in your crib? *Es seufzt mein Herz: mit bebender und fast geschloßner Lippe* My heart sighs : with lips trembling and almost closed Bringt es sein dankend Opfer dar. it brings its grateful offering before you. Gott, der so unermeßlich war, God, who was so immeasurably great Nimmt Knechtsgestalt und Armut an. takes on the form of a servant and poverty. Und weil er dieses uns zugutgetan, And since he has done this for our benefit, *So laß ich mit der Engel Chören* let me with the choirs of angels Ein jauchzend Lob- und Danklied hören! raise a joyful song of praise and thanks!

6	Chorale [S, A, T, B]
	Cornetto e Oboe d'amore e Violino I col Soprano, Trombone I e Violino II coll'Alto, Trombone II e Viola col Tenore, Trombone III, Continuo
	Lob, Ehr und Dank sei dir gesagt, Let praise, honour and thanks be said to you, *Christ, geborn von der reinen Magd,* Christ, born from the pure maiden, *Samt Vater und dem Heilgen Geist* and also to the Father and to the Holy Spirit Von nun an bis in Ewigkeit. from now until eternity.
--
English Translation by Francis Browne (April 2003) Contributed by Francis Browne (April 2003)

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Last update: �December 2, 2006 �23:01:46