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Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 (excerpts)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Original Text

English Translation

Original Text

Part I, No. 1: Chorus

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!

Part II, No. 2: Chorale

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!

Part IV, No. 4: Soprano Aria
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!)

Part V, No. 1: Chorus
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.

Part VI, No. 11: Chorale
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.

English Translation

 

Celebrate, rejoice! Rise up, praise these days,
glorify what the Highest has done today!
Abandon fear, banish lament,
sound forth full of celebration and gladness!
Serve the Highest with glorious choruses,
let us honor the name of the Supreme Ruler!

 

Break forth, o lovely morning light,
and light up the dawn sky!
You shepherd-folk, don’t be afraid,
for the angels tell you
that this weak little boy
shall be our comfort and joy,
shall compel Satan as well
and in the end bring peace!


My Savior, does your name provoke
even the very smallest bit
of that awful terror?
No, you yourself say “No.” (No!)
Should I be afraid to die?
No, your sweet word is here!
Or, should I be happy?
Yes, O Savior, you yourself say “Yes.” (Yes!)


Glory to you, God, be sung now,
Praise and thanks be prepared for you,
All the world exalts you,
For our good is your desire,
For today
Is our every wish accomplished,
For us your favor brings such splendid joy.


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


An excerpt from Part IV was performed by the SFBC in J. S. Bach Cantatas on October 13, 2002. Excerpts from Parts V and VI were performed in J. S. Bach: Choral Treasures from the Cantatas on May 19, 2001, and movements from Parts I and II were included in J. S. Bach: Magnificat and Ebullient Cantata Choruses, March 15, 2003.


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