|
Note on the text |
|
This cantata for Whit Sunday dates from the 1740s but is based on a wedding cantata with the same title (BWV 34a) written in 1726, probably for the marriage of a Leipzig clergyman. The text of this earlier cantata survives, but very little of the music.
Bach was probably inspired to make the adaption by the reference to ' himmlische Flammen' (heavenly flames) in the opening chorus of the wedding cantata : the Epistle for Whit Sunday (Acts 2: 1-13) tells of 'tongues of flame' that appeared to the apostles.
But the text of BWV 34 refers more to the Gospel reading ( John 14: 23-31) , particularly Jesus' words: 'If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him and we shall come to him, and make our abode with him' and 'I leave you peace, my peace I give to you'.
The anonymous librettist wrote two new recitatives and had to make only minor changes to the wedding cantata text to adapt three concerted numbers that were reused. So that comparisons may be easily made, I translate the relevant movements below. |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Chorus [S, A, T, B] |
|
|
|
|
|
O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe,
O eternal fire, o source of love,
Entzünde der Herzen geweihten Altar.
kindle the altar of these consecrated hearts.
Laß himmlische Flammen durchdringen und wallen
Make heavenly flames penetrate and flow through them,
Ach laß doch auf dieses vereinigte Paar
Ah, grant that on this united couple
Die Funken der edelsten Regungen fallen.
sparks of the noblest emotions may fall. |
|
|
|
|
5 |
Aria [Alto] |
|
|
|
|
|
Wohl euch, ihr auserwählten Schafe,
Happy are you, you chosen sheep,
Die ein getreuer Jacob liebt.
that a faithful Jacob loves.
Sein Lohn wird dort am größten werden,
His reward will there be very great ,
Den ihm der Herr bereits auf Erden
the reward which already on earth the Lord gives to him
Durch seiner Rahel Anmut gibt.
through the charm of his Rachel. |
|
|
|
|
4 |
Chorus [S, A, T, B] |
|
|
|
|
|
Friede über Israel!
Peace upon Israel!
Eilt zu denen heilgen Stufen,
Hurry to the holy steps,
Eilt, der Höchste neigt sein Ohr.
Hurry, the Most High inclines his ear.
Unser Wünschen dringt hervor,
Our desire presses forward
Friede über Israel,
to shout peace upon Israel,
Friede über euch zu rufen.
peace upon you. |
|
-- |