BWV 194 Höchsterwünschtes Freudenfest
Dedication of an Organ; also Trinity. Poet unknown; PT (Leipzig, 1723); Facs: Neumann T, p. 387 (only title page preserved); PT of First Part (Leipzig, 1731); Facs: Neumann T, p. 446. 6. Johann Heermann, verses 6 and 7 of "Treuer Gott, ich muß dir klagen," 1630 (Fischer-Tümpel, I, #347); 12. Paul Gerhardt, verses 9 and 10 of "Wach auf, mein Herz, und singe," 1647 (Fischer-Tümpel, III, #380), to the melody of "Nun lasst uns Gott dem Herren," 1587. 2 November 1723, Störmtal near Leipzig; 4 June 1724, ?16 June 1726 and 20 May 1731, Leipzig (First Part only); Parody: ? BWV 194a. BG 29; NBA I/31. 1. Chorus (S, A, T, B) O most lovely feast of joy,Which the Lord for his great glory In constructed sanctuaries Lets us gladly celebrate. O most lovely feast of joy! 2. Recit. (B) Unending mighty God, ah, turn thyself To us, to thine elected, to thy people, And to the prayers of thy servants! Ah, let us thee Through our most fervent singing Our lips’ oblation offer! We dedicate our sincere hearts to thee, Our altar’s thanks. Thou, whom no house, no temple keeps, For thou no end or limit hast, May thee this house thy favor give, and make thy countenance A faithful throne of grace, a light of joy. 3. Aria (B) What the Highest’s light hath filled Never shall in night be veiled, What the Highest’s holy nature For his dwelling shall have chosen Never shall in night be veiled, What the Highest’s light hath filled. 4. Recit. (S) How could from thee, thou highest countenance, When thine unending brilliant light Into the dark foundations seeth, A house thy favor find? For creeping vanity doth here from every side come in. Where’re thy majesty doth enter, There must the house be pure And of this guest be worthy found. Here human skill is vain, So let thine eye stand ever open(1) And fall with grace upon us; And we will then with holy joy to thee Our bullocks and our sacrifice of singing, Before thy throne be laying And lift to thee our hopes devotedly. 5. Aria (S) Help, God, that we this achieve, 6. Chorale (S, A, T, B) Holy Ghost enthroned in heaven,Equal God eternally With the Father and the Son both, Of the troubled hope and joy! All the faith which I possess Hast thou in me set aflame; Over me with mercy govern, Never let thy mercy falter. Thy support send down upon me, O thou noble bosom guest! And to good work bring fulfillment Which thou undertaken hast. Blow in me the spark alive Till, when once my course is run, I the chosen may resemble And the goal of faith accomplish. 7. Recit. (T) Ye holy ones, rejoice all ye, 8. Aria (T) The Highest's presence here alone
In God is our contentment found! 9. Recit. (B, S) (B) (S) (B) (S) (B) (S) (B) (S) (B) (S) (B) (S) (B) (S) (Both) 10. Aria (S, B) Oh, how good for us it is
God is gracious unto you.(3) Pour out all your hearts to him, Here before God's throne and house! 11. Recit. (B) And so come forth, thou holy congregation,Prepare thyself for holy joy! God dwells not only in each human breast, He buildeth here his house. Come forth and arm thyself with spirit and with gifts, That he in both thy heart and in this house take pleasure! 12. Chorale (S,A,T,B) Say “yes” to my endeavors, And help me best to counsel; To onset, midst and finish, Ah Lord, dispense thy favor! Thy blessing pour upon me, My heart become thy shelter, Thy word become my portion, Till I to heaven journey! © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |