BWV 243 Magnificat D-Dur (Es-Dur)

Christmas Day (in E-flat Major), Vespers.

Text: Lk. 1:46-55; Interpolations in the version in E-flat Major: after 2. Martin Luther, verse 1 of the hymn, 1535 (Wackernagel, I, #214); after 5. of unknown origin; after 7. Lk. 2:14; after 9. Paul Eber, last verse of the hymn with the same beginning, 1570.

25 December 1723 (E-flat Major), Leipzig; ca. 1728-1731 (D Major).

BG 11, 1; NBA II/3.

Magnificat in D Major (E-flat Major)

1. Chorus (S1, S2, A, T, B)

My soul doth magnify the Lord.

2. Aria (S2)

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.

3. Aria (S1)

For he had regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth shall call me blessed

4. Chorus (S1, S2, A, T, B)

All generations.

5. Aria (B)

For he that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his name.

6. Aria (A, T)

And [his](1) mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations.

7. Chorus (S1, S2, A, T, B)

He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

8. Aria (T)

He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek.

9. Aria (A)

He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away.

10. Aria (S1, S2, A)

He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel.

11. Chorus (S1, S2, A, T, B)

As he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.

12. Chorus (S1, S2, A, T, B)

Glory be to the Father, glory be to the Son, and glory be to the Holy Ghost! As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Interpolations in the Version in E-flat

After 2: A. Chorus (S1, S2, A, T, B)

From heav'n on high I come to you, I bring to you glad tidings new;
I bring to you good tidings new;
Of that good news I bring so much,
Thereof both sing and tell I will.

After 5: B. Chorus (S1, S2, A, T, B)

Rejoice with triumph glad;
In Bethlehem revealed hath been
The darling little Jesus-child,
That shall to you joy and pleasure bring.

After 7: C. Chorus (S1, S2, A, T, B)

Glory be to God on high! And on earth peace to men of good will!

After 9: D. Aria (S1, B)

Jesse's maid then fruit did bear,
Emanuel our Lord appeared to us;
Himself in mortal flesh he put,
A child most pleasing he became;
Alleluia.

1. Bach omits the eius 'his' of the Vulgate.

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