BWV 180 Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele
Twentieth Sunday after Trinity. Poet unknown. 1. Johann Franck, verse 1 of the hymn, 1646(1) (Fischer-Tümpel, IV, #96); 2. based freely on verse 2; 3. recitative based freely on verse 3; chorale: verse 4; 5-6. based freely on verses 7-8; 7. verse 9 of the hymn. 22 October 1724, Leipzig. BG 35; NBA I/25. 1. Chorus (S, A, T, B) Deck thyself, O soul belovéd, 2. Aria (T) Be lively thou: thy Savior knocks,
But partly broken words of gladness Must to thy Jesus give reply. 3. Recit. and Chorale [Verse 4] (S) How costly are the holy banquet’s off’rings!None other like them can be found. All else the world Doth precious think Is trash and idle nothing; A child of God would seek to have this treasure And say: Ah, how hungry is my spirit, Friend of man, to have thy kindness Ah, how oft I am with weeping For this treasure filled with yearning! Ah, how often am I thirsting For the drink from life’s true sovereign, Hoping ever that my body Be through God with God united. 4. Recit. (A) My heart within feels fear and gladness; It is with fear inspired When it that majesty doth weigh, When it no way into the secret findeth Nor with the mind this lofty work can fathom. God’s Spirit, though, can through his word instruct us How here all spirits shall be nurtured Which have themselves in faith arrayed. Our gladness, though, is ever strengthened When we the Savior’s heart behold And of his love the greatness witness. 5. Aria (S) Life's true sunlight, light of feeling,
And my faith wilt not disparage, Which is weak and fearful yet. 6. Recit. (B) Lord, let in me thy faithful loving,Which out of heaven thee hath driven, Yea, not in vain have been. Enkindle thou my spirit with thy love, That it may only things of heav’nly worth In faith be seeking And of thy love be ever mindful. 7. Chorale [Verse 9] (S,A,T,B) Jesus, bread of life most truly, Help that I may never vainly, Or perhaps e'en to my sorrow, Be invited to thy table. Grant that through this food of spirit I thy love may rightly treasure, That I too, while on earth dwelling, May become a guest in heaven. |