BWV 214 Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet,
Trompeten!
Drama per Musica Birthday of the Maria Josepha, Princess Elector of Saxony and Queen of Poland (8 December). Poet unknown; PT (Leipzig, 1733); Facs: Neumann T, p. 406. 8 December 1733, Leipzig; Parody: 1, 5, 7, 9 → BWV 248I/1, 248II/6, 248I/8, 248III/1. BG 34; NBA I/36. Irene (T), Bellona (S), Pallas (A), Fama (B)(1) 1. Chorus (S, A, T, B) Sound, all ye drums now! Resound, all ye trumpets!
Long live the Queen, may she flourish and prosper! 2. Recit. (T) Irene This is the day 3. Aria (S) Bellona Blow the well-tuned, well-played flutes now,Leave foe and moon and lilies blushing, Ring triumphantly with song! Let your weapons clearly sound! Such a feast demandeth gladness That will mind and spirit nurture. 4. Recit. (S) Bellona My clanging metal’s sound As in the air the charges burst with thunder, The joyful peal; The spectacle’s enchantment; The joy that Saxons now perceive Doth touch the hearts of many. My flashing piece of arms, Next these my sons in order marching, And their heroic sense of honor Increase each moment more and more The present day’s delightful pleasure. 5. Aria (A) Pallas Faithful Muses! My companions! Sing not long outmoded anthems! May this day bring you delight! Fill with gladness now your breast! Cast aside both quill and tablets And rejoice with thrice the pleasure! 6. Recit. (A) Pallas This our Queen o'er all the nation, 7. Aria (B) Fama Crown and star of crownéd ladies,
Only to heroic women, These to thee are inborn given. 8. Recit. (B) Fama Let press forth now throughout the earthly ball 9. Chorus (S, A, T, B) Bellona, Pallas, Irene, Tutti (Irene) (Bellona) (Pallas) (Tutti) 1. The names of the characters are found only in the PT (and in this order). Irene (trisyllabic) is Greek for "Peace," Bellona is the Roman goddess of War, Pallas is another name for Athena (the Roman Minerva), and Fama is the Roman god of fame or rumor. 3. Pieria is a region of Macedonia considered to be the seat of the Muses. 4. There seems to be a play between pole and Poland. 5. An allusion to the etymology of Leipzig from
Slavic lipa 'linden tree.' © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |