BWV 248IV Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben
(Weihnachts-Oratorium IV)
New Year's Day (Feast of the Circumcision). Poet unknown (Picander?); PT (Leipzig, 1734); Facs: Neumann T, p. 452. 2 (37). Lk. 2:21; 3 and 5 (38 and 40). Johann Rist, the second half of verse 1 of "Jesu, du mein liebstes Leben," 1642 (Fischer-Tümpel, II, #206); 7 (42). Johann Rist, verse 15 of "Hilf, Herr Jesu, laß gelingen," 1642 (Fischer-Tümpel, II, #194). 1 January 1735, Leipzig; Parody: 1, 4, 6 ← BWV 213/1, 5, 7. BG 5, 2; NBA II/6. 1 (36). Chorus (S, A, T, B) Fall and thank him, fall and praise him
Will of earth the Savior and Redeemer made be, God's own Son Stems our foe's great wrath and fury. 2 (37). Recit. (T) Evangelist And when eight days were accomplished that the child be circumcised, his name was then called Jesus, which was so named by the angel, before he was conceived within his mother’s womb. 3 (38). Recit. (B) and Chorale (S) Immanuel, O sweetest word!
Of my soul the bridegroom true, My heart shall nevermore release thee,
To the bitter cross's tree! E’en in my dying shalt thou my Most cherished treasure be; In need, in dread and sore distress I’ll look and yearn for thee. What cruelty at last can death then hound me with? My Jesus! When I die here, I know that I shall never perish. Thy name is written deep within me, It hath the fear of death now banished. 4 (39). Aria (S) Doth, my Savior, doth thy name have E’en the very smallest kernel Of that awful terror now? No, thyself thou sayest “No.” (No!) Ought I now of death be wary? No, the gentle word is here! Rather, ought I greet it gladly? Yes, O Savior, thou say’st “Yes.” (Yes!) 5 (40). Recit. (B) and Chorale (S) O joy, thy name shall now alone
My true treasure, share and hope, When breast and heart for thee with love are burning.
How thee to praise, how thee to thank.
Ah, how shall I worthily, My Lord Jesus, give thee praise? 6 (41). Aria (T) My life is just to give thee honor,
Thy mercy worthily And with gratitude to honor! 7 (42). Chorale (S, A, T, B) Jesus order my beginning, © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |