XV (BWV Anh. 13) Willkommen! Ihr herrschenden Götter der
Erden!
In Honor of the Visit of Augustus III and Maria Josepha and Marriage of Princess Maria Amalia and Karl IV of Sicily. Johann Christoph Gottsched, PT (Leipzig, 1738); Facs: Neumann T, p. 418. 28 April 1738, Leipzig. BG 34, Vorwort; NBA I/37, Krit. Bericht. 1. Aria Be welcome, ye sovereign immortals terrestrial!We townsmen of Helicon bring you thanks too. To pay you honor, Your pleasure to increase We’ll make many praises echo: For to offer heroes service Is the Muses’ ancient work. Da Capo. 2. Recit. O mightiest August! Thou Lord of Saxons and Sarmatians! Within thy highly-favored nations Reign peace and affluence and joy. The sovereign Father of the world Hath deigned a share of his own might Into thy hand to place. He gave thee more than folk and land; No, both with prudence here to govern And on the path to guide of true good fortune, He lent to thee both wisdom and good sense. These dost thou use to help thy people: Thus they’re seen to come With honest gratitude As oft as possible before thee. 3. Aria Princes are the earth’s great pleasure; When they’re shepherds of their sheepfolds And the townsmen’s patron fathers, Gold and wealth, Sweat and blood Subjects offer then in turn As their gift of loyal favor To the land’s true governors. Da Capo. 4. Recit. This image glows in thee,
7. Arioso Come forth, then, Princess!Have no doubts! The springtime hastes itself to meet thee, And Flora paints for thy sake only The world’s re-youthened countenance. 8. Recit. The warming southern wind Brings thee from romance lands vast greetings. The little cupids’ feet are darting More quickly than their wonted pace, Surrounding mirthfully thy carriage And wishing thee on wings aloft to carry. And thee shall now the mighty Queen, Who thee as mother loves, henceforth a model offer: Just as the world through her exalted mind, Her courage, fear of God, and virtue Hath long been filled with wonder, So shalt thou too, both in thy youthful vigor And later years, through these same royal virtues, Have loyal subjects’ hearts and Europe’s admiration. 9. Aria Come, most precious grandchild of mightiest Emp'rors!(4)
1. Pronounce "laurel" here with one syllable. 2. The Two Sicilies. 3. The rue is the symbol of Augustus' house. 4. Maria Josepha, Amalia's mother, was the
daughter of the Hapsburg
Emperor Joseph I. © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |