Weihnachts-Oratorium Programme Notes 8

7. Recitative and Chorale - Soprano and Bass

The words of this chorale were written by Martin Luther himself in 1524. The chorale melody is taken from the hymn 'Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ' – 'Praised be Thou, Jesus Christ'. In this unique hybrid structure of recitative combined with chorale, Bach gives to the soprano four chorale phrases, each being preceded and succeeded by an instrumental ritornello (which frame the entire movement), whilst the chorale statements are extended by the bass’s additional explanatory comment. Two oboes d’amore accompany the words.

Er ist auf Erden kommen arm,		He came poor upon the earth,
	Wer will die Liebe recht erhöhn, die unser Heiland für uns hegt?		Who can increase the love which the Saviour cherishes for us?
daß er unser sich erbarm.		To take pity on us.
	Ja, wer vermag es einzusehen, wie ihn der Menschen Leid bewegt?		Yes, who can understand how the suffering of man moves him?
und in dem Himmel mache reich.		Make us rich in heaven.
	Des Höchsten Sohn kömmt in die Welt, weil ihm ihr Heil so wohl gefällt,		The son of the Highest came into the world, because its salvation was so pleasing to him,
und seinen lieben Engeln gleich,		And the equal of his dear angels,
	so will er selbst als Mensch geboren werden.		So he wishes to be born as man Himself.
Kyrieleis!		Lord have mercy!

8. Aria – Bass

This aria with obbligato trumpet is taken directly from Cantata 214 where it appears with different words under the title 'Kron und Preis gekrönter Damen' ('Crown and praise the crowned maidens') and hailed the 'great woman Maria.' Syncopation is used heavily as a rhythmic device to propel this aria forwards with momentum and energy.

Großer Herr, o starker König, liebster Heiland
o wie wenig achtest du der Erden Pracht!
Der die ganze Welt erhält, ihre Pracht und Zier erschaffen, muß in harten Krippen schlafen. (D.C.)

Great Lord, O powerful King, dearest Saviour
How little you care for the splendour of the earth!
He who sustains the whole world, created its splendour and ornament, must sleep in a hard crib. (D.C.)

9. Chorale Text: Martin Luther, 1535

The first part concludes with the first appearance of the popular chorale melody 'von Himmel Hoch da komm ich her' -' From Heaven above I hither come'. This is a bright end to the first part and reminds us of the opening chorus as fanfare-type passages with trumpets and timpani interpolate each line.

Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein,
mach dir ein rein sanft Bettelein,
zu ruhn in meines Herzens Schrein,
daß ich nimmer vergesse dein!

Oh my dearest baby Jesus,
Make a pure soft bed,
To rest in the shrine of my heart,
That I may never forget you.