BWV 173a Durchlauchster Leopold
Birthday of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen (10 December). Poet unknown. 10 December 1717-1722?, Cöthen; Parody: 1-5, 8 → BWV 173; 7→ BWV 175/4. BG 34; NBA I/35. 1. Recit. (S) Illustr'ous Leopold,Now singeth Anhalt’s world Again with glad contentment, Thy Cöthen comes to thee To bow the knee before thee, Illustr'ous Leopold! 2. Aria (S) Golden sunlight’s happy hours, Those which heav'n itself doth gather, Make again now their appearance; Praising, singing, tuning lyres, That his fame may be extended! 3. Aria (B) Leopold’s most splendid virtues Give to us now much to do.
Cannot now midst his good fortune, Which doth gladly tend him, rest 4. Aria (B, S) (B)Here beneath his purple hem Is great gladness Born of sadness; Each one gives he ample room Blessing’s riches to enjoy here, Which like fertile streams are flowing. (S) And as a country’s father should, He sustaineth, Harm averteth; Therefore now the hope is born That he shall soon Anhalt’s country Bring into good fortune’s station. (both) Yet we’ll let our duty not In our pleasure Now escape us, This day, when e’en heaven’s light Doth its servant fill with gladness And upon his scepter smileth. 5. Recit. (S, B) Illustrious thou, whom Anhalt “Father” calls, We will in turn our hearts to thee now offer; From these our breasts, which full with worship burn, Shall rise our sighing’s fire to heaven soaring. 6. Aria (S) Behold this lovely day's bright light
High well-being and good fortune, So may it see, when it breaks forth In future years no trouble here. 7. Aria (B) Thy name shall like the sun go forth, 8. Chorus (S, B) Lift us, O great Prince, as well, © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |