XIII (BWV Anh. 5) Lobet den Herrn, alle seine Heerscharen
Birthday of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen (10 December). Christian Friedrich Hunold (Menantes), Auserlesene und theils noch nie gedruckte Gedicht, 11.-20. Stück (Halle, 1719); Facs: Neumann T, p. 266. 1. Ps. 103:21. 10 December 1718, Cöthen. Cantata: an des Durchlauchtigsten Fürsten
Leopoldi, Fürstens
zu
Nach Anleitung des CXIX. Ps. v. 175, Laß meine Seele leben, daß sie dich lobe, und deine Rechte
mir helfen.
[1. Dictum] Chorus Lobet den Herrn, alle seine Heerschaaren, seine Diener, die ihr
seinen
Willen tut!
[2.] Recit. Mein Leben kommt aus deiner Hand
[3.] Aria Ich lebe Herr! mein Hertz soll dich erheben:
[4.] Recit. Was nutzte mir ein zeitlich Lebens-Gut,
[5.] Aria Herr, laß meine Seele leben,
[6.] Recit. Herr, dein Gericht,
[7.] Aria Herrsche Du selber mit Gnaden von oben,
Cantata for the Illustrious Prince Leopold, Prince
of Anhalt- Cöthen,
etc. etc. Birthday Festivities, 10 December 1718 at the Divine
Service.
After the introduction to the 119th Psalm, v. 175, O let my soul live and it shall praise thee; and thy judgments
shall help me.
1. Dictum (Chorus) Praise ye the Lord, all ye of his great armies, and his servants,
ye
who carry out his will.
2. Recit. My life comes out of thine own hand, O Lord!Thus praiseth thee my spirit. More treasured, though, is thy dear kindness, Which hath the strength for life unto me sent. 3. Aria I live, O Lord! My heart shall now extol thee: For thy concern is wonderful, In love for me hast thou prepared me, With wisdom set my path before me. The majesty of God is bright as sun! I live, O Lord! My heart shall now extol thee, For thy concern is wonderful. 4. Recit. What use to me are temporal goods of life If me the Lord of life bring no refreshment? What glory hath my princely crown If it hath not the Prince of life’s adornment? What serveth me the world’s entire display If not on God my fame shall rest? How could my soul have its existence If not unto the Highest God devoted? 5. Aria Lord, grant life unto my spirit, Both to praise and to thank thee, be it evermore inflammed; For to serve to bring thee honor Is the very seraphs’ office And celestial princes’ work. Lord, grant life unto my spirit, Both to praise and to thank thee, be it evermore inflammed. 6. Recit. Lord, thine own court, In which the highest wisdom speaks, Where grace and justice lone are ruling, Shall mine own scepter help to govern. Thou art my health, my shield and store: I’ll stand then firm, though all the tempests thunder. Blest all they, this word gives me strength, Who sit beneath the Highest’s shelter. Before thy throne thy servant lies: Lord, strengthen me and make me just thyself. 7. Aria Govern, thyself, with thy mercy celestial, Heavenly wisdom beam forth o’er the land. Fend off the foe now and check all his raging; Vie with thy very own almighty hand. Spare thou my life in its most blessed state, Highest, that I with mankind tell thy praises. Govern, thyself, with thy mercy celestial, Heavenly wisdom shine forth o’er the land. © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |