IX (BWV Anh. 6) Dich loben die lieblichen
Strahlen der Sonne
New Year's Congratulation for the Princely House of Anhalt-Cöthen (1720). Christian Friedrich Hunold (Menantes), Auserlesene und theils noch nie gedruckte Gedichte, 21.-27. Stück (Halle, 1720); Facs: Neumann T, p. 270 and NBA I/35, Krit. Bericht, p. 169. 1 January 1720, Cöthen. NBA I/35, Krit. Bericht. [English translation follows German text.]
[1.] Aria Dich loben die lieblichen Strahlen der Sonne, [2. Recit.] Den Augen ist, der Sonnen Glantz zu sehn [3.] Aria [and Recit.] Wie lieblich ist zu Anhalts Wohlergehn [4. Recit.] Die gantze Creatur [5.] Aria So strahle holde Fürsten-Sonne Da Capo. At the Beginning of the Year 1720. 1. Aria Thy honor is told by the sun’s lovely radiance,O Sun of our being, which makes all things glad. Thy praise men are telling with spirits rejoicing, O Highest, who doth now his consummate favor Within these our suns of the nation renew. Thy honor is told by the sun’s lovely radiance, O sun of our being, which makes all things glad. For eyes to see the radiant sun it is A great delight; yea, sweet is this bright light, As Wisdom saith herself. (Repeat.) We must this truth, to praise the Lord, confess, Who, when the shortest day is over, The sun’s great course to us again hath sent; On us, set free of every torment, At this new year with perfect grace hath looked; Who long ago in him our life’s true sunlight, In him our Savior joy and gladness At this same time to earth to us did send; And who e’en now a whole wide land With purest sunlight’s beams renews, Which us now glad do make, Which Anhalt’s heavens have adorned, Which constantly with grace and blessing smile: So that our heart into these words breaks forth: How lovely and how sweet is this bright sunshine’s light! 3. Aria and Recit. How lovely now for Anhalt’s health it is The Prince’s light in radiant beams to see! Who doth not this light’s beauty praise Should have to learn what night and sorrow mean, Should know the gloomy darkness’ terrors Which many lands, O what great woe!, now cover; Let him depart our Goshen land: Egyptian night will shortly overwhelm him, Where murd’rous war, where grief ’s sad cries are ringing. How many realms saw first the sunlight In gold and then in blood arise? O dreadful light which only lightning sends! However, what uncommon pleasure! Here is the sun’s uprising fair, And will (who could desire more favor?) Forever more shine forth with grace and brightness. We are set free from night and pain: For on the purple of his youth now Is shed for us a noonday’s gleam Of the most handsome princely virtue. Yea, what a joy for us to see That heaven’s whole display Round this illustrious Princess’ soul And this great-hearted Prince now hover! In the Princess’ luster bright We recognize what starry brightness means And join again with voice and heart the song: How lovely now for Anhalt’s health it is This princely house in radiant beams to see! O fond hope which is based on this: That even, as till now we’ve known it, Still further in the Prince’s future His light like this most radiant day May longer and more perfect shine! O fond hope, which greets us with cheer, Which makes our lives for us so sweet, What else could we, O fond hope, further utter, But to break forth into these words, enchanted. How lovely is for Anhalt’s health it is This princely house in radiant beams to see! We are set from night and pain: For on the purple of his youth now Is shed for us a noonday’s gleam Of the most handsome princely virtue. How lovely now for Anhalt’s health it is This princely house in radiant beams to see! 4. Recit. All living creatures here Must thee today, O thou wise Maker, honor. And through the glorious things which here in nature reign, Will thy praise, too, past others be exalted: Through this most glorious sun, Which Anhalt’s skies so happy make, Through which here, thou, who the world renewest On us with gracious beams regardest. We come, O Lord, with prayers ‘Fore thee, like Joshua, advancing: Let this our sun serenely stand. Lord, grant that health and happiness Until the end of time On our horizon we may see. Fulfill for us our ardent hope and longing; Pour down thine every blessing now And let this lofty princely house In brilliant radiance glory. 5. Aria So shine, O gracious sun of princes, Ye lights of heaven, our great pleasure, Beam forth in high prosperity, That Anhalt gladly sing with praises: How glorious, lovely and how charming It is this sun’s bright light to see! Da Capo. © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |