- Ach wie nichtig, ach wie flüchtig, BWV 644
[1:14]
The last chorale from Das Orgelbüchlein, this is a breezy portrayal of how fleeting life is. The flowing of waters, the drifting of clouds and
something unspeakably futile about man's ascent and waning, scholars have read all that into this tiny piece. Arranged for Flute, 2 English Horns, 3
Clarinets, Bassoon and Contrabassoon.
- Chorale Text
German:
Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig
Ist der Menschen Leben!
Wie ein Nebel bald entstehet,
Und bald wiederum vergehet;
So ist unser Leben, sehet!
English:
Oh how futile, how inutile
Is our earthly being!
Tis a mist in wintry weather,
Gathered in an hour together,
And as soon dispersed in ether.
Tr. Sir John Bowring (1st line changed)
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