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Johann Sebastian Bach
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Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 Click to Listen [3:28] (A=465)
This is a transcription of the 4th movement of Cantata 140 for the 27th Sunday after Trinity (based on Matthew 25:1-13), which has the text "Zion hears the watchmen singing" (verse 2 in the lyric). Arranged for two players on one harpsichord (RH and Pedal played on Upper, Chorale on Lower, with player two on the bass line and shifting stops). Midi File available. Instrument: Cembalo Mietke built by Jan Becicka workshop (2005) - Samples by Jiri Zurek

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Chorale Text
German:
Wachet auf! ruft uns die Stimme
Der Wächter sehr hoch auf der Zinne:
Wach auf, du Stad Jerusalem!
Mitternacht heisst diese Stunde,
Sie rufen uns mit hellem Munde:
Wo seid ihr klugen Jungfrauen?
Wohlauf, Der Bräut'gam kommt,
Steht auf, die Lampen nehmt!
Halleluja!
Mach euch bereit
Zu der Hochzeit,
Ihr müsset ihm entgegengehn.

Zion hört die Wächter singen,
Das Herz tut ihr vor Freuden springen,
Sie wachet und steht eilend auf.
Ihr Freund kommt vom Himmel prächtig,
Von Gnaden stark, von Wahrheit mächtig.
Ihr Licht wird hell, irh Stern geht auf.
Nun komm, du werte Kron,
Herr Jesu, Gottes Sohn!
Hosianna!
Wir folgen all zum Freudensaal,
und halten mit das Abendmahl.
--Philipp Nicolai, 1599

English:
Wake, awake, for night is flying,
The watchmen on the heights are crying:
Awake, Jerusalem at last!
And at the thrilling cry rejoices:
Come forth, ye virgins, night is past!
The Bridegroom comes, awake.
Your lamps with gladness take;
Alleluia!
And for his marriage feast prepare,
For ye must go to meet him there.

Zion hears the watchmen singing,
And all her heart with joy is springing;
She wakes, she rises from her gloom;
For her Lord comes down all glorious,
The Strong in grace, in truth Victorious.
Her Star is risen, her light is come!
Ah, come Thou blessed Lord,
O Jesu, Son of God,
Alleluia!
We follow till the halls we see
Where Thou hast bid us sup with Thee.
--Tr. Catherine Winkworth


Audio track was created with Hauptwerk v. 3.23 software