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Texts: BWV 1-100
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The following are links to text translations for cantatas and other Bach works that have been presented over the past 44 seasons in Bach Vespers at Holy Trinity. Translations © Bach Vespers at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, NYC. Please use by permission only. Contact office@bachvespersnyc.org for more information.

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Text for BWV 23 
Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

 
1. ARIA (DUETTO)
   SOPRANO E ALTO
Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn,
     You true God and David’s son,
der du von Ewigkeit
     you, who eternally
in der Entfernung schon
     from afar, already
mein Herzeleid und meine Leibespein
umständlich angesehn, 
     acutely regards
     my heartache and bodily pain,
erbarm dich mein!
     have mercy on me!
Und laß durch deine Wunderhand,
     And allow,
     by your wondrous hand
die so viel Böses abgewandt,
     which has averted so much evil,
mir gleichfalls Hilf und Trost geschehen.
     likewise, help and comfort
     to transpire for me.

2. RECITATIVO TENORE
Ach! gehe nicht vorüber;
     Oh! do not pass by;
du, aller Menschen Heil,
     you, salvation of all humanity,
bist ja erschienen, die Kranken
und nicht die Gesunden zu bedienen.
     have indeed appeared to tend
     to the sick not the healthy.
Drum nehm ich ebenfalls
an deiner Allmacht teil;
     Therefore I, as well, will take part
     in your almightiness;
ich sehe dich auf diesen Wegen,
     I see you upon this path,
worauf man mich hat wollen legen,
     where someone has left me laying
auch in der Blindheit an.
      even through my blindness.
Ich fasse mich und lasse dich
nicht ohne deinen Segen.
     I muster myself and do not let you go
     without your blessing.
 
3. CORO
Aller Augen warten, Herr,
du allmächtger Gott, auf dich,

     The eyes of all wait upon you, Lord,
     you almighty God,
und die meinen sonderlich.
     and especially these of mine.
Gib denselben Kraft und Licht,
     Grant these same strength and light,
laß sie nicht immerdar in Finsternissen!
     leave them not forever in darkness!
Künftig soll dein Wink allein
     From now on, your beckoning alone shall
der geliebte Mittelpunkt
aller ihrer Werke sein,
     be the precious center point
     of all their deeds,
bis du sie einst durch den Tod
wiederum gedenkst zu schließen.

     until you otherwise choose, 
     to close them once more in death.
 
4. CORALE
Christe, du Lamm Gottes,
     Christ, you Lamb of God,
der du trägst die Sünd der Welt,
     you who bear the sin of the world,
erbarm dich unser!
     have mercy upon us!
Christe, du Lamm Gottes,
     Christ, you Lamb of God,
der du trägst die Sünd der Welt,
     you who bear the sin of the world,
erbarm dich unser!
     have mercy upon us!
Christe, du Lamm Gottes,
     Christ, you Lamb of God,
der du trägst die Sünd der Welt,
     you who bear the sin of the world,
gib uns dein' Frieden. Amen.
     grant us your peace. Amen.
 
_____________________________________________________________________________________
COMPOSED:  February 7, 1723 for Estomihi (Quinquagesima) in Cöthen for the audition for the cantorship in Leipzig
LIBRETTIST:  unknown;  Mvts 1-3. Luke 18:35-43;  Mvt 4. Agnus Dei (1528)
TRANSLATION: Tobin Schmuck, 2009 © Bach Vespers at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, NYC
Use by permission only, please. office@bachvespersnyc.org


Bach Vespers at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church