Chorale Melodies used in Bach's Vocal Works
Wo Gott zum Haus nicht gibt sein Gunst

Melody & Text | Use of the CM by Bach | Use of the CM by other composers

Melody & Text:

The hymn "Wo Gott zum Haus nicht gibt sein Gunst" is a versified paraphrase of of Psalm 127 by Johann Kolrose, written in 1525; 1st published in Geistliche Lieder, Wittenberg 1529. A five-stanza English translation of “Wohl dem, der in Gottes Furcht steht” (http://www.lutheranchoralebook.com/texts/happy-the-man-who-feareth-god/) is set to the melody “Wo Gott zum Haus nicht giebt sein’ Gunst” (If God will not the building bless), a Johann Kolroß paraphrase of Psalm 127, Nisi Dominus http://matthaeusglyptes.blogspot.com/2015/08/wo-gott-zum-haus-nicht-gibt-sein-gunst.html. This became a popular wedding hymn. It is found in the NLGB 268, Zahn 305, which Bach set as plain chorales, BWV 438 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhisdvHI-Eo), and BWV 1123 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUOcx76hJvI).
Source: Chorales: Psalms, Christian Life, Troubles, Thanks, Weddings (William L. Hoffman, July 28, 2017)

Melody: Zahn 305
Composer: Anon (1525)

Text: Wo Gott zum Haus nicht gibt sein Gunst (NLGB 268; ELK 193; ELKG 379)
Author: Johann Kolrose (1525), after Psalm 127

Use of the Chorale Melody by Bach:

Text: Wo Gott zum Haus nicht gibt sein Gunst

Chorale Wo Gott zum Haus nicht gibt sein Gunst, BWV 438
Ref: RE 157; Br 157; KE 389; Birnstiel 161; AmB 46II p.87 & p.121; Penzel 151; BGA 185; BC F213.1

Chorale Wo Gott zum Haus gibt nicht sein Gunst, BWV 1123
Ref: Dietel 50; AmB 46II p.263; BWV Deest; BC F213.2

Use of the Chorale Melody by other composers:

Sources: Bach Digital; BGA; Zahn
Prepared by Aryeh Oron (October 2018)