Cantata BWV 83
Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde
English Translation in Interlinear Format
Cantata BWV 83 - Joyful time in the new covenant |
Event: Solo Cantata (for Alto, Tenor, & Bass) for the Feast of Purification the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Epistle: Malachi 3: 1-4; Gospel: Luke 2: 22-32
Text: anonymous; Psalm 22
Chorale Text: Das Nunc dimittis | Mit Fried und Freud |
Biblical quotations in green font , chorales in purple |
1 |
Aria [Alto] |
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Corno I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino solo, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo |
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Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde,
Joyful time in the new covenant,
Da unser Glaube Jesum hält.
when our faith keeps hold of Jesus.
Wie freudig wird zur letzten Stunde
How happily at the last hour
Die Ruhestatt, das Grab bestellt!
will our resting-place, the grave, be prepared for us! |
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2 |
Intonation and Recitative [Bass] |
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Violino I/II, Viola all' unisono, Continuo |
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Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener in Friede fahren, wie du gesaget hast.
Lord, now let your servant depart in peace as you have said. |
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Was uns als Menschen schrecklich scheint,
What seems to us so dreadful from our human point of view
Ist uns ein Eingang zu dem Leben.
is for us an entrance into life.
Es ist der Tod
Ein Ende dieser Zeit und Not,
Death is an end of this time and its troubles
Ein Pfand, so uns der Herr gegeben
a pledge, that the Lord has given to us
Zum Zeichen, dass er's herzlich meint
as a sign that his intentions are kindly
Und uns will nach vollbrachtem Ringen
and that after the struggle has been brought to an end
Zum Frieden bringen.
he will bring us to his peace.
Und weil der Heiland nun
And since our saviour now
Der Augen Trost, des Herzens Labsal ist,
is the comfort of our eyes, the refreshment of our heart
Was Wunder, dass ein Herz des Todes Furcht vergisst!
there is no wonder that a heart forgets its fear of death!
Es kann den erfreuten Ausspruch tun:
The heart can joyfully proclaim: |
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Denn meine Augen haben deinen Heiland gesehen, welchen du bereitet hast für allen Völkern . (Luke2 :29-31)
For my eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared for all the nations. |
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3 |
Aria [Tenor] |
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Violino solo, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo |
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Eile, Herz, voll Freudigkeit
Hurry , my heart, filled with joy
Vor den Gnadenstuhl zu treten
to walk before the seat of grace.
Du sollst deinen Trost empfangen
You will welcome your consolation
Und Barmherzigkeit erlangen,
and be granted mercy.
Ja, bei kummervoller Zeit,
Yes, in sorrowful times
Stark am Geiste, kräftig beten.
be strong in spirit , vigorous in prayer. |
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4 |
Recitative [Alto] |
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Continuo |
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Ja, merkt dein Glaube noch viel Finsternis,
Yes, even though your faith is aware there is still much darkness,
Dein Heiland kann der Zweifel Schatten trennen;
your saviour can disperse the clouds of doubt.
Ja, wenn des Grabes Nacht
Yes, when the grave’s night
Die letzte Stunde schrecklich macht,
makes the last hour frightening,
So wirst du doch gewiss
you will still be certain
Sein helles Licht im Tode selbst erkennen.
to recognise his bright light in death itself. |
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5 |
Chorale [S, A, T, B] |
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Corno I e Oboe I e Violino I col Soprano, Oboe II e Violino II coll'Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo |
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Er ist das Heil und selig Licht
He is salvation and blessed light
Für die Heiden,
for the heathen,
Zu erleuchten, die dich kennen nicht,
to bring light to those who do not know you
Und zu weiden.
and to feed them
Er ist deins Volks Israel
Der Preis, Ehre, Freud und Wonne.
He is the praise, honour , joy and delight of your people Israel. |
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This Translation in Parallel Format |
English Translation by Francis Browne (February 2006)
Contributed by Francis Browne (February 2006) |