How bright appears the Morning Star (Johann Sebastian Bach)

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•  Posted on 2024-07-07(Posted 2024-07-07)  CPDL #81272:       

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2024-07-07).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 71 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: The hymn with harmony and underlaid words in the version published in The Hymnal 1982.

•  Posted on 2024-07-07(Posted 2024-07-07)  CPDL #81271:       

Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2024-07-07).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 173 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: The hymn in the version published in The Hymnal 1982, melody with words.

General Information

Title: How bright appears the Morning Star
Composer: Philipp Nicolai
Arranger: Johann Sebastian Bach
Tune: Wie schön leuchtet
Lyricist: Philipp Nicolai
Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Hymn   Meter: Irregular meter

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella or keyboard

First published:
Description: Melody attributed to Philipp Nicolai, 1599, harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach. Words also by Philipp Nicolai, 1599, translated by William Mercer.

External websites:

• https://embassysingers.de/scores/hymns.html

Original text and translations

Original text and translations may be found at Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern.

English translation

How bright appears the Morning Star,
with mercy beaming from afar;
the host of heaven rejoices;
O righteous Branch, O Jesse’s Rod!
Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will lift our voices:
Jesus, Jesus!
Holy, holy, yet most lowly,
draw thou near us;
great Emmanuel, come and hear us.

Though circled by the hosts on high,
he deigned to cast a pitying eye
upon his helpless creature;
the whole creation’s Head and Lord,
by highest seraphim adored,
assumed our very nature;
Jesus, grant us,
through thy merit, to inherit
thy salvation;
hear, O hear our supplication.

Rejoice, ye heavens; thou earth, reply;
with praise, ye sinners, fill the sky,
for this his Incarnation.
Incarnate God, put forth thy power,
ride on, ride on, great Conqueror,
till all know thy salvation.
Amen, amen!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise be given
evermore, by earth and heaven.

Translation by William Mercer