'Wie Schon Leuchtet der Morgenstern'
('How brightly shines the Morning Star')
Relayed from The Guildhall School of Music
Singers: Mavis Bennett (Soprano), Edward Reach (Tenor), Stanley Riley (Bass), The Wireless Chorus
Players: The Wireless Orchestra (French Horns, English Horns, Trumpet and Strings)
Conducted by Stanford Robinson
Composed about 1740, for the Annunciation, this is one of the most splendid of all the cantatas, pervaded by a spirit of radiant joy.
The hymn on which it is founded is by Philipp Nicolai, one of the leaders among the devout poets of the early Lutheran Church. 'Wachet auf' ('Sleepers Wake') which was broadcast on November 10, is also based on one of his hymns.
The first number is a great choral fantasia, richly worked out; mysticism and exuberance are blended in it in a way which lends the whole a wonderful sense of brightness, and to that, melodious parts for oboe and violins in the accompaniment contribute much. The separate lines of the chorale melody are freely used also as motives in the accompaniment.
The arias for Soprano and for Tenor are also the great Bach at his best.
The setting of the final Chorale is very dignified in its noble simplicity.
I. Chorus:
How brightly shines yon Star of Morn,
Of God's great love and wisdom born,
From Jesse's root ascending,
Hail, David's Son. of Jacob's line!
My King and Bridegroom all divine
Thy reign is never ending- Gracious, lovely,
Priceless treasure, passing measure! Rich in blessing!
Ev'ry perfect gift possessing
II. Recitative (Tenor):
Thou very God, of Virgin Mother born!
Thou Captain of Thine own anointed!
How sweet Thy living word to us,
Who like the holy men of old,
Do wait the time appointed!
That word of joy the Angel spoke
To Bethlehem that day - O sweet indeed!
Of Bread of Heav'n, That neither doubt, Nor dread, nor death
Can ever steal away!
III. Aria (Soprano):
Come, visit, ye glowing, ye God-given ardours,
The soul that entreats you with longing desire!
For rapture celestial our spirits are yearning, In ecstasy burning,
Though mortal, we long for the heav'nly fire.
IV. Recitative (Bass) :
No light of earth, no mortal love My constant soul can move,
Far greater joys my Lord to me revealeth One source of perfect bliss.
The Saviour's flesh and blood, My soul's refreshment is.
Then shall not we, for this, His crowning Messing,
From all eternity designed, Adore our God with grateful mind.
His love and power confessing?
V. Aria (Tenor):
Tuneful harps and voices blending,
Evermore, o'er and o'er. o'er and o'er, Shall declare Thy praise unending.
Hearts that love Thee sing the story,
Day and night, with delight,
King Almighty, of Thy glory.
VI. Chorale:
My chosen Spouse is Christ the Lord, The First and Last.
Eternal Word, From God the Father springing.
He will me take, I know full well,
With Him in Paradise to dwell.
Rejoice, my soul, with singing.
Amen! amen! Haste Thou, then my joy, my glory,
Soon to meet me!
All my soul doth long to greet thee!
The text is reprinted by courtesy of Messrs. Novello and Co., Ltd.
(For 3.45 to 5.45 Programmes see opposite page)
