'NUN KOMM DER HEIDEN HEILAND'
(Come, Redeemer of our Race)
Relayed from Birmingham
KATE WINTER (Soprano)
JOHN ARMSTRONG (Tenor)
ROBERT MAITLAND (Baritone)
THE BIRMINGHAM STUDIO ORCHESTRA
THIS Is an early work, presumal composed at Weimar in 3714, for the first Sunday in Advent. Its design is in many ways unusual. and the tiput chorus takes the old Advent hymn and makes it. with choir and orchestra, into a form of French Overture. There is a solemn introduction, muestoso, and then while the soprano voice begins the hymn, followed by the bass, and afterwards by the full choir, the orchestra accompanies with the figure. heard at the outset. At the words Hailed by all the wondering earth,' the time changes to allegro, and Bach has marked this passage 'Gai.' The slow tempo returns at the end to make a solemn finish...
The Tenor next has a recitative finishing with an arioso, followed by a simple and melodious aria with a long orchestral prelude, and then, with a figure which clearly represents the Lord knocking at the door-stern pizzicato chords from the strings-the bass sings, ' Behold I stand at the do and knock.' The aria which follows is effectively built up from the very simple motive which appears at the outset.
The final Chorale is also In unusual form, n fantasia on the old hymn, ' How brightly shines the morning star,' which the soprano voices sing, while the others and the orchestra make it into a fantasia on the melody.
The text is reprinted by courtesy of Messrs.
Novello and Co., Ltd. 1.-Chorus.
Come, Redeemer of our race, Virgin-born by holy grace,
Hail'd by all the wond'ring earth; God of old ordained His birth.
II-Recitatire (Tenor).
The Saviour now appeareth, and our poor human form of flesh and blood He weareth, that we may all be one with Him indeed. Oh ! Thou most perfect joy, what wondrous things hast Thou not done, what dost Thou not each day Thy love expressing ? Thou comest down in light, to crown Thiue own with blessing.
III.-Aria (Tenor).
Come, Jesu, come, Thy church awaits
Thee, and deign to bless the new-born year. Help us in all to seek Thy glory, to hold in Truth the sacred story, and grow in love and holy iear.
IV.-Recitatire (Bass). Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and ho with Me.
V.-Aria (Soprano).
Open wide, my heart, thy portals, Jesus enters into thee. Though my heart to dust returneth. He a home In me hath sought. Who the soul that He hath bought never from His presence spurneth. Oh, how blessed shall I be :
VI.-Morale.
Amen! Come Thou crown of all re-rejoicing. no more linger.
All my soul for Thee is longing.