Relayed from the Guildhall School of Music
'GELOBET SEI DER HERR, MEIN GOTT'
(' I Praise Thee evermore, my God ')
NOEL EADIE (Soprano) ASTRA DESMOND (Contralto) STUART ROBERTSON (Bass) LESLIE WOODGATE (Organ) FRANK ALMGILL (Flute) John FIELD (Oboe d'Amore) S. KNEALE KELLEY (Solo Violin)
THE WIRELESS ORCHESTRA (Trumpets, Tympani, Flutes, Oboes, and Strings)
The WIRELESS CHORUS
Conducted by STANFORD ROBINSON
THIS is one of a set of fifteen Chorale Cantatas composed somewhere between
1728 and 1734. Several of the fifteen have already been broadcast, so that listeners have learned something of the infinite variety which Bach could impart to different presentations of the same. form. Each of the fifteen Cantatas is cast in very much the same mould. and yet each has a very definite character of its own. In all of them the chorale, which is its basis, is used in one way or another practically throughout, and in the openinu chorus is usually given, as in this one, to the soprano voice. The other voices weave interesting parts about it and though the orchestral accompaniment is independent, it has always some kinship with the chorale melody itself.
Reference has often been made in these notes to the way in which Bach uses characteristic motives, and his motive of joy has been heard in many of the Cantatas already broadcast. But nowhere does it rise to such an exhilaration of happiness as In the accompaniment here.
A farther interest in this Cantata is the way in which each verse sets forth a new aspect of praise, and each verse begins with the same words.
A very rich and full accompaniment makes the final Chorale a truly impressive one.
English text by D. Millar Craig , Copyright
British Broadcasting Corporation, 1929. I.—Chorus.
I praise Thee evermore, my God, My I.ight, my Life-breath, My Maker, 'tis from Thee
That flesh and Spirit cometh. My Father. Thou dost guard
From childhood all life's day, And every passing hour
Dost bless me on my way.
II.—Aria (Bass).
1 praise Thee evermore, my God, my Grace, my Life-breath
The Father's only Son, fer me Himself He giveth ;
Who by His precious blood, redeemed hath my Soul
And, one with Him in faith, hath sav'd and made me whole.
III.—Aria (Soprano),
I praise Thee evermore, my God, my Peaces my Life-breath,
The Father's Holy Ghost to me the Saviour giveth ;
He doth my heart Inspire, my falling strength renew,
And in my sorest need, He is my Helper true.
IV.—Aria (Alto).
I praise Thee evermore, my Cod Who ever livest,
Let all things praise Thee, all whose life and breath Thou givest...
I praise Thee evermore, amid Thv heav'nly
Host,
The Father, God the Son and God the Holy
Ghost.
V.—Chorale.
Now every heart and voice a glad Hosanna raises,
And as the heav'nly Host sing Holy, Hely praises,
So from Thy people still, our song shall rise to Thee ;
We praise Thee Lord our God, through all
Eternity.