Bach: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright ("Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern"), BWV 739

Описание: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Chorale and choral prelude, BWV 739- J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
How Lovely Shines the Morning Star
O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright

Hymn tune by Philipp Nicolai (1599)

Peter B. Calabro, organist

Here are more chorale preludes on this same hymn:    • MAX Drischner & MAX Reger- Wie schön leuch...  

Did you know this hymn was once in every hymnal? This is not the usual Bach chorale from the hymnals. He wrote at least two versions that I play, and probably more. I don't usually use this one but it is also very nice.

Catherine Winkworth is not just a translator of German hymns but an amazing lyricist. The original German has a rhyme scheme and direct translations do not rhyme, so you have to use synonyms that do rhyme and sometimes completely rephrase the ideas themselves. Love her!

1. O Morning Star, how fair and bright!
Thou beamest forth in truth and light,
O Sovereign meek and lowly!
Thou Root of Jesse, David’s Son,
My Lord and Bridegroom, Thou hast won
My heart to serve Thee solely!
Thou art, Holy,
Fair and glorious,
All victorious,
Rich in blessing
Rule and might over all possessing.

2. Thou heav’nly Brightness, Light divine,
O deep within my heart now shine,
And make Thee there an altar.
Fill me with joy and strength to be
Thy member, ever joined to Thee
In love that cannot falter;
Toward Thee longing
Doth possess me; turn and bless me;
Here in sadness
Eye and heart long for Thy gladness.

translation from German, and English lyrics- Catherine Winkworth