Johann Sebastian Bach

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BWV 768
Title Hail to Thee my Jesu, Holy
Composed 1700 Arnstadt
Key G-Minor
Scoring

Organ

Movements Variation 1
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7
Variation 8
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11
Category Partita
Event -
Author of text Gotha Songbook, 1666
Text

1. Hail to Thee my Jesu, Holy,
None as Thou, the meek and lowly.
Ah! how art Thou torn and hated,
All Thy Body lacerated!.
On Thy love, dear Lord, relying,
So shall I be blest when dying.

2. O my Jesu, my salvation,
Thou my heart`s true consolation,
Be my guide, stretch forth Thy Hand
When I fight at Thy command.
On Thy love, dear Lord, relying,
So shall I be blest when dying.

3. Look upon my sin in kindness.
Lo! from out my night of blindness,
Turn I unto Thee, heart broken,
In Thy blood to find Love?s token.
On Thy love, dear Lord, relying,
So shall I be blest when dying.

4. Well of living water, lave me,
Blood from pierced side, assuage me.
When in deathly throes I languish
Strengthen me my foes to vanquish.
On Thy love, dear Lord, relying,
So shall I be blest when dying.

5. O what kindly cheer Thou givest,
Lord, to all in whom Thou livest;
Those who tread Thy path of sadness
May depart from hence in gladness.
On Thy love, dear Lord, relying,
So shall I be blest when dying.

6. When the enemy accuses,
To despair my soul refuses--
When from this dark earth I wend
Do Thou, Lord, my soul befriend
Sing ever Holy, Holy,
Let me lose myself in Thee.

7. Dearest Jesu! Sun of Brightness,
Store of blessing, joy and sweetness,
Let me praise Thee, morn and even,
With Thy host in highest Heaven,
Singing ever Holy, Holy,
Let me lose myself in Thee.

YouTube Video 1; Video 2; Video 3
Manuscript Music library, Leipzig; Estate Johann Nikolaus Forkel; Estate Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy; Bodleian library, Oxford

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