Awake, O Wintry Earth

Composer
Difficulty
Moderately Easy radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked
Voicing(s)
Category
Collections
Instrumental Only?
No
Description

From Cantata 129. Setting of the chorale tune Gelobet sei der Herr, mein Gott. The English text (Beverly Easterling) is for Easter (rather than the original Trinity Sunday). Bright and celebratory as only Bach can render it. SATB, organ, and two treble instruments (trumpets).

Audio
Lyrics

Awake, o wintry earth, fling off your frozen sadness.
With sweetness, flowers bring mirth, bright springtime's ancient gladness.
Once more, we sing the tale, through darkness sunlight spread,
To warm the winter's pale, and tell that Death is dead.

Descended to the grave, three days the Son lay sleeping,
Yet Christ returned to save our hearts from woe and weeping.
O earth, break forth and sing, renew your bright array.
To celebrate this Spring and mark the Savior's way.