{
"bwv_num": "215",
"work_name": "Preise dein Glücke, gesegnetes Sachsen",
"work_occasion": "Royal/electoral homage",
"work_author": "Johann Christoph Clauder",
"work_translators": "Michael Marissen & Daniel R. Melamed",
"links": {
"url_work": "http://BachCantataTexts.org/BWV215",
"url_translation": "http://BachCantataTexts.org/Texts/Translations/BWV215--TextandTranslation.docx",
"url_annotated": "http://BachCantataTexts.org/Texts/Annotated/BWV215--AnnotatedTranslation.pdf",
"url_qr_code": "http://BachCantataTexts.org/Texts/QRCodes/BWV215QRcode.png"
},
"movements": [
{
"mvt_num": "1",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Preise dein Glücke, gesegnetes Sachsen,\nWeil Gott den Thron deines Königs erhält.\nFröhliches Land,\nDanke dem Himmel und küsse die Hand,\nDie deine Wohlfahrt noch täglich lässt wachsen\nUnd deine Bürger in Sicherheit stellt.",
"text_html": "Preise dein Glücke, gesegnetes Sachsen,
Weil Gott den Thron deines Königs erhält.
Fröhliches Land,
Danke dem Himmel und küsse die Hand,
Die deine Wohlfahrt noch täglich lässt wachsen
Und deine Bürger in Sicherheit stellt."
},
{
"text_language": "en",
"text_plain": "Praise your good fortune, blessed Saxony,\nFor God upholds the throne of your king.\nHappy land,\nThank heaven and kiss the hand [of King August]\nThat lets your welfare yet daily flourish\nAnd sets your citizens in safety.",
"text_html": "Praise your good fortune, blessed Saxony,
For God upholds the throne of your king.
Happy land,
Thank heaven and kiss the hand [of King August]1
That lets your welfare yet daily flourish
And sets your citizens in safety."
}
]
},
{
"mvt_num": "2",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Wie können wir, grossmächtigster August,\nDie unverfälschten Triebe\nVon unsrer Ehrfurcht, Treu und Liebe\nDir anders als mit grösster Lust\nZu deinen Füssen legen?\nFliesst nicht durch deine Vaterhand\nAuf unser Land\nDes Himmels Gnadensegen\nMit reichen Strömen zu?\nUnd trifft nicht unsre Hoffnung ein,\nWir würden noch zu unsrer Ruh\nIn deiner Huld, in deinem Wesen\nDes grossen Vaters Bild und seine Taten lesen?",
"text_html": "Wie können wir, grossmächtigster August,
Die unverfälschten Triebe
Von unsrer Ehrfurcht, Treu und Liebe
Dir anders als mit grösster Lust
Zu deinen Füssen legen?
Fliesst nicht durch deine Vaterhand
Auf unser Land
Des Himmels Gnadensegen
Mit reichen Strömen zu?
Und trifft nicht unsre Hoffnung ein,
Wir würden noch zu unsrer Ruh
In deiner Huld, in deinem Wesen
Des grossen Vaters Bild und seine Taten lesen?"
},
{
"text_language": "en",
"text_plain": "How can we, most greatly mighty August,\nLay the unfeigned impulses\nOf our reverence, faithfulness, and love\nOther than with greatest delight\nAt your feet?\nDoes not, by your fatherly hand,\nHeaven’s blessing of mercy\nFlow upon our land\nIn rich streams?\nAnd will not our hope come true,\n[If] we would yet, to our peace [of mind],\nSense in your grace, in your nature,\nYour great father’s image and his deeds?",
"text_html": "How can we, most greatly mighty August,
Lay the unfeigned impulses
Of our reverence, faithfulness, and love
Other than with greatest delight
At your feet?
Does not, by your fatherly hand,
Heaven’s blessing of mercy
Flow upon our land
In rich streams?
And will not our hope come true,
[If] we would yet, to our peace [of mind],
Sense in your grace, in your nature,
Your great father’s2 image and his deeds?"
}
]
},
{
"mvt_num": "3",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Freilich trotzt Augustus Name,\nEin so edler Götter Same,\nAller Macht der Sterblichkeit.\nUnd die Bürger der Provinzen\nSolcher tugendhaften Prinzen\nLeben in der güldnen Zeit.",
"text_html": "Freilich trotzt Augustus Name,
Ein so edler Götter Same,
Aller Macht der Sterblichkeit.
Und die Bürger der Provinzen
Solcher tugendhaften Prinzen
Leben in der güldnen Zeit."
},
{
"text_language": "en",
"text_plain": "Assuredly, August’s name,\nAn ever so noble seed of the gods,\nDefies all the might of mortals.\nAnd the burghers of the provinces\nOf such virtuous princes [as King August]\nLive in the golden age.",
"text_html": "Assuredly, August’s name,
An ever so noble seed of the gods,
Defies all the might of mortals.3
And the burghers of the provinces
Of such virtuous princes [as King August]
Live in the golden age.4"
}
]
},
{
"mvt_num": "4",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Was hat dich sonst, Sarmatien, bewogen,\nDass du vor deinen Königsthron\nDen sächsischen Piast,\nDes grossen Augusts würdgen Sohn,\nHast allen andern fürgezogen?\nNicht nur der Glanz durchlauchter Ahnen,\nNicht seiner Länder Macht,\nNein! sondern seiner Tugend Pracht\nRiss aller deiner Untertanen\nUnd so verschiedner Völker Sinn\nMehr ihn allein,\nAls seines Stammes Glanz und angeerbten Schein,\nFussfällig anzubeten hin.\nZwar Neid und Eifersucht,\nDie leider! oft das Gold der Kronen\nNoch weniger als Blei und Eisen schonen,\nSind noch ergrimmt auf dich, o grosser König!\nUnd haben deinem Wohl geflucht.\nJedoch ihr Fluch verwandelt sich in Segen,\nUnd ihre Wut\nIst wahrlich viel zu wenig,\nEin Glücke, das auf Felsen ruht,\nIm mindsten zu bewegen.",
"text_html": "Was hat dich sonst, Sarmatien, bewogen,
Dass du vor deinen Königsthron
Den sächsischen Piast,
Des grossen Augusts würdgen Sohn,
Hast allen andern fürgezogen?
Nicht nur der Glanz durchlauchter Ahnen,
Nicht seiner Länder Macht,
Nein! sondern seiner Tugend Pracht
Riss aller deiner Untertanen
Und so verschiedner Völker Sinn
Mehr ihn allein,
Als seines Stammes Glanz und angeerbten Schein,
Fussfällig anzubeten hin.
Zwar Neid und Eifersucht,
Die leider! oft das Gold der Kronen
Noch weniger als Blei und Eisen schonen,
Sind noch ergrimmt auf dich, o grosser König!
Und haben deinem Wohl geflucht.
Jedoch ihr Fluch verwandelt sich in Segen,
Und ihre Wut
Ist wahrlich viel zu wenig,
Ein Glücke, das auf Felsen ruht,
Im mindsten zu bewegen."
},
{
"text_language": "en",
"text_plain": "What else, Sarmatia, swayed you,\nThat for your royal throne\nYou preferred the Saxon Piast,\nThe great August’s worthy son,\nTo all others?\nNot just the luster of serene high ancestry,\nNot the might of his lands;\nNo! rather the splendor of his virtue\nEnraptured the mind of all your subjects\nAnd of such diverse peoples\nTo worship on bended knee\nMore him alone\nThan the luster and hereditary brilliance of his lineage.\nTo be sure, envy and jealousy,\nWhich (alas!) often cherish the gold of [coins called] crowns\nYet less than [the] lead and iron [of weaponry],\nAre yet embittered against you, O great king,\nAnd have cursed your weal.\nTheir curse, however, transforms itself into blessing,\nAnd their wrath\nIs truly far too paltry\nTo disturb in the slightest\nA good fortune that rests on bedrock.",
"text_html": "What else, Sarmatia,5 swayed you,
That for your royal throne
You preferred the Saxon Piast,6
The great August’s7 worthy son,
To all others?
Not just the luster of serene high ancestry,
Not the might of his lands;
No! rather the splendor of his virtue
Enraptured the mind of all your subjects
And of such diverse peoples
To worship on bended knee
More him alone
Than the luster and hereditary brilliance of his lineage.
To be sure, envy and jealousy,
Which (alas!) often cherish8 the gold of [coins called] crowns9
Yet less than [the] lead and iron [of weaponry],
Are yet embittered against you, O great king,
And have cursed your weal.
Their curse, however, transforms itself into blessing,
And their wrath
Is truly far too paltry
To disturb in the slightest
A good fortune that rests on bedrock."
}
]
},
{
"mvt_num": "5",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Rase nur, verwegner Schwarm,\nIn dein eignes Eingeweide!\nWasche nur den frechen Arm,\nVoller Wut,\nIn unschuldger Brüder Blut,\nUns zum Abscheu, dir zum Leide!\nWeil das Gift\nUnd der Grimm von deinem Neide\nDich mehr als Augustum trifft.",
"text_html": "Rase nur, verwegner Schwarm,
In dein eignes Eingeweide!
Wasche nur den frechen Arm,
Voller Wut,
In unschuldger Brüder Blut,
Uns zum Abscheu, dir zum Leide!
Weil das Gift
Und der Grimm von deinem Neide
Dich mehr als Augustum trifft.10"
},
{
"text_language": "en",
"text_plain": "Just boil with rage, impudent swarm,\nTo your own innermost parts.\nJust bathe your insolent arm,\nFull of wrath,\nIn innocent brothers’ blood,\nTo our disgust, to your grief.\nFor the poison\nAnd the ferocity of your envy\nStrikes you more than August.",
"text_html": "Just boil with rage, impudent swarm,
To your own innermost parts.11
Just bathe your insolent arm,
Full of wrath,
In innocent brothers’ blood,12
To our disgust, to your grief.
For the poison
And the ferocity of your envy
Strikes you more than August."
}
]
},
{
"mvt_num": "6",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Ja, ja!\nGott ist uns noch mit seiner Hülfe nah\nUnd schützt Augustens Thron.\nEr macht, dass der gesamte Norden\nDurch seine Königswahl befriedigt worden.\nWird nicht der Ostsee schon\nDurch der besiegten Weichsel Mund\nAugustus Reich\nZugleich\nMit seinen Waffen kund?\nUnd lässet er nicht jene Stadt,\nDie sich so lang ihm widersetzet hat,\nMehr seine Huld als seinen Zorn empfinden?\nDas macht, ihm ist es eine Lust,\nDer Untertanen Brust\nDurch Liebe mehr denn Zwang zu binden.",
"text_html": "Ja, ja!
Gott ist uns noch mit seiner Hülfe nah
Und schützt Augustens Thron.
Er macht, dass der gesamte Norden
Durch seine Königswahl befriedigt worden.
Wird nicht der Ostsee schon
Durch der besiegten Weichsel Mund
Augustus Reich
Zugleich
Mit seinen Waffen kund?
Und lässet er nicht jene Stadt,
Die sich so lang ihm widersetzet hat,
Mehr seine Huld als seinen Zorn empfinden?
Das macht, ihm ist es eine Lust,
Der Untertanen Brust
Durch Liebe mehr denn Zwang zu binden."
},
{
"text_language": "en",
"text_plain": "Yes, yes!\nGod, with his help, is yet near to us\nAnd protects August’s throne.\nHe [God] makes it so, that the entire North,\nBy dint of his [August’s] election as king, is contented.\nDoes not the Baltic already know,\nAs a result of the vanquished mouth of the Vistula [river],\nOf August’s realm\nTogether\nWith his armaments?\nAnd does he not let that city [Danzig],\nWhich had so long opposed him,\nFeel more his favor than his anger?\nThis means that to him it is a delight\nTo bind [as his sovereign] the subject’s breast\nBy love more than by force.",
"text_html": "Yes, yes!
God, with his help, is yet near to us
And protects August’s throne.
He [God] makes it so, that the entire North,
By dint of his [August’s]13 election as king, is contented.
Does not the Baltic already know,
As a result of the vanquished mouth of the Vistula [river],14
Of August’s realm
Together
With his armaments?
And does he not let that city [Danzig15],
Which had so long opposed him,
Feel more his favor than his anger?
This means that to him it is a delight
To bind [as his sovereign] the subject’s breast
By love more than by force."
}
]
},
{
"mvt_num": "7",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Durch die von Eifer entflammeten Waffen\nFeinde bestrafen,\nBringt zwar manchem Ehr und Ruhm;\nAber die Bosheit mit Wohltat vergelten,\nIst nur der Helden,\nIst Augustus Eigentum.",
"text_html": "Durch die von Eifer entflammeten Waffen
Feinde bestrafen,
Bringt zwar manchem Ehr und Ruhm;
Aber die Bosheit mit Wohltat vergelten,
Ist nur der Helden,
Ist Augustus Eigentum."
},
{
"text_language": "en",
"text_plain": "To punish enemies\nWith weapons enflamed by zeal,\nTo be sure, brings honor and renown to some;\nBut to repay malice with beneficence\nIs a trait only of heroes,\nIs [a trait] of August.",
"text_html": "To punish enemies
With weapons enflamed by zeal,
To be sure, brings honor and renown to some;
But to repay malice with beneficence
Is a trait16 only of heroes,
Is [a trait] of August."
}
]
},
{
"mvt_num": "8",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Lass doch, o teurer Landesvater, zu,\nDass unsre Musenschar\nDen Tag, der dir so glücklich ist gewesen,\nAn dem im vorgen Jahr\nSarmatien zum König dich erlesen,\nIn ihrer unschuldvollen Ruh\nVerehren und besingen dürfe.\nZu einer Zeit,\nDa alles um uns blitzt und kracht,\nJa, da der Franzen Macht,\n(Die doch so vielmal schon gedämpfet worden,)\nVon Süden und von Norden\nAuch unserm Vaterland mit Schwert und Feuer dräut,\nKann diese Stadt so glücklich sein,\nDich, mächtgen Schutzgott unsrer Linden,\nUnd zwar dich nicht allein,\nAuch dein Gemahl, des Landes Sonne,\nDer Untertanen Trost und Wonne,\nIn ihrem Schoss zu finden.\nWie sollte sich bei so viel Wohlergehn\nDer Pindus nicht vergnügt und glücklich sehn!\nHimmel lass dem Neid zu Trutz\nUnter solchem Götterschutz\nSich die Wohlfahrt unsrer Zeiten\nIn viel tausend Zweige breiten!",
"text_html": "Lass doch, o teurer Landesvater, zu,
Dass unsre Musenschar
Den Tag, der dir so glücklich ist gewesen,
An dem im vorgen Jahr
Sarmatien zum König dich erlesen,
In ihrer unschuldvollen Ruh
Verehren und besingen dürfe.
Zu einer Zeit,
Da alles um uns blitzt und kracht,
Ja, da der Franzen Macht,
(Die doch so vielmal17 schon gedämpfet worden,)
Von Süden und von Norden
Auch unserm Vaterland mit Schwert und Feuer dräut,
Kann diese Stadt so glücklich sein,
Dich, mächtgen Schutzgott unsrer Linden,
Und zwar dich nicht allein,
Auch dein Gemahl, des Landes Sonne,
Der Untertanen Trost und Wonne,
In ihrem Schoss zu finden.
Wie sollte sich bei so viel Wohlergehn
Der Pindus nicht vergnügt und glücklich sehn!
Himmel lass dem Neid zu Trutz
Unter solchem Götterschutz
Sich die Wohlfahrt unsrer Zeiten
In viel tausend Zweige breiten!"
},
{
"text_language": "en",
"text_plain": "Please allow, O esteemed sovereign,\nThat our band of Muses,\nIn its fully innocent peace [of mind],\nMight be allowed to honor and sing about\nThe day that was so fortunate for you,\nOn which, in the foregoing year,\nSarmatia selected you as king.\nAt a time\nWhen everything around us flashes and cracks [of war],\nYes, when the might of the French,\n(Which, however, has already been subdued so many times,)\nFrom the south and the north,\nAlso threatens our fatherland with sword and fire,\nThis city [Leipzig] can be so fortunate to find\nYou, powerful tutelary god of our lindens—\nAnd, to be sure, not you alone,\n[But] also your spouse, the sun of this land,\nThe comfort and joy of your subjects—\nIn its [Leipzig’s] bosom [of good fortune]. \nHow, among so much wellbeing\nIs Pindus [Leipzig] not supposed to regard itself as pleased and fortunate!\nHeaven, in defiance of envy\nUnder such divine protection,\nLet the welfare of our times\nSpread itself in many thousand branches.",
"text_html": "Please allow, O esteemed sovereign,
That our band of Muses,18
In its fully innocent peace [of mind],19
Might be allowed to honor and sing about
The day that was so fortunate for you,
On which, in the foregoing year,
Sarmatia selected20 you as king.
At a time
When everything around us flashes and cracks [of war],
Yes, when the might of the French,21
(Which, however, has already been subdued so many times,)
From the south and the north,
Also threatens our fatherland with sword and fire,
This city [Leipzig] can be so fortunate to find
You, powerful tutelary god of our lindens22—
And, to be sure, not you alone,
[But] also your spouse,23 the sun of this land,
The comfort and joy of your subjects—
In its [Leipzig’s] bosom [of good fortune]. 24
How, among so much wellbeing
Is Pindus25 [Leipzig] not supposed to regard itself as pleased and fortunate!
Heaven, in defiance of envy
Under such divine protection,
Let the welfare of our times
Spread itself in many thousand branches."
}
]
},
{
"mvt_num": "9",
"mvt_text_type": "poetry",
"mvt_texts": [
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "Stifter der Reiche, Beherrscher der Kronen,\nBaue den Thron, den Augustus besitzt.\nZiere sein Haus\nMit unvergänglichem Wohlergehn aus,\nLass uns die Länder in Friede bewohnen,\nDie er mit Recht und mit Gnade beschützt.",
"text_html": "Stifter der Reiche, Beherrscher26 der Kronen,
Baue den Thron, den Augustus besitzt.
Ziere sein Haus
Mit unvergänglichem Wohlergehn aus,
Lass uns die Länder in Friede bewohnen,
Die er mit Recht und mit Gnade beschützt."
},
{
"text_language": "de",
"text_plain": "[God,] founder of realms, Lord and Master of crowns,\nBuild up the throne that August occupies.\nAdorn his dynasty\nWith imperishable wellbeing,\nLet us live in peace, the lands\nThat he protects with justice and with mercy.",
"text_html": "[God,] founder of realms, Lord and Master of crowns,
Build up the throne27 that August occupies.
Adorn his dynasty
With imperishable wellbeing,
Let us live in peace, the lands
That he protects with justice and with mercy.28"
}
]
}
],
"notes": [
{
"note_num": 0,
"note_text_plain": "GENERAL NOTE. This cantata was assembled and performed in great haste on the occasion of a surprise visit to Leipzig in 1734 by the Saxon Elector Friedrich August II (ruled 1733–63), to whom the words of the cantata are addressed. The visit coincided with the first anniversary of his election as King of Poland, where he reigned as August III. The “election” was made possible by a military victory, part of the War of Polish Succession.",
"note_text_html": "GENERAL NOTE. This cantata was assembled and performed in great haste on the occasion of a surprise visit to Leipzig in 1734 by the Saxon Elector Friedrich August II (ruled 1733–63), to whom the words of the cantata are addressed. The visit coincided with the first anniversary of his election as King of Poland, where he reigned as August III. The “election” was made possible by a military victory, part of the War of Polish Succession."
},
{
"note_num": 1,
"note_text_plain": "Kissing the sovereign’s hand was a sign of fealty; the description of the event at which this cantata was performed says that four Leipzig counts were permitted to kiss Friedrich August’s hand.",
"note_text_html": "Kissing the sovereign’s hand was a sign of fealty; the description of the event at which this cantata was performed says that four Leipzig counts were permitted to kiss Friedrich August’s hand."
},
{
"note_num": 2,
"note_text_plain": "Friedrich August II’s father Friedrich August I (ruled 1694–1733), who was King of Poland as August II. “Des grossen Vaters Bild” (literally, “the great father’s image”) does not mean “our great [God the] Father’s image”; see also line 4 of movement 4.",
"note_text_html": "Friedrich August II’s father Friedrich August I (ruled 1694–1733), who was King of Poland as August II. “Des grossen Vaters Bild” (literally, “the great father’s image”) does not mean “our great [God the] Father’s image”; see also line 4 of movement 4."
},
{
"note_num": 3,
"note_text_plain": "“Die Macht der Sterblichkeit” (literally, “the power of mortality”) refers not to “the power of the condition of being mortal or subject to death,” but to “the power of mortals collectively, humankind”; i.e., here, “der Sterblichkeit,” employed for its rhyme with “Zeit,” is a synonym for “der Sterblichen.”",
"note_text_html": "“Die Macht der Sterblichkeit” (literally, “the power of mortality”) refers not to “the power of the condition of being mortal or subject to death,” but to “the power of mortals collectively, humankind”; i.e., here, “der Sterblichkeit,” employed for its rhyme with “Zeit,” is a synonym for “der Sterblichen.”"
},
{
"note_num": 4,
"note_text_plain": "Reference to “the golden age” is presumably meant to link August of Saxony with Augustus, the first Roman emperor.",
"note_text_html": "Reference to “the golden age” is presumably meant to link August of Saxony with Augustus, the first Roman emperor."
},
{
"note_num": 5,
"note_text_plain": "Sarmatia was a Roman name for a region of eastern Europe, here applied poetically to Poland.",
"note_text_html": "Sarmatia was a Roman name for a region of eastern Europe, here applied poetically to Poland."
},
{
"note_num": 6,
"note_text_plain": "The house of Piast was the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland (from the tenth to fourteenth centuries).",
"note_text_html": "The house of Piast was the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland (from the tenth to fourteenth centuries)."
},
{
"note_num": 7,
"note_text_plain": "See n. 2.",
"note_text_html": "See n. 2."
},
{
"note_num": 8,
"note_text_plain": "The convoluted sentiment of this and the next line, apparently, is that others are more envious of Augusts’s might than of his prosperity, thus causing them, unfortunately, to go to war.",
"note_text_html": "The convoluted sentiment of this and the next line, apparently, is that others are more envious of Augusts’s might than of his prosperity, thus causing them, unfortunately, to go to war."
},
{
"note_num": 9,
"note_text_plain": "“Gold der Kronen” is here apparently employed in place of the standard technical term “Kronengold,” to accommodate a rhyme with “schonen.” There were many different kinds of gold in the Germany of Bach’s day, and two main ones were “Kronengold,” which was gold of the required purity—namely, 18 carat gold, alloyed with 6 carats of silver or copper, or both—for minting coins called “Kronen” (“crowns”); the other kind was “Ducatengold.”",
"note_text_html": "“Gold der Kronen” is here apparently employed in place of the standard technical term “Kronengold,” to accommodate a rhyme with “schonen.” There were many different kinds of gold in the Germany of Bach’s day, and two main ones were “Kronengold,” which was gold of the required purity—namely, 18 carat gold, alloyed with 6 carats of silver or copper, or both—for minting coins called “Kronen” (“crowns”); the other kind was “Ducatengold.” "
},
{
"note_num": 10,
"note_text_plain": "The printed libretto booklet made available to Bach’s original audience here reads “Dich, und nicht Augustum trifft” (“Strikes you, and not August”). The reading in the poet’s manuscript that Bach worked from is likewise “Dich und nicht Augustum trifft” (i.e., without the comma), but at this point there is notated, apparently in Bach’s handwriting, a change in wording to “Dich mehr als Augustum trifft” (“Strikes you more than August”). Bach’s own score and performing part give only this latter reading.",
"note_text_html": "The printed libretto booklet made available to Bach’s original audience here reads “Dich, und nicht Augustum trifft” (“Strikes you, and not August”). The reading in the poet’s manuscript that Bach worked from is likewise “Dich und nicht Augustum trifft” (i.e., without the comma), but at this point there is notated, apparently in Bach’s handwriting, a change in wording to “Dich mehr als Augustum trifft” (“Strikes you more than August”). Bach’s own score and performing part give only this latter reading."
},
{
"note_num": 11,
"note_text_plain": "“Eingeweide” is usually used in connection with animals, to refer to their “entrails”; but the word’s use in connection with people usually refers to the “gut” as the seat not of appetite but of emotion (as in the expression “gut feeling” in English), or to the “innermost parts,” or “innermost being.”",
"note_text_html": "“Eingeweide” is usually used in connection with animals, to refer to their “entrails”; but the word’s use in connection with people usually refers to the “gut” as the seat not of appetite but of emotion (as in the expression “gut feeling” in English), or to the “innermost parts,” or “innermost being.”"
},
{
"note_num": 12,
"note_text_plain": "Probably an ironic echo of Psalm 26:6, which in the Luther Bibles of Bach’s day reads “Ich wasche meine Hände mit Unschuld” (“I will wash my hands in [a state of] innocence”). Compare also the English expression “to wash one’s spears [in blood].”",
"note_text_html": "Probably an ironic echo of Psalm 26:6, which in the Luther Bibles of Bach’s day reads “Ich wasche meine Hände mit Unschuld” (“I will wash my hands in [a state of] innocence”). Compare also the English expression “to wash one’s spears [in blood].”"
},
{
"note_num": 13,
"note_text_plain": "The language here is ambiguous. The antecedent of “seine” (“his”/“its”) is most probably “August,” but grammatically at least, it could otherwise be either “Gott” (yielding the sense: “by God’s choice of king”) or “Norden” (yielding: “by its choice of king”). It is also not entirely clear whether this line means that the North is contented with the choice/election of August as king, or that the North can be contented in general on account of August’s having been chosen/elected as king.",
"note_text_html": "The language here is ambiguous. The antecedent of “seine” (“his”/“its”) is most probably “August,” but grammatically at least, it could otherwise be either “Gott” (yielding the sense: “by God’s choice of king”) or “Norden” (yielding: “by its choice of king”). It is also not entirely clear whether this line means that the North is contented with the choice/election of August as king, or that the North can be contented in general on account of August’s having been chosen/elected as king."
},
{
"note_num": 14,
"note_text_plain": "The mouth of the Vistula river, which runs through Poland, is at the Baltic Sea at Gdańsk. “That city” (then called Danzig) was the site of Friedrich August’s decisive military victory in 1734 that gave him the Polish crown.",
"note_text_html": "The mouth of the Vistula river, which runs through Poland, is at the Baltic Sea at Gdańsk. “That city” (then called Danzig) was the site of Friedrich August’s decisive military victory in 1734 that gave him the Polish crown."
},
{
"note_num": 15,
"note_text_plain": "See fn. 14, above.",
"note_text_html": "See fn. 14, above."
},
{
"note_num": 16,
"note_text_plain": "“Eigentum” (“property”) is being used here in its senses of “Eigenschaft” (a characteristic quality/trait of a person) or “Eigenheit” (a peculiarity of a person).",
"note_text_html": "“Eigentum” (“property”) is being used here in its senses of “Eigenschaft” (a characteristic quality/trait of a person) or “Eigenheit” (a peculiarity of a person)."
},
{
"note_num": 17,
"note_text_plain": "The printed libretto made available to Bach’s original audience gives this same reading. The poet’s handwritten libretto gave “Die doch in Welschland schon gedämpfet worden” (“Which, however, was already subdued in Italy,” where campaigns were fought), and this is changed, apparently in Bach’s handwriting, to “Die doch so vielmal schon gedämpfet worden” (“Which, however, has already been subdued so many times”).",
"note_text_html": "The printed libretto made available to Bach’s original audience gives this same reading. The poet’s handwritten libretto gave “Die doch in Welschland schon gedämpfet worden” (“Which, however, was already subdued in Italy,” where campaigns were fought), and this is changed, apparently in Bach’s handwriting, to “Die doch so vielmal schon gedämpfet worden” (“Which, however, has already been subdued so many times”)."
},
{
"note_num": 18,
"note_text_plain": "The “Musenschar” is used as a metaphor for Bach’s own ensemble, which is apparently able to perform in a peaceful, innocent, protected atmosphere in Leipzig (see fn. 19, below).",
"note_text_html": "The “Musenschar” is used as a metaphor for Bach’s own ensemble, which is apparently able to perform in a peaceful, innocent, protected atmosphere in Leipzig (see fn. 19, below)."
},
{
"note_num": 19,
"note_text_plain": "It is not totally clear whether the line “In ihrer unschuldvollen Ruh” refers to the “Musenschar” or to “Sarmatien.” Also unclear is whether “Sarmatien” is plural or singular. Other translators have taken the sense of lines 1–7 to be, “Please allow, O esteemed sovereign, that our band of Muses might be allowed to honor and sing about the day that was so fortunate for you, on which, in the foregoing year, [the] Sarmatians, in their fully guileless/innocent peace [of mind], selected you as king.” If this is about the “band of Muses” (i.e., symbolizing Bach’s performing ensemble), however, the “fully innocent peace [of mind]” would apparently point to the safe atmosphere of Leipzig that has been provided them by virtue of having August as their ruler.",
"note_text_html": "It is not totally clear whether the line “In ihrer unschuldvollen Ruh” refers to the “Musenschar” or to “Sarmatien.” Also unclear is whether “Sarmatien” is plural or singular. Other translators have taken the sense of lines 1–7 to be, “Please allow, O esteemed sovereign, that our band of Muses might be allowed to honor and sing about the day that was so fortunate for you, on which, in the foregoing year, [the] Sarmatians, in their fully guileless/innocent peace [of mind], selected you as king.” If this is about the “band of Muses” (i.e., symbolizing Bach’s performing ensemble), however, the “fully innocent peace [of mind]” would apparently point to the safe atmosphere of Leipzig that has been provided them by virtue of having August as their ruler."
},
{
"note_num": 20,
"note_text_plain": "In context, the perhaps seemingly present-tense plural “Sarmatien dich erlesen” (“[the] Sarmatians select you”) should most likely be understood as past-tense singular “Sarmatien dich erlesen [hat]” (“Sarmatia [has] selected you”); see also fn. 19, above.",
"note_text_html": "In context, the perhaps seemingly present-tense plural “Sarmatien dich erlesen” (“[the] Sarmatians select you”) should most likely be understood as past-tense singular “Sarmatien dich erlesen [hat]” (“Sarmatia [has] selected you”); see also fn. 19, above."
},
{
"note_num": 21,
"note_text_plain": "The War of Polish Succession drew in all of Europe; this line refers to France’s attacks on the Hapsburg Empire, of which Saxony was a part.",
"note_text_html": "The War of Polish Succession drew in all of Europe; this line refers to France’s attacks on the Hapsburg Empire, of which Saxony was a part."
},
{
"note_num": 22,
"note_text_plain": "Linden trees were the symbol of Leipzig, whose name originates in a word meaning “place where lindens grow.”",
"note_text_html": "Linden trees were the symbol of Leipzig, whose name originates in a word meaning “place where lindens grow.”"
},
{
"note_num": 23,
"note_text_plain": "Electress Maria Josepha, the daughter of Hapsburg Emperor Joseph I.",
"note_text_html": "Electress Maria Josepha, the daughter of Hapsburg Emperor Joseph I."
},
{
"note_num": 24,
"note_text_plain": "This line apparently implies the stock phrase “Schoss des Glückes” (“bosom of good fortune”).",
"note_text_html": "This line apparently implies the stock phrase “Schoss des Glückes” (“bosom of good fortune”)."
},
{
"note_num": 25,
"note_text_plain": "One of three mountains where the Muses lived. Here “Pindus” (like the “lindens” several lines earlier) symbolizes Leipzig.",
"note_text_html": "One of three mountains where the Muses lived. Here “Pindus” (like the “lindens” several lines earlier) symbolizes Leipzig."
},
{
"note_num": 26,
"note_text_plain": "The printed libretto booklet made available to Bach’s original audience gives this same reading. The poet’s handwritten libretto gave “Beschützer der Kronen” (“protector of crowns”), and this is changed, apparently in Bach’s handwriting, to “Beherrscher der Kronen” (“Lord and Master of crowns”).",
"note_text_html": "The printed libretto booklet made available to Bach’s original audience gives this same reading. The poet’s handwritten libretto gave “Beschützer der Kronen” (“protector of crowns”), and this is changed, apparently in Bach’s handwriting, to “Beherrscher der Kronen” (“Lord and Master of crowns”)."
},
{
"note_num": 27,
"note_text_plain": "Alluding to Psalm 89:5, which in the Luther Bibles of Bach’s day reads “Ich will . . . deinen Stuhl bauen für und für” (“I [God] will, ever and ever, build up your throne”).",
"note_text_html": "Alluding to Psalm 89:5, which in the Luther Bibles of Bach’s day reads “Ich will . . . deinen Stuhl bauen für und für” (“I [God] will, ever and ever, build up your throne”)."
},
{
"note_num": 28,
"note_text_plain": "Alluding to Psalm 101:1, “Von Gnade und Recht will ich singen und dir, HERR, lobsagen” (“Of mercy and justice will I [King David] sing, and to you, LORD, speak praise”). August is thus being likened to King David of ancient Israel; see also fn. 4, above, where he is likened to Emperor Augustus of ancient Rome.",
"note_text_html": "Alluding to Psalm 101:1, “Von Gnade und Recht will ich singen und dir, HERR, lobsagen” (“Of mercy and justice will I [King David] sing, and to you, LORD, speak praise”). August is thus being likened to King David of ancient Israel; see also fn. 4, above, where he is likened to Emperor Augustus of ancient Rome."
}
]
}