Chorale 20 – Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf
Text known to Bach (Weimar 1713):
Herr Gott nun schleuß den Himmel auf/
mein Zeit zum End sich neiget :|:
ich hab vollendet meinen Lauf/
des sich mein Seel sehr freuet:
Hab gnug gelitten/
mich müd gestritten/
schick mich fein zu/
zur ewgen Ruh.
Laß fahren was auf Erden/
will lieber seelig werden.
English
Lord God, now unlock heaven,
my time is drawing to a close;
I have completed my course,
of that my soul rejoices:
I have suffered enough,
am tired with struggling
send me safely
to eternal peace.
Let go him on earth
who would rather be in heaven.
Origination:
Melody: Michael Altenburg (1584-1640)
Text: Tobias Kiel (1584-1627)
Published together: Erfurt 1620 (Johann Röhbock)
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The Print Collection
J S Bach’s setting of this chorale will be part of our printed Volume 1, due for publication in late 2023.
Orgelbüchlein Extended
A selection of alternative and more extended compositions commissioned to complement The Print Collection. These are available for download only. To view available pieces and purchase, click HERE
Orgelbüchlein Community
A selection of compositions submitted from all around the world.
This chorale is yet to be tackled by the Community!
Media
From a sequence of Film-Poems by Kivu Ruhorahoza, Moon Road Films. Played by William Whitehead at the organ of Lincoln’s Inn chapel, London. Recording engineer, Gary Cole.