Tunder: Ach Herr, laß deine lieben Engelein - Scholl.

High resolution and stereo sound: www.youtube.com/watch Ach Herr, laß deine lieben Engelein cantata for soprano, four viols and basso continuo Text: Martin Schalling (written c.1567, published in "Kurtze und sonderliche Newe Symbola", Nuremberg, 1571, as the 3rd verse of the hymn "Herzlich lieb hab ich dich, o Herr") Music: Franz Tunder (composed c.1650, published in 1664) In this recording: Andreas Scholl, countertenor Concerto di Viole Basel Consort Recorded in October 1997 "... Tunder's Ach Herr, laß deine lieben Engelein [O lord, let Thy dear angels] - a text which is widely known from the closing chorale of Bach's St. John Passion [...] is the third verse of Martin Schalling's 1571 hymn 'Herzlich lieb hab ich dich, o Herr' [Great is my love for Thee, o Lord]; the chorale melody usually associated with it is completely missing here, however. Instead, Tunder, like his son-in-law Buxtehude some years later in O Gottes Stadt, has written a concertante aria on the text. After a 'speaking' sinfonia, the soprano sings the first half of the text in continuous dialogue with the strings; the last line, 'ruhen bis am jüngsten Tage' [to rest until the final day] is then illustrated in a static instrumental interlude. The change of affect afterwards, with 'Alsdenn vom Tode erwecke mich... in ewiger Freud' [so then Thou shalt awaken me from death... in eternal joy], in rapid triple time, could not be greater." - Pieter Dirksen (translation: David Shapero) "The initial chorale melody does not appear except as a fleeting point of reference. Its opening is akin to a sinfonia, and the motives in the extended opening are carried over into the singer's entrance, which is a sort of brief and compelling arioso. This carries over into a melody of regular rhythm, leading into a second section beginning with another sinfonia, and so on. The variety is continuous, with the sparest materials, so that a simple change in rhythmic impetus or in the accompaniment begins in a new register, the music is constantly refreshed. There is nothing merely decorative in this eight-minute work, but there is so much variety in approaches, blends, and contrasts, that makes for a rich and rewarding listen. The libretto is by Martin Schalling, from 1571, and it is likewise poised, demure but passionate, and the collective effect is enduringly emotional." - All Music Guide Ach Herr, laß deine lieben Engelein am letzten Ende die Seele mein in Abrahams Schoß tragen, den Leib in seinem Schlafkämmerlein gar sanft ohn einige Qual und Pein ruhen bis an jüngsten Tag. Alsdann vom Tod erwecke mich, daß meine Augen sehen dich in ewige Freude, o Gottes Sohn, mein Heiland und Genadenthron. Herr Jesu Christ, erhöre mich, ich will dich preisen ewiglich. Amen. Translation (by Francis Browne): Ah Lord, let your dear angels at my last end carry my soul to Abraham's bosom, while my body in its narrow chamber of sleep gently without pain and torment rests until the …