Cantata 140: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme

The cantata BWV 140, “Wachet auf!” (often translated as “Sleepers Awake!”) contains one of Bach’s most popular melodies. Timed for the last Sunday in the church calendar, the cantata would have been heard just before Advent. Listeners today mainly know the beautiful fourth movement. Tonight, we hear the stately first movement, which starts with a dotted-rhythm introduction prior to the vocal entrances. Bach then brings in the sustained chorale melody in the soprano above active lower parts. Verses of the text are broken up by instrumental ritornellos, and for the Alleluia he briefly changes from chordal texture to fugal imitation.


TEXT for Bach Chorus, “Wachet auf!”


Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Der Wächter sehr hoch auf der Zinne,
Wach auf, du Stadt Jerusalem!
Mitternacht heißt diese Stunde;
Sie rufen uns mit hellem Munde:
Wo seid ihr klugen Jungfrauen?
Wohl auf, der Bräutgam kömmt;
Steht auf, die Lampen nehmt! Alleluja!
Macht euch bereit zu der Hochzeit,
Ihr müsset ihm entgegen gehn!
Wake, arise, the voices call us
Of watchmen from the lofty tower;
Arise, thou town Jerusalem!
Midnight’s hour doth give its summons;
They call to us with ringing voices;
Where are ye prudent virgins now?
Make haste, the bridegroom comes;
Rise up and take your lamps! Alleluia!
Prepare to join the wedding feast,
Go forth to meet him as he comes!

(c) Jason Stell