Das alte Jahr vergangen ist (Choralfuge)

The tune is the one used in the current Gesangbuch, not the one known to Bach, which is no longer used, as far as I know. The first phrase is however identical. It is Zahn number 381b, and the one Bach used – and lots of other composers set it too, through the 19th century – is Zahn 381c.

(written 1./11. Jan. 2019)

Text: Nürnberg 1568
Melodie: Johann Steuerlein 1588,
Melchior Vulpius 1609,
WC.Briegel 1687

Das alte Jahr vergangen ist,
Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ,
Daß du uns hast in aller G'fahr
So gnädiglich behüt't dies Jahr.

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(Here is my literal English translation)

The old year is passed,
We thank thee, Lord Jesus Christ,
That Thou hast from all danger,
So mercifully protected us this year.