Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, Krebs-WV 712

Today is Advent Sunday - the first day of the beginning of the new Church Year.

Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713 – 1780) was a Baroque musician and composer. He was born in Buttelstedt to Johann Tobias Krebs, a well-known organist. J. Tobias had at least three sons who were considered musically talented, and J. Ludwig was sent to Leipzig to study organ, lute, and the violin.

He was privileged enough to be taught by Johann Sebastian Bach on the organ. Bach (who had also instructed J. Ludwig's father) held Krebs in high standing. From a technical standpoint, Krebs was unrivaled next to Bach in his organ proficiency. However, it was quite difficult for Krebs to obtain a patron or a post at any cathedral. This can be attributed to the fact that by this time the Baroque tradition was being left behind in favor of the new galant music style. This point in time also marked the transition to the classical music era, with composers such as Bach's son, C.P.E. Bach.

He took a small post in Zwickau, and later in 1755 (five years after the death of Bach, which is normally referred to as the end of the Baroque period) he was appointed court organist of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg under Prince Friedrich. Krebs was so desperate at the time that he did not work for money but instead for food to feed his family (including seven children). Despite never holding a significant post, never being a court composer, and never being commissioned for a work, Krebs was able to compose quite a significant collection of works, though few were published until the 1900s.

"Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" was originally written for solo trumpet with organ accompaniment. This fine arrangement was done by Ian Fantom in 2013.

This great chorale was composed (words and music) by Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608). Catherine Winkworth's translation is given below in the First Comment.

The score is attached below, as well as what appears to be a woodcut of Krebs, as well as a likeness of Philipp Nicolai.