Nun komm der heiden Heiland (BWV 599)

To start this series through the 45 chorale preludes in Bach's Orgelbuchlein, I am using the 1832 Van Dam organ (3 manuals, 29 ranks) from the Dutch town of Tholen, recorded by Voxus Organs.

BW: Viool de Gambe 8, Viola 4, Speelfluit 2, Dulciaan 8

HW: Praestant 8, Holpyp 8, Octaaf 4, Quint 3, Octaaf 2

RW: Praestant 8, Octaaf 4, Fluit D'Amour 4, Nazart 3, Octaaf 2

PED: Subbas 16, Praestant 8, Gedakt 8, Octaaf 4, Bazuin 16

RW to HW, BW to HW, BW to Ped

The beautiful and pensive advent chorale "Come Now, Savior of the Heathen" was set for organ by Bach as the first piece in his Orgelbuchlein collection. It follows the chorale melody closely, creating a sober atmosphere in which to reflect on the coming of Jesus, and our need to be ready to stand before Him.

The chorale text deals with the first advent of Christ, especially his miraculous incarnation as God became a human being.

1. Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,
Der Jungfrauen Kind erkannt!
Dass sich wundre alle Welt,
Gott solch' Geburt ihm bestellt.

[Now come, Saviour of the lost people,
revealed as the child of the Virgin.
All the world is amazed that
God ordained such a birth for him.]

2. Nicht von Mann's Blut noch von Fleisch,
Allein von dem Heil'gen Geist
Ist Gott's Wort worden ein Mensch
Und blüht ein' Frucht Weibesfleisch.

[Not from human flesh and blood,
but by the Holy Spirit alone
has God’s Word became man
and flourishes as the fruit of a woman’s body.]

3. Der Jungfrau Leib schwanger ward,
Doch blieb Keuschheit rein bewahrt,
Leucht't hervor manch' Tugend schön,
Gott da war in seinem Thron.

[The virgin’s body was pregnant,
but her chastity remained pure,
From it beautiful virtues shown;
there God was on his throne.]

6. Der du bist dem Vater gleich,
Führ' hinaus den Sieg im Fleisch,
Dass dein' ew'ge Gott'sgewalt
In uns das krank' Fleisch erhalt'.

[You who are equal to the Father,
be victorious in the flesh
so that your eternal divine power
may support our weak flesh.]