J.S. Bach - Chorus "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" from Cantata BWV 140

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First movement (chorus) from cantata BWV 140
From the protestant church Trogen in Switzerland
Choir and Orchestra of the J. S. Bach Foundation
Rudolf Lutz - conductor
Johann Sebastian Bach - Cantata BWV 140 Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (Wake, arise, the voices call us)
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Text:
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!

[@donna30044]

To my mind, a small, committed and talented group of musicians and vocalists singing Bach in the right venue sound better than most large orchestras and choruses performing in giant halls. Beautiful.

[@doubledee9675]

Yes - this is the right size for the churches Bach composed for and as a result is well balanced

[@bathospfister8527]

Ook

[@eisejongsma1538]

@@doubledee9675 As Bach wishes. I support. Eise

[@neilwalsh3977]

Bach was playing for the bride and no one else : )

[@mozgren]

Also, on average, about half the age of the audience (where I sit). This is so reassuring.

[@svarthjerte]

I love how the choral blends in with the orchester in perfect harmony. This is by far my favourite version.

[@anniequilichini7649]

tout à fait d'accord; c'est aussi la plus rapide!

[@luciesneep]

Mine too; i listen to this almost every week and that for years and years now.......

[@katherineayers2884]

Same. I save it for when I really need it

[@beateulrich-schwieger9200]

Bach ist zeitlos schön, wir hören ich und alles scheint vergessen, was schmerzte oder Bedeutung hat für Stunden mal nicht präsent. Dies vor allem in einigen Monaten um Weihnachten herum. Ja. Herzlich zur Freude dann wieder aufs Fest Beate Magdalena.

[@luuktorn]

Wunderschön!

[@MultiDudek1]

I can not seem to find the end of the number of compositions written by this genius.the more I search the more I find. A true blessing to us mortals.

[@matthias9377]

+John Dudek Never in musical history was there a greater genius. And (not very surprisingly) he was enormously prolific as well. There are more than 1100 works in the official catalogue, many of them with multiple parts.

[@louisboucher3029]

+Osip P. In music, as in art and literature, one can never say, "Never in ... history was there a greater genius." It's truly subjective and a matter of taste and preference. I know people (and I'm talking about educated and cultivated people) who would say, about Beethoven, "Never in musical history was there a greater genius." And I know some other people who would say the same about Mozart, Handel, Vivaldi or Wagner. But by saying so, they'd just express their taste or preference. Let's say it's a wrong way to express one's preference. One should rather say, "My favorite musician is..." or "My favorite composer is..." That being said, there's not doubt that Bach was a great genius...

[@matthias9377]

+Louis Boucher This is a very complicated point. I certainly appreciate your call to modesty. However, I do not subscribe to the idea that this is a matter of mere taste. Music has its cardinal parts (melody, harmony, rhythm etc.) and others try and sometimes get it right - I am then talking about the great classical composers - but, among them, only Bach always got things right (and did so immediately). So I'd stand by my comment. [Of course, what I just said is by no means, as it stands, a satisfactory account of beauty, art, genius etc. For example, even if one were to accept that there is something that can count as 'getting things right' in music, and were thus to reject certain forms subjectivism and relativism, a further explanation would still be needed as to why it is 'getting things right' that would make someone a genius etc. (whatever exactly that may mean). Another example: there are epistemic questions, questions as to how one can know - even in the face of disagreement - that Bach (in this in this instance) gets things right. But these are surely things for another occasion...]

[@louisboucher3029]

So, according to you, all those who say or believe, for example, that never in musical history was there a greater musician than Beethoven (or Mozart or Handel, etc.) are wrong? And only you and those who share your opinion are right? Excuse me but that’s a rather pretentious claim. Even stating that Bach is the only composer who always gets things right (immediately) is a subjective judgement. I know some people who wouldn’t agree with you about that and who would reply that Mozart, for example, is the only musician who always gets things right… Though I agree that music has its cardinal parts, one must admit it’s not an exact science, and that’s precisely why individuals will have subjective opinions. Anyway what’s the greatest musical genius? For you it’s the one who always gets things right (immediately), and you believe that one is Bach. But there might be some people who wouldn't agree on your conception or understanding of genius and who would say that the greatest genius is the most original, the most unique, the most profound, etc. And I know some educated people who would tell you that Bach’s music is sometimes dull or lacks originality… So, though I respect your comment, I’d stand by mine. No hard feelings!

[@matthias9377]

+Louis Boucher Thanks for your reply! Perhaps to be continued later..

[@KatjaLS]

Die 'Gänsehaut' an meinem Körper während des Hörens und Sehens dieses Videos sagt alles.....!

[@channelterminatedanddead]

Historische Aufführungspraxis wird immer mehr Standard. Das finde ich großartig!

[@georgehotos7223]

Divine Bach at His Best. Every spring of my life starts with this cantata.

[@ishan6241]

This is an excellent interpretation. I don’t believe there is anything better on the internet

[@Bachstiftung]

Thank you!

[@kikivolauvent1]

Nach über 10 Jahren immer noch so frisch wie seit eh und je! Aaaa - sheer bliss. Feel so much better now!

[@DouglasCookMusic]

This work transformed my life when I sang it with mixed Welsh school choirs in 1942 at the age of 12. I can still visualise the chapel where we rehearsed for a broadcast, with sun shining through a window and the utterly unexpected tingle down my spine as our group started to sing the slow Chorale melody. I did not then and have never had a religious faith but Bach is a God.

[@alanwatts9232]

Hi Douglas, I'm glad you enjoy the music of Bach but sad you didn't find his God. I recommend that you read the New Testament from a King James Bible and ask God to prove himself. He will if you ask with a believing heart and an honest mind. Blessings.

[@puresoundreviews8562]

@@alanwatts9232 You can't even hear how condescending you sound, can you Alan? For what it's worth, Douglas, as someone who was raised religiously and read the New Testament plenty of times and spent almost 30 years asking "God to prove himself," I applaud the fact that you found meaning in your life without putting yourself through all that religion BS first. ;) (Assuming, of course, that you did in fact avoid it as Alan presumes.)

[@jinnymudlark1815]

Capella Istropolitana (I think that they are called - Czech) do a beautiful, and like, version, too.

[@willlawrence8756]

John Robinson, Bishop of Woolwich, wrote a "groundbreaking" book, HONEST TO GOD, for which he was nearly defrocked and thrown out of the C of E. He realised that God is THE GROUND OF OUR BEING. Rudolf Steiner , about 60 years previously also came to the same conclusion, as humanity transits from God in the Clouds to God inside us, from 1900 onwards, end of 5,000 years of "darkeness", Kali Yuga. Try reading A SCIENTIST OF THE INVISIBLE by Canon A P Shepherd D D . Great book by a wonderful man. A few second hand on e bay.You won't regret it.

[@evanofelipe]

Hi Douglas, I know that feeling, when at a similar age I too first discovered Bach’s music and was ‘moved’ in a way then beyond my understanding. And ever since have marvelled how I remain so utterly drawn to his music, in all its forms, secular and religious. As a regular Sunday school child I believed what I was told, but as I’ve grown older I became doubtful about the existence of God, yet totally accept JS Bach’s belief in God as the motivation for his compositions and the ‘World of music’ is blessed that he did.

[@sebastiankaldenberg3980]

In essence, this is what we are living for...Bach and emotions

[@katherineayers2884]

Yes

[@CliveBishop]

Absolutely Heavenly - he must have had a direct line.

[@jimlauria6821]

he did, "durch Jesum Christum, Amen"

[@paulmacgilvray8059]

Beautifully performed by an incomparable ensemble. Great to be able to see and hear the use of period instruments combined with a flawless attention to researched performance style. Just brilliant!

[@theresepfister7156]

Jim Lauria Exactly 👏😊 Truly knowing our glorious creator and then use the gift for his glory, what a different world we would live in... BACH said that he made musik for the glory of God and to enjoy the fellow humans! 😇

[@nowkentapplegate5315]

@@jimlauria6821 right on

[@FCSAPsalms]

Of course he did, his motivation as a composer was the glory of God!

[@jeannedjaballah6319]

The energy expressed truly makes the message come alive! The warning to be ready, the King is coming.It is so vital these days with the Covid19 threat. A reminder that we have a God who is alive and has an amazing future planned for his people. Thank you for this precious gift.

[@karinmarterer9116]

Yes, the King will come soon, Maranatha.

[@johntalamona1616]

wie immer aus Trogen: wunderbare und frische Interpretation, und alles so rein! Eine wahre Freude! Mit dem einzigen 'Nachteil': ich kann Backkantaten nur noch mit stehenden Musikern wie hier geniessen, da ist halt viel mehr Bewegung und Mitgehen drin; man sieht es nicht nur, sondern hört es auch.

[@evanofelipe]

If Rudolf had wings he would fly high into the heavens, such is the energy he has for Bach’s music. Shared and enjoyed by his choir and orchestra.

[@MsAllibert]

J.S.Bach, der Komponist der Reformation hinterläßt uns Musik mit Ewigkeitscharakter, Meisterhaft interpretiert von der Bach-Stiftung unter der Leitung von Herrn Lütz. Kostbare Musik! Danke!

[@MarceloSilva-er5gk]

Qué genio por Dios. Que gran legado. Su música es y será maravillosa.

[@hartmutpablogunther-specia4535]

I'm absolutely speechless - what a great interpretation! Temperament and tempo!

[@santiagoesteban4111]

This music transcends anything unimaginable. Pure delight!

[@IvanGreindl]

Herr Lütz and all the Bachstiftung's artists have produced here an exceptional work and amazing performance. To obtain such a self-implication from all, genuinely is a 'tour de force'... How passionate he is!

[@philsthepage]

An outstanding performance of a brilliant composition. Such Joy!

[@grahamnancledra7036]

A shame that we only get to hear the first movement as this performance was beautifully sharp and clear. It was as crisp as walking through fresh overnight snow first thing in the morning, high up in the Swiss Alps. Glorious celebration of Bach's Music.

[@ferdiriordan1]

Words fail me but Danke Herr Lutz und Ensemble Bachstifunkt. Soli Gloria Deo.

[@MicksFlics]

Simply gorgeous and wonderful performance. WOW! Love the tempi and blend of singers and chamber orchestra. Truly an inspired performance. One of best I've heard in a long time and also delight to watch the maestro Lutz and his ensemble. It reminds me of the first time I watched and listened to the awesome performance of the Bach Brandenburg Concerti by the brilliant Freiburg Baroque Orchestra. I had to buy the DVD

[@sfopera]

I'm obsessed with this staggering performance of this great work. Fabulous.

[@philsthepage]

Music such as this cannot fail but to put joy in people's hearts, and I have to say the performance given here is truly wonderful. So uplifting!

[@demeyier]

WAT EEN PERFECTE UITVOERING! BACH ZOU ER VAN GENOTEN HEBBEN. JE KOMT IN HOGER SFEREN. WAT EEN PAREL IN DE MUZIEKWERELD IS TOCH DIE JOHAN SEBASTIAAN!

[@dowunda]

This one even includes the greatest Hallelujah Chorus to beat all Hallelujah Choruses! This is one of my many "favorite" cantatas!

[@ianinnes3697]

The entry of the 'allellulia' at 4:02 is sublime

[@ambrosiusaustriacus]

Very good recording. We terribly miss the organ-player who died some years ago in an accident.

[@jonathan78054]

Fantastic! The text means "Wake up!" It's really worth waking up to at this tempo. To play it in the old style slow tempo is to go against the text. I love this performance.

[@klausrabo4663]

Ich hoffe sehr das man diese wunderbare Musik auch noch im nächsten Jahrtausend zu hören bekommt.

[@Schleiermacher1000]

Zumindest in China, Japan und Russland

[@annettewilde440]

@@Schleiermacher1000 ...oh, ich sehe das nicht so schwarz. Denn trotz allem, was uns das weltliche Leben so bescheren mag, ist mein Vertrauen in Gottes - letztendliche! - K o m p e t e n z, fest und sicher... ;)

[@Schleiermacher1000]

@@annettewilde440 danke, sie stärken mich - wirklich.

[@voxpopulivoxdei1155]

Martin Brunnemann ...und Süd-Korea...;)

[@klausmanneck9053]

Ich befürchte das Schlimmste und hoffe auf das Beste. Diese wunderbare christliche Musik darf nicht untergehen in dem zu erwartenden Chaos.

[@02sanja]

Was für eine Komposition! Genial! Bach wäre heute Millionär!

[@Pallie25]

I can't imagine what Bach would do with today's sounds and technology. He's simply unbelievable.

[@Pallie25]

And hats off to these outstanding performers. Sounds fantastic folks!!

[@enemanozzle]

Dies ist eine vorzügliche Interpretation, jedoch geht es immer darum, wie diese Art von Musik - hier J. S. Bach - auf die nächsten Generationen übergeht. Morgen werden wir diese Kantate hier in der Kantorei zusammen mit etwa 40 Kindern bzw. Jugendlichen des Kinderchores und des Jugendchores im Rahmen eines Gottesdienstes aufführen. Es ist ganz erstaunlich, in welcher Weise sich auch heutzutage Kinder und Jugendliche von dieser Art von Musik begeistern lassen.

[@hcikfs]

Magnificent! I am in tears, tears of utter wonder and joy...!!!

[@jeanclauderemy1358]

Alice Claire Mansfield like me!

[@rmkirk9038]

Alice Claire Mansfield o

[@SenwosretIII]

Indeed. Bach is the Lord's instrument to express pure joy.

[@eskatee]

Bin ich froh, daß es da der Lutz, der Hummler und der Graf ist! Eine wunderschöne Arbeit, herzlichen Dank!

[@snabelone]

Thanks for sharing! Really appreciate the energy of the Conductor! 🙏🏻 Så vackert! 🙏🏻

[@ilovechrist9780]

Är du svensk?

[@ilovechrist9780]

Så älskade Gud världen att han utgav sin enfödde Son, för att var och en som tror på honom inte ska gå förlorad utan ha evigt liv. -Johannesevangeliet 3:16 SFB 15 översättning tror jag ❤️

[@marcoboer8104]

Bach! Perfection.

[@Kilian1932]

Auch dieser Kantatensatz zeigt auf beeindruckende Weise das von keinem anderen Komponisten jemals erreichte hohe artifizielle Niveau der Bachschen Choralbearbeitungen. Nicht zuletzt durch die vorliegende - in Besetzung und Interpretation sowie aufnahmetechnisch mustergültige - Aufnahme wird dies besonders offenkundig. Danke!

[@spatialrealms]

Absolute bliss.

[@arvstephenson1107]

Excellent performance.

[@snabelone]

So very..... very out of words.. beautifully performed... 🙏🏻

[@Hankenuell]

"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? Wohlauf, der Bräutgam kommt, steht auf, die Lampen nehmt. Halleluja. Macht euch bereit zu der Hochzeit, ihr müsset ihm entgegengehn.“

[@onavich61]

I'm a newcomer to the artistry of Bachstiftung, but I must say that I am in TOTAL HEAVEN!

[@bpowell875]

The unparalleled works of Bach are like an endless angelic cry to the Earth.

[@nrmlneandrthl]

0:35 - 2:05 excellency

[@thebossbaby2866]

true

[@horbana579]

this guy

[@Jitland1]

delicious

[@satisfiedshibe9989]

hyep yes

[@Bloxidus]

thanks g

[@wakefulday]

There is infinite longing and guidance in this cantata. Thank you, I feel uplifted.

[@joansutton]

Wonderful. What a treasure this group is.

[@pippick1946]

Their new recording of the St. Matthew Passion is, as Carlos comments, FANTASTICO !!!

[@MrYuryZ]

Wow! My favorite composer! Bach's music is a true gift from Heaven! Thank you for your beautiful performance! May God bless you and your loved ones!

[@johnmceldowney4093]

Love it. Now as much as I did a year ago. Total artistry, and more original instruments which are not that easy to get hold of or play once you get them. Just Great!

[@pagelbel]

Hihi... also, die Art des Dirigierens hat ja etwas von Piet Klocke - aber ganz ehrlich: Eine grandiose Interpretation! Ich sitze hier weinselig am Rechner und lausche und bin hingerissen. Tempo klasse, sauberes Vocalensemble, feinfühlige Instrumentalisten und angemessene Tempi- und Lautstärkewechsel. Mein Gott, was gäb ich für mehr solcher famoser Aufführungen... Danke!

[@andreas121958]

Das ist wirklich kaum zu toppen. Einfach göttlich. Und wir werden mit unserem Kirchenchor die Kantate bei unserem Adventskonzert auch aufführen. Da freu ich mich echt darauf.

[@saintleger858]

Magnifique ! Merci monsieur Bach , Danke, Gratias, Grazie!

[@karstensturm4198]

Immer wieder schön zu hören. Wunderbar, wie einzelne Stimmen aus dem gemeinsamen Spiel hervorlugen und sich dann wieder in den Rhythmus einreihen. Bach wird sich auf seinem Wölkchen freuen. Danke schön aus Hannover. :-)

[@mohammedfrancis]

The sounds they make beautify and ennoble these musicians and singers beyond description.

[@ArjenMeurs]

Herrlich, wunderschönes Ausblick über Alles, ich bin wirklich wache!

[@user-ul1oz3zy2k]

こうしてバッハのカンタータがいつでも聴ける幸せを嬉しく思います。アップを有難うございます。

[@THyperon]

So nice to see and hear the rare Oboe da caccia!

[@danielgrinneiser9930]

Admirable!!!!

[@onetaste629]

So beautiful. A breath of fresh air for us lockdown stranded Bachofiles!

[@jmdujardin]

toujours un grand bonheur, d'écouter ces cantates de JS...Merci !

[@alainraymond3651]

I completely agree, Bach is the master like a great mathematician

[@susanrumens3556]

The correlation between music and maths is well known......

[@frunomaol5069]

I love this Cantata. Bach is the Best. Thanks to the choir and musicians and conductor.

[@juergenlabs]

eine wunderschöne Bach Kantate.

[@rev.stephena.cakouros948]

Fabulous

[@Tubatoofpaste]

Thank you for all the beautiful performances of marvellous music which you have uploaded for us to enjoy.

[@BoulderMamacita]

GORGEOUS!!! Always love these performances from a part of the world where art is absolutely at it's highest. Love the placement of the horn!!!!

[@TH-gg3cs]

Title: Cantata 140, Awake, a Voice Calls to Us, Movement I: (Chorale & Chorus) Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach. Era: Baroque

[@bucktones]

Thank you, all, for what you are doing. Much love and best wishes for your continued magnificent achievements!

[@Jenairaslebol27merde]

falls es nicht schon längst der fall ist ... diese musik gehört einfach ins weltkulturerbe! :)

[@Draenix572]

I must have played this KZbin post a hundred times... Time to buy the DVD.

[@j.s.bachfoundationst.galle5835]

What a honour!

[@gtnsteve1]

time to join a choir and sing it!!

[@WWR38]

Wow, what a thrilling sound. Outstanding music by Bach performed by Rudolf Lutz .

[@LarrySellsBatonRouge]

Awesome! I can't stop listening! Congratulations to everyone involved!

[@dannyevans89]

The most beautiful opening bars! Bach! Bach! What else one could say! Bach speaks! No composer felt God more than Bach did!

[@ZeldaGlitterKitty]

Absolutely LOVE this. The same kind of brisk, joyful quality I want from the start of the Christmas Oratorio. Far too often Bach gets stuck between heavy, slow & ponderous; or galloping, frilly & tinkly, without much in-between. And then some pieces, like this and Oratorio, demand to be attacked and shaken by the scruff of the neck. Some versions I've heard of "Wachet" are SO slow, I'm like "the piece is called WAKE UP!!" for a reason, we want to be shaken, not stupefied! GREAT JOB!

[@AureaVicentaGonzalezMartinez]

Marzo 31, 2021 🤗😘👏 336 Años 😀 Gracias. Thanks.

[@d.g.2306]

Wunderbare Aufnahme...

[@MusicAndArt01]

Lindo!!!

[@itamar527]

Magnifique

[@odettefrancois6566]

Bach es el padre de la música, sus obras sublimes llegan al alma, saludos desde Chile🎼🎶

[@dandews482]

The audio of this wonderful performance can be downloaded from Amazon as an mp3. It is Vol 6 of Bachstiftung's CD releases and includes cantatas 140, 57 and 73, all superb listening.

[@SuperNorman68]

Wonderful. Simply wonderful.

[@mohammedfrancis]

Still after 2 years?

[@koyunbaba73]

Finally a performance of this that is lively and joyful.

[@LucianoCaetanod2]

Outstanding!!! Perfect sound Bach a genius of Baroque era and beyond...

[@luisrobertotrench5722]

Magnificent Music.

[@DoktorThomas1956]

Hervorragend!

[@jasjjb]

Just super quality as always by Bachstiftung ... Many thanks to all performers !

[@ajhiflyer]

The 'allelujah' section of this chorus never fails to impress me. I can't help but wonder what the congregation of Bach's day made of it, if they even noticed!

[@rjwusher]

The first tenor lines of the 'allelujah' are like a beam of light shining through a cloud filled sky. That I find the beauty of Bach. Never lazy. In every cantata there is a little gem 'hidden' for the keen listener. Surely there must have been some Leipzig congregates alert?

[@deltapapa3418]

Merci pour vos concerts !!! 🇫🇷❤️

[@aninhacrlq]

Só agradecimentos por este trabalho magnífico! Que sensação maravilhosa ouvi-los.. Gratidão!

[@margaretbartram6898]

Wunderbar

[@josephhernandh9938]

Obra maestra. Por dios tan hermosa obra como todas las obras de este gran genio. J.S.Bach y F. Chopin mis dos favoritos. Gloria y honra para Dios Padre

[@NannyNoot]

4:01- 4:40 My Fav Part Singing With the Choir as an Alto

[@Alicia2797D]

There we are! ❤

[@dkbvi]

Wunderbare Aufführung (wie immer), danke!

[@RichardMichael123]

If ever an ensemble and choir hit the perfect Bach groove this is it!

[@mariesabineclemencon]

🙏🏻🎶💖👌🏻 Quelle SUBLIME cantate ❤️ tempi magnifiques acoustique.. instruments ... ligne.. ❤️

[@giannirenda4569]

Memorabile Performance !!!!!!

[@carloslopezluna]

FANTASTICO!!!

[@felixazpillaga4819]

Qué gozada de interpretación. Bach estaría encantado con el rendimiento de este coro y orquesta.