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Subject Area: Music
Subject Area: Religion

Christe, du Lamm Gottes. - Johann Sebastian Bach, Bach’s Chorals, vol. 3 The Hymns and Hymn Melodies of the Organ Works [1921]

Edition used:

Bach’s Chorals. Part III: The Hymns and Hymn Melodies of the Organ Works, by Charles Sanford Terry (Cambridge University Press, 1915-1921). 3 vols. Vol. 3.

Part of: Bach’s Chorals, 3 vols.

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Christe, du Lamm Gottes.

lf1393-03_figure_017

Melody:Christe, du Lamm Gottes

Anon. 1557

    • i.

      Christ, Thou Lamb of God,
    • Thou that bear’st the sins of men,
    • Have mercy on us!
    • ii.

      Christ, Thou Lamb of God,
    • Thou that bear’st the sins of men,
    • Have mercy on us!
    • iii.

      Christ, Thou Lamb of God,
    • Thou that bear’st the sins of men,
    • Grant to us Thy peace!
    • “Agnus Dei”     Tr. C. S. T.

The melody, “Christe, du Lamm Gottes,” is among those which the reformed Church took over from its predecessor. The hymn is a translation of the “Agnus Dei.” With the melody it appears in a text of 1557. Bach uses it in the Orgelbuchlein; Cantatas 23, 127 (1724-c. 1740); and in the “Kyrie” of the Mass in F. His text follows Witt (No. 103).

[28]

1N. xv. 61. The “Agnus Dei” is a petition to Christ for forgiveness and pity. Bach also sees the Cross, thrice pictured in the three clauses of the hymn, and weaves round it poignant harmonies indicative of Christ’s suffering.

[1 ] The original has three clauses.