Christ lag in Todesbanden (BWV 4)

Christ Lay in the Bonds of Death

Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750)

Occasion:
Proper of Time → The Sacred Paschal Triduum → Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord → The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night
Proper of Time → The Sacred Paschal Triduum → Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord → At the Mass during the Day
Proper of Time → Easter Season → General Easter Season

Publication Information:
Carus — CV 31.004/05 (1981, 1995)
  Vocal Parts
Carus — CV 31.004/03 (1981, 1995)
  Vocal Score (piano reduction and voice parts)
Carus — CV 31.004/01 (1981, 1995)
  Full Score

Duration: Complete cantata 20:00
Lyrics: Verse I: Christ lag in Todes Banden für unsre Sünd gegeben, er ist wieder erstanden und hat uns bracht das Leben. Des wir sollen fröhlich sein, Gott loben und ihm dankbar sein und singen halleluja. Halleluja, halleluja. Verse IV: Es war ein wunderlicher Krieg, da Tod und Leben rungen; das Leben behielt den Sieg, es hat den Tod verschlungen. Die Schrift hat verkündigt das, wie ein Tod den andern fraß, ein Spott aus dem Tod ist worden. Halleluja! Verse VII: Wir essen und wir leben wohl in rechten Osterfladen; der alte Sauerteig nicht soll sein bei dem Wort der Gnaden. Christus will die Koste sein und speisen die Seel allein, der Glaub will keins andern leben. Halleluja! English translation: (1. Sinfonia: Orchestra) 2. (Vs. I) Chorus: Full Choir 6. (Vs. V). Aria: Bass solo Christ lay in death’s bonds, Here is the true Paschal Lamb sacrificed for our sins. whom God has offered; He has risen again he is high on the stem of the cross, and brought us life; roasted in burning love. therefore we shall be joyful, His blood marks our door, and praise God, and be thankful to him, faith holds this up before death; and sing Hallelujah. the slayer can harm us no more. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 3. (Vs. II) Duet: Solo Soprano, Alto [or Choir women?] 7. (Vs. VI) Duet: Solo Soprano and Tenor No one among all mortals Therefore we celebrate the high feast could conquer death. with joyous heart and great delight Our sin causes all this; that the Lord allows to shine upon us. no innocence was to be found. He is himself the sun, Therefore death came so soon, who through the splendor of his grace seized power over us, and wholly illumines our hearts; held us captive in his realm. the night of sin has vanished. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 4. (Vs. III) Aria: Solo Tenor [or Choir men?] 8. (Vs. VII) Chorale: Full Choir Jesus Christ, the Son of God, We eat and live well has come in our stead on the true Passover bread; and taken away our sin. the old leaven shall not exist Thereby he has taken from death beside the word of grace. all its dominion and power. Christ will be the food Nothing remains but death’s mere form; that alone feeds the soul; it has lost its sting. faith will live on no other. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 5. (Vs. IV) Chorus: Full Choir It was a strange war, when death and life struggled; life retained the victory: it has devoured death. The Scripture has proclaimed this, how one death consumed the other; a mockery has been made of death. Hallelujah!
Notes: The properly choral movements are verses I, IV, and VII. Verses II and III could be done by choir sections, although not so intended by the composer. In addition to the above listed scores, all individual orchestra parts are also available from the publisher.
Submitted by: Brian Luckner    Added: Jan 14, 2022