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Rethinking the Well-Tempered Clavier

J.S. Bach composer

Natalya Pasichnyk piano
Calmus Ensemble

Release Date: January 19, 2024
Catalog #: NV6593
Format: Digital
Baroque
Solo Instrumental
Vocal Music
Choir
Piano

With its innumerable recordings by the greatest pianists in history, one would think the book has been written on Johann Sebastian Bach’s timeless pianistic masterpiece, The Well-Tempered Clavier. Renowned Swedish-Ukrainian pianist Natalya Pasichnyk now adds her name and interpretation to this illustrious list with RETHINKING THE WELL-TEMPERED CLAVIER. Her intellectual yet spiritual take on the matter is likely to be exactly what the composer envisioned.

Guided by Bach’s assertion that music’s ultimate purpose is to glorify God and rejuvenate the spirit, Pasichnyk explores the intersection between divine inspiration and human existence. The result is a veritable tour de force of strength and sensitivity; of rational perspicuity, yet with the most tender sentiment; of surging vigor and might, but also of nonchalant lightness. A triumph.

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Performance Videos

The Essence: Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849 (Nun komm der Heiden Heiland)

Prelude in C-Sharp Major, BWV 848 (In dulci jubilo)

Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 (Du meine Seele, singe)

Track Listing & Credits

# Title Composer Performer
Album 1
01 The Essence: Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849 (Nun komm der Heiden Heiland) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:52
02 The Essence: Fugue in C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849 (Nun komm der Heiden Heiland) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:30
03 Annunciation and Birth: Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 (Du meine Seele, singe) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:32
04 Annunciation and Birth: Fugue in C Major, BWV 846 (Allein Gott in der Höh’ sei Ehr’) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:05
05 Annunciation and Birth: Prelude in A-Flat Major, BWV 862 (Jauchzet, frohlocket!) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:03
06 Annunciation and Birth: Fugue in A-Flat Major, BWV 862 (Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:09
07 Annunciation and Birth: Prelude in B-Flat Major, BWV 866 (Gloria in excelsis Deo) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:30
08 Annunciation and Birth: Fugue in B-Flat Major, BWV 866 (Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:30
09 Annunciation and Birth: Prelude in C-Sharp Major, BWV 848 (In dulci jubilo) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:11
10 Annunciation and Birth: Fugue in C-Sharp Major, BWV 848 (Mein Jesus will es tun) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:44
11 Annunciation and Birth: Prelude in A Major, BWV 864 (Matthew 2) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:39
12 Annunciation and Birth: Fugue in A Major, BWV 864 (Matthew 2) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:54
13 Annunciation and Birth: Prelude in E Major, BWV 854 (Schlafe mein Liebster) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:57
14 Annunciation and Birth: Fugue in E Major, BWV 854 (Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:11
15 The Teaching: Prelude in D Minor, BWV 851 (Psalm 42) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:27
16 The Teaching: Fugue in D Minor, BWV 851 (Befiehl du deine Wege) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:01
17 The Teaching: Prelude in A Minor, BWV 865 (Er kennt die rechten Freudenstunden; Ecclesiastes 3) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:07
18 The Teaching: Fugue in A Minor, BWV 865 (Er kennt die rechten Freudenstunde) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 4:28
19 The Teaching: Prelude in D Major, BWV 850 (Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:24
20 The Teaching: Fugue in D Major, BWV 850 (Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:12
21 The Teaching: Prelude in F-Sharp Minor, BWV 859 (Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 0:59
22 The Teaching: Fugue in F-Sharp Minor, BWV 859 (Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:33
23 The Teaching: Prelude in C Minor, BWV 847 (Dies Irae) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:04
24 The Teaching: Fugue in C Minor, BWV 847 (Wach auf, wach auf, s’ist hohe Zeit) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:09
25 The Teaching: Prelude in F Minor, BWV 857 (Auf meinen lieben Gott) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:36
26 The Teaching: Fugue in F Minor, BWV 857 (Kyrie Eleison) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 4:42
27 The Teaching: Prelude in G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863 (Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:00
28 The Teaching: Fugue in G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863 (Herr Jesu Christ du höchstes Gut) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:48
29 The Time Is Coming: Prelude in E-Flat Major, BWV 852 (Lobet den Herren) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:44
30 The Time Is Coming: Fugue in E-Flat Major, BWV 852 (Heilig, Heilig, Heilig bist du, Herr Gott Zebaoth) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:58
31 The Time Is Coming: Prelude in E Minor, BWV 855 (Lament over Jerusalem) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:57
32 The Time Is Coming: Fugue in E Minor, BWV 855 (The temptation) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:33
33 Passion: Prelude in E-Flat Minor, BWV 853 (Aus liebe will mein Heiland sterben) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:49
34 Passion: Fugue in E-Flat Minor, BWV 853 (Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 6:01
35 Passion: Prelude in B Minor, BWV 869 (O, Haupt voll Blut und Wunden) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:56
36 Passion: Fugue in B Minor, BWV 869 (Es ist vollbracht) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 9:25
37 Passion: Prelude in G Minor, BWV 861 (Christ lag in Todesbanden) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:02
38 Passion: Fugue in G Minor, BWV 861 (Es ist der alte Bund) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:59
39 Resurrection and Ascension: Prelude in G Major, BWV 860 (Erstanden ist der heilig‘ Christ) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 0:50
40 Resurrection and Ascension: Fugue in G Major, BWV 860 (Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:05
41 Pentecost: Prelude in F Major, BWV 856 (O ewiges Feuer, O Ursprung der Liebe) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 0:57
42 Pentecost: Fugue in F Major, BWV 856 (Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:12
43 Reflection On Death: Prelude in F-Sharp Major, BWV 858 (Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:27
44 Reflection On Death: Fugue in F-Sharp Major, BWV 858 (Alle menschen müßen sterben) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:14
45 Reflection On Death: Prelude in B-Flat Minor, BWV 867 (Die Seele ruht) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:36
46 Reflection On Death: Fugue in B-Flat Minor, BWV 867 (Herr, wie du willt, so schicks mit mir) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 3:20
47 Reflection On Death: Prelude in B Major, BWV 868 (Vor deinen thron tret' ich hiermit) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 1:58
48 Reflection On Death: Fugue in B Major, BWV 868 (Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott) J.S. Bach arr. Natalya Pasichnyk Natalya Pasichnyk, piano; Calmus Ensemble 2:07
Album 2
01 Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:51
02 Fugue in C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:33
03 Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:31
04 Fugue in C Major, BWV 846 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:05
05 Prelude in A-Flat Major, BWV 862 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:02
06 Fugue in A-Flat Major, BWV 862 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:09
07 Prelude in B-Flat Major, BWV 866 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:28
08 Fugue in B-Flat Major, BWV 866 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:26
09 Prelude in C-Sharp Major, BWV 848 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:09
10 Fugue in C-Sharp Major, BWV 848 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:42
11 Prelude in A Major, BWV 864 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:38
12 Fugue in A Major, BWV 864 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:53
13 Prelude in E Major, BWV 854 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:56
14 Fugue in E Major, BWV 854 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:12
15 Prelude in D Minor, BWV 851 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:26
16 Fugue in D Minor, BWV 851 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:39
17 Prelude in A Minor, BWV 865 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:15
18 Fugue in A Minor, BWV 865 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 4:27
19 Prelude in D Major, BWV 850 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:16
20 Fugue in D Major, BWV 850 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:09
21 Prelude in F-Sharp Minor, BWV 859 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 0:59
22 Fugue in F-Sharp Minor, BWV 859 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:34
23 Prelude in C Minor, BWV 847 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:02
24 Fugue in C Minor, BWV 847 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:36
25 Prelude in F Minor, BWV 857 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:32
26 Fugue in F Minor, BWV 857 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 4:43
27 Prelude in G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:59
28 Fugue in G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:48
29 Prelude in E-Flat Major, BWV 852 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:45
30 Fugue in E-Flat Major, BWV 852 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:45
31 Prelude in E Minor, BWV 855 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:56
32 Fugue in E Minor, BWV 855 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:37
33 Prelude in E-Flat Minor, BWV 853 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:47
34 Fugue in E-Flat Minor, BWV 853 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 5:45
35 Prelude in B Minor, BWV 869 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:52
36 Fugue in B Minor, BWV 869 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 9:13
37 Prelude in G Minor, BWV 861 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:00
38 Fugue in G Minor, BWV 861 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 4:04
39 Prelude in G Major, BWV 860 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 0:49
40 Fugue in G Major, BWV 860 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:07
41 Prelude in F Major, BWV 856 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 0:56
42 Fugue in F Major, BWV 856 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:20
43 Prelude in F-Sharp Major, BWV 858 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:18
44 Fugue in F-Sharp Major, BWV 858 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:15
45 Prelude in B-Flat Minor, BWV 867 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:30
46 Fugue in B-Flat Minor, BWV 867 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 3:23
47 Prelude in B Major, BWV 868 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 1:55
48 Fugue in B Major, BWV 868 J.S. Bach Natalya Pasichnyk, piano 2:03

Recorded December 18-22, 2021 & March 19-20, 2022 at Royal Hall, Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden and February 2-4 & 7-9, 2022 at Echolux Tonstudio in Leipzig, Germany
Recording Session Engineer Christopher Tarnow

Mastering Christopher Tarnow

Photography by Fredrick Francke

Text translations by Natalya Pasichnyk

Executive Producer Bob Lord

A&R Director Brandon MacNeil
A&R Chris Robinson

VP of Production Jan Košulič
Audio Director Lucas Paquette

VP, Design & Marketing Brett Picknell
Art Director Ryan Harrison
Design Edward A. Fleming, Morgan Hauber
Publicity Kacie Brown

Artist Information

Natalya Pasichnyk

Arranger, Pianist

Ukrainian-born Natalya Pasichnyk, prize winner of several international piano competitions, has with Stockholm as her base, and with her deeply intellectual and creative interpretations, established herself as one of Europe's leading concert pianists. Sweden’s biggest classical music journal OPUS magazine listed her twice (2014, 2022) as one of Sweden's most influential cultural personalities. She has over the years also dedicated much energy on uncovering the unknown Ukrainian musical treasure for the Western audiences, and she has frequently appeared in both radio and TV.

Learn More

Calmus Ensemble

A perfect blend of sound, precision, lightness, emotionality, and humoresque elements — these are the hallmarks of Calmus Ensemble, one of Germany’s most successful vocal groups. The wide range of tonal colors, the passionate joy the singers convey on stage, their sound culture, and their varied and imaginative programs never fail to inspire. With 50 to 60 concerts a year, Calmus is always a welcome guest throughout Europe and up to three times a year in the United States.

The ensemble’s repertoire is almost unlimited: Influenced by the tradition of the old masters of Leipzig, the singers are at home in the vocal music of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic periods, but they are also interested in music of our own time. Over the years, they have commissioned and premiered numerous compositions, including works by Paul Moravec, Mathew Rosenblum, Bernd Franke, Steffen Schleiermacher, Wolfram Buchenberg, Bill Dobbins, Mia Makaroff, Dan Dediu, and Harald Banter. They also enjoy singing and arranging pop, folk, and jazz, as they published numerous sheet music publications.

Partnerships with colleagues such as MDR Sinfonieorchester (Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins), the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet, the Hamburg Ratsmusik, the hr-Bigband, the Capella de la Torre or amarcord (Leipziger Disputation) further enrich Calmus’ repertoire, and the ensemble has already collaborated on two projects with the lautten compagney BERLIN (“BachArkaden” / “Mitten im Leben”). So far, the quintet has released more than 20 CDs and won several international prizes and competitions — most recently the OPUS KLASSIK 2019 for “Best Choral Recording.”

Part of their work is devoted to encouraging the up-and-coming generation, so workshops, masterclasses, and jury activities are part of their regular schedule, both at home in Leipzig and on their travels, e.g. as artists in residence at STIMMEN Festival Lörrach, Bachwoche Stuttgart, and also frequently in the United States.

calmus.de/en/

Notes

The inspiration for this project came from the theory of the Ukrainian born musicologist Boleslaw Javorsky (1877-1942), the main sense of which can be formulated as, that the main foundation of the Well-Tempered Clavier (WTC) is the protestant chorales, and that the WTC is an artistic interpretation of images and plots of the Bible.

“The final aim and reason of all music should be none other than God’s glory and the recreation of the spirit,” said J.S. Bach. Bach is probably the composer that — with the greatest intensity and integrity — opens the door to the spiritual world. Sharing the composer’s existential convictions and his spiritual universe, I try in this recording to tell the story of my personal understanding of this iconic piece, often called the pianist’s Bible. The story presented is not merely a descriptive Bible story, but rather a personal reflection over our existence.

Through exploring and playing with motives of chorales and vocal music by Bach, finding and analyzing the connection between them and the musical text of WTC, each prelude and fugue receives a concrete semantic meaning. I decided to place the pieces chronologically according to the meaning I found, so that the entire WTC becomes a unified coherent story, instead of a collection of 48 separate pieces. By experimenting with interweaving the motives of vocal music with WTC’s music texture, I wanted to make my understanding of the genesis of the piece audible and also embed my reflections into my playing.

The legendary Bach scholar Albert Schweitzer wrote about WTC: “What is gripping, is not the shape, or the structure of the pieces, but the worldview reflected in them.” To make my understanding of this worldview audible to all listeners, and to invite them to immerse themselves into Bach’s spiritual universe (where the music’s aim is the “recreation of the spirit”), is the overall goal of the project. Bach’s faith generated his music, and so I hope that this music can in turn generate faith, which we need in our current times more than ever.

— Natalya Pasichnyk

Texts

Track 1 — Prelude in C sharp minor

Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (Text: Ambrosius of Milano, 4th century; melody Martin Luther, 1524)
Nun komm der Heiden Heiland
Now come, Saviour of the gentiles
Der Jungfrauen Kind erkannt
recognised as the child of the Virgin
Dass sich wunder alle Welt
so that all the world is amazed
Gott solch Geburt ihm bestellt
God ordained such a birth for him

Track 2 – Fugue in C sharp minor

Cantata Nun komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 61 no.1
Nun komm der Heiden Heiland
Now come, Saviour of the gentiles
Der Jungfrauen Kind erkannt
recognised as the child of the Virgin
Dass sich wunder alle Welt
so that all the world is amazed
Gott solch Geburt ihm bestellt
God ordained such a birth for him

Christmas Oratorio BWV 248/51, part 5 no.9, bar 88-95
Jesu ach! So komm zu mir
Jesus come to me

Cantata Nun komm der Heiden Heiland BWV 61 no.6, bar 4-5
(From chorale “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” by Philip Nicolai, 1599)
Komm, du schöne Freudenkrone
Come, you beautiful crown of joy

St. John Passion BWV 245 no.21, bar 30-53
Kreuzige!
Crucify!

Track 3 – Prelude in C major

Du meine Seele, singe (text: Paul Gerhardt; melody: Johan Ebeling, 1666)
Luke 1: 46 (Marias praise of God)
Du meine Seele, singe
You, my soul, sing
Wohlauf und singe schön
Rise up and sing beautifully
Dem, welchem alle Dinge
To Him to whom all things
Zu Dienst und Willen stehn
At will and service stand
Ich will den Herren droben
I want to praise the Lord above
Hier preisen auf der Erd,
Here on the earth
Ich will Ihn herzlich loben,
I want to praise Him
Solang ich leben werd
As long as I live

Track 4 – Fugue in C major

Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr (text and melody: Nikolaus Decius/Martin Luther, 1522)
Chorale BWV 260
Luke 2:8-15 (Heavenly host praising God appears to the shepherds, sing, and disappear into heaven)
Allein Gott in der Höh’ sei Ehr’
Alone God in the highest be glory
Und Dank für seine Gnade
and thanks for His grace

Track 5 – Prelude in A-flat major

Christmas Oratorio BWV 248 no.1

Jauchzet, frohlocket! Auf, preiset die Tage
Shout for joy, exult, rise up, glorify the day
Rühmet, was heute der Höchste getan!
Praise what today the Highest has done!
Lasset das Zagen, verbannet die Klage,
Abandon hesitation, banish lamentation
Stimmet voll Jauchzen und Fröhlichkeit an!
Begin to sing with rejoicing and exaltation!

Track 6 – Fugue in A-flat major

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (text and melody: Philip Nicolai, 1599)
Cantata BWV 1
Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
How lovely shines the morning star
Voll Gnad und Wahrheit von dem Herrn
full of grace and truth from the Lord!
Mein Herz heißt dich ein Himmelsblum
My heart calls you a heavenly flower
Lieblich, freundlich…reich an Gaben
Lovely, friendly… rich in gifts
Komm, du schöne Freudenkrone,
Come you, lovely crown of joy,
Bleib nicht lange,
do not hesitate,
Deiner wart ich mit Verlangen
I await you with longing

Track 7 — Prelude in B-flat major

Magnificat BWV 243 no.12
Luke 2:13-14 (Angels, fluttering with their wings, gather to sing Glory and fly away)
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Glory to God in the highest

Track 8 – Fugue in B-flat major

Christmas Oratorio BWV 248/5 (part 5 no.1)
Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen
Glory be sung to You, God
Dir sei Lob und Dank bereit
For You let praise and thanks be prepared

Track 9 – Prelude in C-sharp major

In dulci jubilo (text: Heinrich Seuse, 1328, melody: Anon, ar. 1400)
Organ prelude BWV 608, chorale BWV 368
In dulci jubilo
In sweet rejoicing
Nun singet und seid froh!
Let us sing and be happy
Unsers Herzens Wonne liegt
Our hearts delightly lies
in praesepio,
In a manger
Und leuchtet als die Sonne
And shine like the sun
Matris in gremio,
In the mother’s lap
Alpha es et O!
You are Alpha and Omega

Track 10 – Fugue in C-sharp major

Cantata “ Alles nur nach Gottes willen” BWV 72 no.5
Mein Jesus will es tun
My Jesus will do it,
Er will dein Kreuz versüssen
He will sweeten your cross
Obgleich dein Herze liegt
Although your heart lies
In viel Bekümmernissen
In many troubles
Soll es doch sanft und still
Yet it will rest gently
In seinen Armen ruhn
And softly in His arms
Wenn ihn der Glaube fasst:
When faith grasps this:
Mein Jesus will es tun
My Jesus will do it!

Track 11 & 12 – Prelude and Fugue in A major

Matthew 2

Track 13 – Prelude in E major

Christmas Oratorio BWV 248/19
Schlafe mein Liebster
Sleep my love
Geniesse der Ruh
Enjoy the rest

Track 14 – Fugue in E major

Du Friedefurst, Herr Jesus Christ (text Jakob Ebert, 1601, melody Anon)
Cantata BWV116 no.1
Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ
You Prince of peace, Lord Jesus Christ
Wahr Mensch und wahrer Gott
True man and true God
Ein starker Nothelfer du bist
You are a strong helper in distress
Im Leben und im Tod
In life and in death

Track 15 — Prelude in D minor

Psalm 42 (Why, my soul are you…so disturbed within me?)

Track 16 — Fugue in D minor

Befiehl du deine Wege (text: Paul Gerhard, 1653; melody: Hans Leo Hassler, 1601)
Chorale BWV 272
Befiehl du deine Wege,
Entrust your way
Und was dein Herze kränkt,
And what grieves your heart
Der allertreusten Pflege
To the most faithful care
Des, der den Himmel lenkt!
Of him who governs heaven
Der Wolken, Luft und Winden,
He who gives to the clouds, air and winds
Gibt Wege, Lauf und Bahn,
Their way, course and path
Der wird auch Wege finden,
Will also find a way
Da dein Fuß gehen kann.
Where your feet can go

Track 17 — Prelude in A minor

Er kennt die rechten Freudenstunden (He knows the right hours of joy) (Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten (text and melody: Georg Neuman, 1657)
Ecclesiastes 3 (About time)
Er kennt die rechten Freudenstunden,
He knows the right hours of joy,
Er weiß wohl, wann es nützlich sei.
he knows well when it will be useful:
Wenn er uns nur hat treu erfunden
if he has only found us faithful
Und merket keine Heuchelei,
and notices no hypocrisy,
So kommt Gott, eh’ wir’s uns versehn,
then God comes, before we expect
Und läßet uns viel Gut’s geschehn.
and allows much good to happen to us.

Track 18 — Fugue in A minor

Cantata “Wer nur den lieben Gott läßt walten” (Whoever lets only the dear God reign) BWV 93, no.4
Er kennt die rechten Freudenstunden
He knows the right hours of joy
Er weiß wohl, wenn es nützlich sei.
He knows well when it will be useful.
So kommt Gott, eh’ wir’s uns versehn,
Then God comes, before we expect
Und lässet uns viel Gut’s geschehn
And allows much good to happen to us.

Track 19 — Prelude in D-major

Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan (text: Samuel Rodigast, 1675: melody: Severun Gastorius/Werner Fabricius, 1679)
Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan!
What God does that is done well!
Es bleibt gerecht sein Wille
His will remains just
Wie er fängt meine Sachen an,
However he deals with my affairs.
Will ich ihm halten stille.
I want calmly to place my whole trust in him
Er ist mein Gott, der in der Not
He is my God, who in my troubles
In seinen Armen halten,
Holds me in his arms
Drum laß’ ich ihn nur walten.
Therefore I let him alone rule over me

Track 20 — Fugue in D-major

Chorale BWV 250
Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
What God does that is done well
Ich will mich ihm ergeben
I want to entrust myself to him
In Freud’ und Leid; es kommt die Zeit,
In joy and sorrow. The time will come
Da öffentlich erscheinet,
When it will be clearly apparent
Wie treulich er es meinet.
How faithful his intention is
Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
What God does that is done well
Weil doch zuletzt ich werd’ ergötzt
Since in the end I shall feel delight
Mit süßem Trost im Herzen,
And sweet consolation in my heart,
So wird Gott mich ganz väterlich
So God will just like a father
In seinen Armen halten,
Hold me in his arms
Drum laß’ ich ihn nur walten.
Therefore I let him alone rule over me

Track 21 — Prelude in F sharp minor

Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig (text: Michael Franck, 1652; melody: Johann Cruger, 1661)
Cantata BWV 26 no.1
Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig
Ah, how fleeting, ah, how insignificant
Ist der Menschen Leben
Is man’s life
Wie ein Nebel bald enstehet
As a mist soon arises
Und auch wie der bald vergehet
And soon also vanishes again
So ist unser Leben, sehet!
So is our life, see!

Track 22 — Fugue in F sharp minor

Cantata BWV 26 no.6
Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig
Ah, how fleeting, ah, how insignificant
Sind der Menschen Sachen!
Are mankind’s affairs!
Alles, alles was wir sehen,
All, all that we see
Das muss fallen und vergehen.
Must fall and vanish
Wer Gott fürcht’, wird ewig stehen.
The one who fears God, he stands forever

Track 23 — Prelude in C minor

Dies Irae
Wach auf, wach auf (text Ambrosius Blarer, melody Melchion Vulpius, 1609)
Dies Irae
Day of wrath
Läuft an mit Gwalt und drängt uns sehr
Starts with force and push us very much

Track 24 — Fugue in C minor

Wach auf, wach auf (text Ambrosius Blarer, melody Melchion Vulpius, 1609)
Wach auf, wach auf, s’ist hohe Zeit
Wake up, wake up, it is high time
Christ, sei mit deiner Hilf nicht weit!
Christ, do not be far with your help
Das wütend ungestüme Meer
The angry and impetuous sea
Läuft an mit Gwalt und drängt uns sehr
Starts with violence and push us very much

Track 25 — Prelude in F minor

Auf meinen lieben Gott (text: Sigismund Weingärtner, 1607; melody: Jakob Regnart, 1576)
Cantata “Ich habe meine Zuversicht” (I have my confidence) BWV 188 no.6
Auf meinen lieben Gott
In my dear God
Trau’ ich in Angst und Not,
I trust in the time of fear and distress
Der kann mich allzeit retten
He can always deliver me
Aus Trübsal, Angst und Nöten
From sorrow, anxiety and troubles
Mein Unglück kann er
He can change my misfortune
Steht all’s in seinen Händen
Everything is in his hands

Track 26 — Fugue in F minor

H moll Messe BWV 232 no.3
Kyrie Eleison
God, have mercy

Track 27 — Prelude in G sharp minor

Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut (text and melody: Bartholomäus Ringwaldt, 1588)
Chorale BWV 334
Herr Jesu Christ, du höchstes Gut
Lord Jesus Christ, you highest good
Du Brunnquell aller Gnaden
You source of all mercy
Sieh doch, wie ich in meinem Mut
See how in my spirit
Mit Schmerzen bin beladen
I am burden with sorrows
Und in mir hab der Pfeile veil
And in me have the pains of many arrows
Die im Gewissen ohne Ziel
Which in my conscience without limit
Mich armen Sünder drücken
Weigh down me, a poor sinner

Track 28 — Fugue in G sharp minor

Cantata ”Herr Jesu Christ du höchstes Gut” BWV 113
Von Gott will ich nicht lassen (I shall not abandon God) (text: Ludwig Helmbold, 1563; melody; Anon)
Chorale BWV 418, organ prelude BWV 658
Herr Jesu Christ du höchstes Gut
Lord Jesus Christ, o highest good
Denn er lässt nicht von mir
For He does not abandon me
Du Brunnquell aller Gnaden.
You source of all mercy.
Er reicht mir seine Hand.
He reaches out His hand to me.
Sieh doch, wie ich in meinem Mut
See how in my spirit
Mit Schmerzen bin beladen
I am burden with sorrows
Und in mir hab der Pfeile veil.
And in me have the pains of many arrows.
Erbarm dich mein in solcher Last
Have mercy on me with such a burden
In meiner schweren Zeit.
In my time of difficulty.
Ach Herr, mein Gott, vergieb mirs doch
Ah Lord, my God, forgive me then
Stärk mich mit deinem Freudengeist
Strengthen me with Your joyful spirit
Vergieb mir Heiland gnädiglich.
Forgive me, my Savior, in Your mercy.
Herr Jesu Christ du höchstes Gut
Lord Jesus Christ, o highest good
Denn er lässt nicht von mir
For He does not abandon me
Wo ich auch sei im Land
Wherever I may be

Track 29 — Prelude in E flat major

Entry into Jerusalem
(Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9-10; Luke 19:37-38, John 12:13)
Lobet den Herren (Text: Paul Gerhardt; melody: Johann Crüger, 1653)
Lobet den Herren
Praise the Lord

Track 30 — Fugue in E flat major

Heilig, Heilig, Heilig (Author: Anonymous, 1557)
Chorale BWV 325
Heilig, Heilig, Heilig bist du, Herr Gott Zebaoth
Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord Sabaoth
Alle Lande sind seiner Ehre voll
All the earth is full of Thy glory
Hosianna in der Höhe!
Hosanna in the highest!

Track 31 — Prelude in E minor

(Cantata BWV 46 no2 and no 3)
Lament over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44)
Anger at the Temple (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15, Luke 19:45;
Woes (Matthew 23:13-36)

Track 32 — Fugue in E minor

The temptation, like a snake disappears in the end (Matthew 26:14-15; Mark 14:10-11: Luke 22:3-5)

Track 33 — Prelude in E-flat minor

St. Matthew Passion BWV 244 no.58 (part 2)
Aus liebe will mein Heiland sterben
Out of love my Savior is willing to die
Von einer Sünde weiss er nichts
Of any sin He knows nothing

Track 34 — Fugue in E-flat minor

Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (text and melody Martin Luther, 1524)
Cantata BWV 38
Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir
Out of deep anguish I call to You
Herr Gott, erhoer’ mein Rufen
Lord God, hear my call
Denn so du willst das sehen an,
For if you want to look
Was Sünd und Unrecht ist getan,
What sin and unjustice is done
Wer kann, Herr, vor dir bleiben?
Who can, Lord, remain before You?
Darum auf Gott will hoffen ich:
Therefore I shall hope in God
Das ist mein Trost
This is my consolation
Mein Gottes Gnade
My God’s grace

Track 35 — Prelude in B minor

O, Haupt voll Blut und Wunden (text Paul Gerhardt, 1656; melody Hans Leo Hassler, 1601)
St.Mathew Passion BWV 244
O, Haupt voll Blut und Wunden
O, Head full of blood and wounds
Voll Schmerz und voller Hohn
Full of pain and full of derision
O, Haupt, zum Spott gebunden
O, Head, in mockery bound
Mit einer Dornenkron
With a crown of thorn

Track 36 — Fugue in B minor

St. John Passion BWV 245 no.30
Es ist vollbracht
It is accomplished

Cantata “Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen” (My signs, my tears) BWV 13 no.5
Ächzen, und weinen
Groaning and weeping

Cantata “Ihr werdet weinen und heulen“ BWV 103 no.1, bar 92-96
Ihr werdet weinen und heulen
You shall weep and wail

Cantata “Ihr werdet weinen und heulen“ BWV 103 no.1, bar 109-145
Doch eure Traurigkeit
Yet your sorrow
soll in Freude verkehret werden
shall be changed into joy

H moll Messe BWV 232, no 26, no 9
Agnus Dei
Lamb of God
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Thou who takes away the sins of the world

Track 37 — Prelude in G minor

Christ lag in Todesbanden (text and melody: Martin Luther, 1524)
Cantata BWV 4
Christ lag in Todesbanden
Christ lay in death’s bonds
Für unsre Sünd gegeben
Given over for our sins

Track 38 — Fugue in G minor

Cantata Actus Tragicus BWV 106 no.2, bar 131-134
Es ist der alte Bund
It is the ancient law
Mensch du musst sterben
Human, you must die

Cantata BWV 4
Christ lag in Todesbanden
Christ lay in death’s bonds
Für unsre Sünd gegeben
Given over for our sins
Er ist wieder erstanden
He has risen again
Und hat uns bracht das Leben,
And has brought us life
Des wir sollen fröhlich sein,
For this we should be joyful
Gott loben und ihm dankbar sein
Praise God and be thankful to Him
Und singen Halleluja
And sing Alleluia

Track 39 — Prelude in G major

Erstanden ist der heilig Christ (text: Martin Luther, 1544; melody: Anonymous, 1531)
Organ prelude BWV 628
Erstanden ist der heilig‘ Christ
Arisen is the holy Christ
Der aller Welt in Tröster ist
Who is the comforter of all the world

Cantata “Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein“ BWV 128
Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein
On Christ’s ascension alone
Ich meine Nachfahrt gründe
I base my own ascension

Track 40 — Fugue in G major

Cantata “Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein” BWV 128
Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein
On Christ’s ascension alone
Ich meine Nachfahrt gründe
I base my own ascension
Denn weil das Haupt im Himmel ist
Because the Head is in heaven
Wird seine Glieder Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ will gather His members
Zur rechten Zeit nachholen
In the right time

Track 41 — Prelude in F major

Cantata “O ewiges Feuer “ BWV 34 no.1
O ewiges Feuer, O Ursprung der Liebe
O eternal fire, o source of love
Entzünde die Herzen und weihe sie ein
Inflame the hearts and consecrate them

Track 42 — Fugue in F major

Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heilige Geist (text and melody: Martin Luther, 1524)
Choral BWV 370, organ prelude BWV 631, BWV 667
Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist
Come, God Creator, Holy Ghost
Besuch das Herz der Menschen dein,
Visit the hearts of all Thy men
Mit Gnaden sie füll, wie du weisst
Fill them with grace, as you know
Dass’s dein Geschöpf vorhin sein
What Thine was, make it again

Track 43 — Prelude in F-sharp major

Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben (text Caspar Neumann, 1690; melody Daniell Veller, 1690)
Cantata BWV 8 no.1
Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben?
Dearest God, when shall I die
Meine Zeit läuft immer hin
My time runs continually away
Ich verzeih es gern der Welt
I willingly resign to the world
Dass sie alles hier behält
Everything here to keep
Und bescheide meinen Erben
And choose for my inheritance
Einen Gott, der nicht kann sterben
A God, who can not die.

Track 44 — Fugue in F-sharp major

Alle menschen müssen sterben (text Albinius/ Rosenmuller, 1652; melody Jakob Hintze, 1678)
Chorale BWV 262
Cantata “Jesu, der du meine Seele” BWV 78 no.2 (cello part)
Alle menschen müssen sterben
Everybody must die
Was da lebet, muss verderben
Whatever lives must perish
Soll es anders werden neu
It is to become new elsewhere
Dieser Leib, der muß verwesen
This body must rot,
Wenn er anders soll genesen
If it is elsewhere to recover
Zu der großen Herrlichkeit,
And gain the great glory
Die den Frommen ist bereit.
Which is prepared for righteous

Track 45 — Prelude in B-flat minor

Cantata “Herr Jesu Christ, wahn’mensch und Gott” BWV 127 no. 3
Die Seele ruht
The soul rests
In Jesu Händen
In Jesus’s hands

Track 46 — Fugue in B-flat minor

Cantata “Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe” BWV 156 no.6
Herr, wie du willst, so schick’s mit mir
Lord, deal with me as You wish
Im Leben und im Sterben!
In living and in dying
Allein zu dir steht mein’ Begier
Only for You is my desire
Laß mich, Herr, nicht verderben!
Lord do not let me perish

Track 47 — Prelude in B major

Vor deinen Thron tret’ ich hiermit (text: Bodo von Hodenberg, 1646; melody: Guillaume Franc, 1543/Johann Baptista Serranus, 1567)
Organ prelude BWV 668
Vor deinen thron tret’ ich hiermit,
Before Thy throne I now appear
O Gott! und dich demüthig bitt’,
O Lord, and beg You humbly
Im Namen deins Sohns Jesu Christ
In the name of Your son Jesus Christ
Der unser Heil und Fürsprech ist
Our savior and intercessor

Track 48 — Fugue in B major

Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (text and melody: Martin Luther, 1528)
Cantata BWV 80 no.1
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
A mighty fortress is our God,
Ein gute Wehr und Waffen
A good defence and weapon
Mit unsrer Macht ist nichts getan
With our own might is nothing done
Wir sind gar bald verloren,
We are directly lost
Es streit’ für uns der rechte Mann
The right man fights for us
Den Gott hat selbst erkoren
Whom God himself has chosen