J.S. Bach (arr. Busoni): Chorale Prelude ‘Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland’
Murray Perahia - piano
Now come, Saviour of the gentiles,
recognised as the child of the Virgin,
so that all the world is amazed
God ordained such a birth for him.
Not from man’s flesh and blood
but only from the Holy Spirit
has God’s Word became man
and flourishes as the fruit of a woman’s body.
The virgin’s body was pregnant,
but her chastity remained pure,
in this way her many virtues shine clearly,
God was there on his throne.
He went forth from his chamber,
from the royal palace so pure,
by nature God and man, a hero,
he hastens to run his way.
His course came from the Father
and leads back to the Father,
he went down to Hell
and back to God’s throne.
You who are equal to the Father,
be victorious in the flesh
so that your eternal divine power
may support our weak flesh.
Your crib shines bright and clear,
in the night there is a new light,
darkness must not overpower it,
faith remains always radiant.
Praise be given to God the Father,
praise be to God his only Son;
praise be to god the Holy Ghost
for ever and always.
(66 days)
