Lobet Gott in Seinen Reichen (from Bach’s Ascension Oratorio)

Ascension Thursday

This coming Thursday is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord  . . . at least in many dioceses. And of course, wherever the traditional liturgical calendar is followed. It may not surprise you, if you are a regular reader of this blog, that I’m not a fan of moving important feasts like Ascension Thursday to the nearest Sunday in the hopes of roping in those who steer clear of The Lord’s House on weekdays.  I’m fortunate in that I live in a diocese where Ascension Thursday still falls on a Thursday.  If only they would move Epiphany back to January 6th . . .

I may explore that topic in greater length later in the week, but that’s not what today’s post is about. Today is Music Monday!  Whether your diocese celebrates the Ascension on Thursday or on the following Sunday, it’s coming up within the next week. What is more appropriate, then, than J.S. Bach’s magnificent Ascension Oratorio?

Lobet Gott in Seinen Reichen

The oratorio itself was first performed in 1735, on May 19th. The date of the Feast of the Ascension that year, of course. And a Thursday (who would have guessed?). The video below contains  the opening chorus, “Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen” (Praise God in His Kingdoms). The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir provides a stirring rendition in the clip below. The painting of the Ascension of Jesus in the video is by the American artist John Singleton Copley.   Below I’ve posted the words in German and in English translation. The librettist is Christian Friedrich Henrici, who went by the pen name “Picander.”

Featured Image top of page: The Ascension, by John Singleton Copley, 1775

“Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen”, BWV 11
Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir
Album: Bach: Ascension Cantatas                                                                                        

Artwork: “The Ascension” by John Singleton Copley, 1775

Text:

Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen,
Preiset ihn in seinen Ehren,
Rühmet ihn in seiner Pracht;
Sucht sein Lob recht zu vergleichen,
Wenn ihr mit gesamten Chören
Ihm ein Lied zu Ehren macht!

Praise God in his kingdoms,

extol him in his honors

acclaim him in his splendor.

Seek to express his praise rightly

when with assembled choirsyou make a song to his honor!