Johann Sebastian Bach

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BWV 226
Title The Spirit doth our weakness help
Composed 20th October 1729, Leipzig
Scoring

Choir for eight voices (Two choires)
Oboe I + II
Taille
Violin I + II
Viola
Bassoon
Basso continuo

Movements Choir: The Spirit doth our weakness help
Chorale: O thou holy flame, comfort sweet
Category Motet
Event Funeral of Johann Heinrich Ernesti, Rector of the School of St. Thomas
Author of text Martin Luther 1524
Text
Choir:
Soprano I + II, Alto I + II, Tenor I + II, Bass I + II




Chorale:
Soprano I + II, Alto I + II, Tenor I + II, Bass I + II


The Spirit doth our weakness help,
for we do not know what we should be asking or
what is proper; rather, the Spirit himself intercedeth for us, ineffably.
He who seeks the heart's intention will know what the Spirit's will is;
Because he intercedeth for the saints as God approveth.

O thou holy flame, comfort sweet,
Now help us, joyful and content
To bide forever in thy service,
That sadness may not cast us out.
O Lord, through thy might us prepare;
Make strong the weakness of our flesh,
That we here gallantly may strive
Through death and life to reach thy presence.
Hallelujah, hallelujah.

Manuscript Estate C. Ph. E. Bach; Hessisch Country and High School library, Darmstadt; University library, Königsberg

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