O Mensch Bewein dein Sunde gross - J.S. Bach (BWV 622)

Performed by Charles Burks in April, 2006. Recorded at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas.

1995 Noack "Bach Organ", Opus 128. 2 Manuals, 35 Ranks. Valotti Temperament at A=440.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750):
Chorale Prelude based on "O Mensch Bewein dein Sunde Gross", BWV 622 (from "Orgelbüchlein").

"O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß" (O man, bewail thy sins so great) is a Lutheran Passion hymn with a text written by Sebald Heyden in 1530. The author reflects on the Passion [of Jesus Christ], based on the Four Evangelists, originally in 23 stanzas. The first and last stanzas have appeared in 11 hymnals. Catherine Winkworth translated it as "O man, thy grievous sin bemoan". The hymn has been used in Passion music and is known in J.S. Bach's setting as a chorale fantasia closing Part I of his St Matthew Passion (BWV 244).

Several of the 23 stanzas are set forth in this video with an English translation from Francis Browne.

S. Heyden originally wrote a reflection of the Passion based on the four gospels in 23 stanzas of 12 lines each. The original title begins "Der Passion auß den vier Evangelisten" (The Passion from the Four Evangelists). It reflects the Passion, narrating the stations of the cross and adding the context of Heilsbedeutung (meaning for salvation), beginning with man's sinful condition and ending with thanks.

The first stanza opens addressing the listener "O Mensch" (O human being) and requesting him to remember and deplore his great sin (Sünde groß). The following lines state that Jesus Christ left his Father's bosom, came to Earth (kam auf Erden), born of a virgin for us (für uns), wanting to become a mediator (Mittler). The second half of the stanza mentions that he gave life to the dead and removed all sickness (all Krankheit), until it became urgent that he was sacrificed for us, carrying the heavy load of our sins (unsrer Sünden schwere Bürd), long on the cross.

Notes and English translation: Francis Browne & William Hoffman (https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Texts/Chorale153-Eng3.htm)

Скачать видео