Johannespassion, BWV 245 (Johann Sebastian Bach)

N.B. The movements below are numbered consecutively in many editions, while the numbering in the titles below is that of the NBA/Bärenreiter edition. For example, 1.47 in the following table of contents = 47 (A. Mendel/Schirmer edition) = 23g (NAB, beginning with measure 79 after 23a).

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• (Posted 2019-01-19)  CPDL #52950: 

Editor: Jes Wagner (submitted 2019-01-19).   Score information: Unknown   Copyright: CC BY NC SA

Edition notes: Chorus parts only in MuseScore format for rehearsal. The MuseScore files are based on the MusicXML files found below: 1-29 by Michael Dreschel, 34-68 by Claude Tallet, except 36,50,56,68 which are based on the MIDI files.

• (Posted 2017-07-07)  CPDL #45301: 

Contributor: Paolo Pandolfo (submitted 2017-07-07).  Score information: A4, 130 pages, 12.7 MB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Scanned score.

Version I (1724)

Parte prima

1. Herr, unser Herrscher (Chorus)

• (Posted 2003-10-11)  CPDL #05658:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2003-10-11).   Score information: A4, 11 pages, 144 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

2b. (beginning m. 18) Jesum von Nazareth (Chorus)

• (Posted 2003-10-11)  CPDL #05659:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2003-10-11).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 20 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

2d. (m. 31) Jesum von Nazareth (Chorus)

• (Posted 2003-10-11)  CPDL #05660:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2003-10-11).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 20 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

3. O große Lieb (Choral)

• (Posted 2003-10-11)  CPDL #05661:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2003-10-11).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 24 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2002-10-14)  CPDL #04083:    (MuP)

Editor: Vincent Carpentier (submitted 2002-10-14).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 96 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: MUP file is zipped.

• (Posted 2001-03-21)  CPDL #02289: 

Editor: Arno Rog (submitted 2001-03-21).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 22 kB   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: File recovered using the WayBackMachine of http://archive.org

• (Posted 2001-03-21)  CPDL #02290: 

Editor: Arno Rog (submitted 2001-03-21).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 22 kB   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: In Dutch translation, "Leer mij, o Heer, uw lijden recht betrachten". File recovered using the WayBackMachine of http://archive.org

5. Dein Will gescheh, Herr Gott, zugleich (Choral)

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06381:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 28 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2002-10-14)  CPDL #04084:    (MuP)

Editor: Vincent Carpentier (submitted 2002-10-14).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 108 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: MUP file is zipped.

11. Wer hat dich so geschlagen (Choral)

• (Posted 2011-04-19)  CPDL #23390:       

Editor: Robert Urmann (submitted 2011-04-19).   Score information: Executive, 1 page, 96 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06382:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 28 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2002-10-14)  CPDL #04085:    (MuP)

Editor: Vincent Carpentier (submitted 2002-10-14).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 104 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: MUP file is zipped.

12b. (m. 6) Bist du nicht seiner Jünger einer (Chorus)

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06383:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 28 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

14. Petrus, der nicht denkt zurück (Choral)

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06384:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 28 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

Parte seconda

15. Christus, der uns selig macht (Choral)

• (Posted 2011-04-19)  CPDL #23391:       

Editor: Robert Urmann (submitted 2011-04-19).   Score information: Executive, 1 page, 95 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06385:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 28 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2002-11-07)  CPDL #04162:     

Editor: Claudio Macchi (submitted 2002-11-07).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 100 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: As in BWV 245, #21. Original text and translations may be found at Christus, der uns selig macht.

16b. (m. 11) Wäre dieser nicht ein Übeltäter (Chorus)

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06386:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 56 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

16d. (beat 3 of m. 42) Wir dürfen niemand töten (Chorus)

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06387:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 3 pages, 36 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

17. Ach großer König (Choral)

• (Posted 2011-04-19)  CPDL #23392:       

Editor: Robert Urmann (submitted 2011-04-19).   Score information: Executive, 1 page, 97 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06388:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 26 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2002-06-11)  CPDL #03667: 

Editor: Marco Gallo (submitted 2002-06-11).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 27 kB   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:

18b. (m. 20) Nicht diesen, sondern Barrabam (Chorus)

• (Posted 2004-01-05)  CPDL #06389:         

Editor: Michael Dreschel (submitted 2004-01-05).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 20 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

21b. (upbeats to m. 6) Sei gegrüßet, lieber Jüdenkönig (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-03)  CPDL #20287:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-03).   Score information: A4, 3 pages, 67 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

21d. (m. 29) Kreuzige, kreuzige (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-04)  CPDL #20290:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-04).   Score information: A4, 6 pages, 112 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

Possible error(s) identified. See the discussion page for full description.

21f. (m. 57) Wir haben ein Gesetz (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-06)  CPDL #20299:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-06).   Score information: A4, 7 pages, 96 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

Possible error(s) identified. See the discussion page for full description.

22. Durch dein Gefängnis, Gottes Sohn (Choral)

• (Posted 2011-04-19)  CPDL #23393:       

Editor: Robert Urmann (submitted 2011-04-19).   Score information: Executive, 1 page, 93 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2009-10-07)  CPDL #20301:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-07).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 32 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

23b. (beat 2 of m. 2) Lässest du diesen los (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-09)  CPDL #20311:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-09).   Score information: A4, 8 pages, 118 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

23d. (m. 45) Weg, weg mit dem (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-11)  CPDL #20319:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-11).   Score information: A4, 7 pages, 118 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

Possible error(s) identified. See the discussion page for full description.

23f. (m. 75) Wir haben keinen König (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-11)  CPDL #20320:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-11).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 67 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

24. Eilt, ihr angefocht'nen Seelen (Aria con coro)

• (Posted 2009-10-13)  CPDL #20329:       

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-13).   Score information: A4, 10 pages, 219 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

Possible error(s) identified. See the discussion page for full description.

25b. (upbeats to m. 19) Schreibe nicht: der Jüden König (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-13)  CPDL #20334:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-13).   Score information: A4, 5 pages, 76 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

26. In meines Herzens Grunde (Choral)

• (Posted 2020-12-02)  CPDL #61752:         

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2020-12-02).   Score information: Letter, 1 page, 46 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: For SATB and 2 Violins, Viola, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, Organ with figured bass.

• (Posted 2009-10-15)  CPDL #20345:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-15).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 30 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

27b. (m. 10) Lasset uns den nicht zerteilen (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-15)  CPDL #20344:        (YouTube)

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-15).   Score information: A4, 9 pages, 153 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

Possible error(s) identified. See the discussion page for full description.

28. Er nahm alles wohl in Acht (Choral)

• (Posted 2009-10-15)  CPDL #20346:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-15).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 35 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

32. Mein teurer Heiland, laß dich fragen (Aria con coro)

• (Posted 2009-10-17)  CPDL #20354:        (YouTube)

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-17).   Score information: A4, 8 pages, 104 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Originally, the choral part is noted C (4/4). All notes have been put a half longer to fit with the 12/8 time signature of the solo and accompaniment part.

• (Posted 2015-02-12)  CPDL #34554:       

Editor: Johannes Becker (submitted 2015-02-12).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 65 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Choir and cue notes of solo part.

37. O hilf, Christe, Gottes Sohn (Choral)

• (Posted 2009-10-17)  CPDL #20355:         

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-17).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 38 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2002-12-15)  CPDL #04365:     

Editor: Claudio Macchi (submitted 2002-12-15).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 116 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: BWV 245,#65

39. Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine (Chorus)

• (Posted 2009-10-19)  CPDL #20368:        (YouTube)

Editor: Claude Tallet (submitted 2009-10-19).   Score information: A4, 13 pages, 204 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

Possible error(s) identified. See the discussion page for full description.

40. Ach Herr, laß dein lieb Engelein (Choral)

• (Posted 2020-12-08)  CPDL #61876:         

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2020-12-08).   Score information: Letter, 3 pages, 92 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Instruments written out. Rest for instruments at beginning and dynamic markings added.

• (Posted 2011-04-20)  CPDL #23395:       

Editor: Robert Urmann (submitted 2011-04-20).   Score information: Executive, 1 page, 100 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

• (Posted 2009-09-26)  CPDL #20251:     

Editor: Robert Urmann (submitted 2009-09-26).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 129 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Vocal score incl. figured bass

Also see Ah Lord when my last end is come, BWV 245.40 for this chorale with words translated into English.

General Information

Title: Johannes-Passion [St John Passion] BWV 245
Original title: Passio secundum Johannem
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB, with soloists (SATTBB or possibly 8 singers in total: Evangelist, tenor/ripieno, Christus/bass, Pilate/Petrus/ripieno)
Genre: Sacred, Oratorio, Passion

Language: German
Instruments: Orchestra  : Flauto traverso I.II; Oboe I.II, also Oboe d’amore, Oboe da caccia; Violino I.II; Viola d’amore I.II; Viola; Viola da gamba; Liuto (ossia Organo o Cembalo); Continuo

First published: 1863 in Bach-Gesellschaft Ausgabe, Band 12.1
Opus: BWV 245, 40 movements
Description: 

External websites:

• Free choir training aids for this work are available at Choralia.
• Text of Bach’s St. John Passion

• View the Wikipedia article on Johannespassion, BWV 245 (Johann Sebastian Bach).

• Bach-cantatas website page

Original text and translations

German text 1 (1) Herr, unser Herrscher, dessen Ruhm in allen Landen herrlich ist. Zeig uns durch deine Passion, dass du, der wahre Gottessohn, zu aller Zeit, auch in der größten Niedrigkeit, verherrlicht worden bist. 3 (2b) & 5 (2d) Jesum von Nazareth! 7 (3) O große Lieb', o Lieb' ohn' alle Maße, die dich gebracht auf diese Marterstraße, ich lebte mit der Welt in Lust und Freuden, und du musst leiden. 9 (5) Dein Will' gescheh', Herr Gott, zugleich auf Erden wie im Himmelreich, gib uns Geduld in Leidenszeit, Gehorsamkeit in Lieb' und Leid, wehr' und steu'r allem Fleisch und Blut, das wider deinen Willen tut. 15 (11) Wer hat dich so geschlagen, mein Heil, und dich mit Plagen so übel zugericht'? Du bist ja nicht ein Sünder, wie wir und uns're Kinder, von Missetaten weißt du nicht. Ich, ich und meine Sünden, die sich wie Körnlein finden des Sandes an dem Meer, die haben dir erreget das Elend, das dich schläget, und das betrübte Marterheer. 17 (12b) Bist du nicht seiner Jünger einer? 20 (14) Petrus, der nicht denkt zurück, seinen Gott verneinet, der doch auf ein'n ernsten Blick bitterlichen weinet. Jesu, blicke mich auch an, wenn ich nicht will büßen. Wenn ich Böses hab' getan, rühre mein Gewissen. 21 (15) Christus, der uns selig macht, kein Bös' hat begangen, der ward für uns in der Nacht als ein Dieb gefangen, geführt von gottlose Leut' und fälschlich verklaget, verlacht, verhöhnt und verspeit, wie denn die Schrift saget. 23 (16b) Wäre dieser nicht ein Übeltäter, wir hätten dir ihn nicht überantwortet. 25 (16d) Wir dürfen niemand töten. 27 (17) Ach großer König, groß zu allen Zeiten, wie kann ich g'nugsam diese Treu ausbreiten? Kein's Menschen Herze mag indes ausdenken, was dir zu schenken. Ich kann's mit meinen Sinnen nicht erreichen, womit doch dein Erbarmen zu vergleichen. Wie kann ich dir denn deine Liebestaten im Werk erstatten? 29 (18b) Nicht diesen, sondern Barrabam! 34 (21b) Sei gegrüßet, lieber Jüdenkönig! 36 (21d) Kreuzige, kreuzige! 38 (21f) Wir haben ein Gesetz, und nach dem Gesetz soll er sterben; denn er hat sich selbst zu Gottes Sohn gemacht. 40 (22). Durch dein Gefängnis, Gottes Sohn, Muß uns die Freiheit kommen; Dein Kerker ist der Gnadenthron, Die Freistatt aller Frommen; Denn gingst du nicht die Knechtschaft ein, Müßt unsre Knechtschaft ewig sein. 42 (23b). Lässest du diesen los, so bist du des Kaisers Freund nicht; denn wer sich zum Könige machet, der ist wider den Kaiser. 44 (23d). Weg, weg mit dem, kreuzige ihn! 46 (23f). Wir haben keinen König denn den Kaiser. 48 (24). Eilt, ihr angefochtnen Seelen, Geht aus euren Marterhöhlen, Eilt - Wohin ? - nach Golgatha! Nehmet an des Glaubens Flügel, Flieht - Wohin? - zum Kreuzeshügel, Eure Wohlfahrt blüht allda! 50 (25b). Schreibe nicht: 'der Jüden König', sondern daß er gesaget habe: 'Ich bin der Jüden König'. 52 (26) In meines Herzens Grunde Dein Nam und Kreuz allein Funkelt all Zeit und Stunde, Drauf kann ich fröhlich sein. Erschein mir in dem Bilde Zu Trost in meiner Not, Wie du, Herr Christ, so milde Dich hast geblut' zu Tod! 54 (27b) Lasset uns den nicht zerteilen, sondern darum losen, wes er sein soll. 56 (28) Er nam Alles wohl in Acht In der letzten Stunde, Seine Mutter noch bedacht, Setzt ihr ein'n Vormunde. O Mensch, mache Richtigkeit, Gott und Menschen liebe, Stirb darauf ohn alles Leid, Und dich nicht betrübe! 60 (32). Mein teurer Heiland, lass dich fragen, Da du nunmehr ans Kreuz geschlagen Und selbst gesagt: Es ist vollbracht, Bin ich vom Sterben frei gemacht? Kann ich durch deine Pein und Sterben Das Himmelreich ererben? Ist aller Welt Erlösung da? Du kannst vor Schmerzen zwar nichts sagen; Doch neigest du das Haupt Und sprichst stillschweigend: ja. Jesu, der du warest tot Lebest nun ohn' Ende, In der letzten Todesnot Nirgend mich hinwende Als zu dir, der mich versühnt, O mein trauter Herre! Gib mir nur, was du verdient, Mehr ich nicht begehre ! 65 (37) O hilf, Christe, Gottes Sohn, Durch dein bitter Leiden, Dass wir dir stets untertan All Untugend meiden, Deinen Tod und sein Ursach Fruchtbarlich bedenken, Dafür, wiewohl arm und schwach, Dir Dankopfer schenken! 67 (39). Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine, Die ich nun weiter nicht beweine, Ruht wohl und bringt auch mich zur Ruh! Das Grab, so euch bestimmet ist Und ferner keine Not umschließt, Macht mir den Himmel auf und schließt die Hölle zu. 68 (40). Ach Herr, lass dein lieb Engelein Am letzten End die Seele mein In Abrahams Schoß tragen, Den Leib in seim Schlafkämmerlein Gar sanft ohn eigne Qual und Pein Ruhn bis am jüngsten Tage! Alsdenn vom Tod erwecke mich, Dass meine Augen sehen dich In aller Freud, O Gottes Sohn, Mein Heiland und Genadenthron! Herr Jesu Christ, erhöre mich, Ich will dich preisen ewiglich!

French translation Christ, notre maître, dont la gloire domine en tous pays ! Montre-nous, par ta Passion, Que toi, le vrai Fils de Dieu, Pour tous les temps, Et jusque dans les plus grandes humiliations tu seras glorifié. Jésus de Nazareth O grand amour, ô amour sans aucune mesure qui t'a mené en cette allée de tourments ! Je vivais avec le monde dans la joie et les plaisirs, et il fallait que tu souffrisses ! Que ta volonté soit faite, Seigneur Dieu, Sur la terre comme au ciel Donne-nous la patience dans les jours de peine, l'obéissance dans l'amour et la souffrance, défends-nous et dirige-nous en face de toute chair et tout sang qui agit contre ta volonté. Qui t'a ainsi frappé, Seigneur, et ainsi maltraité ? Tu n'es pas un pauvre pécheur Comme nous et nos enfants et tu ne connais rien du péché. C'est moi et mes péchés aussi nombreux que les grains de sable au bord de la mer qui ont causé la misère qui t'abat et ton affligeant martyre N'es-tu pas toi aussi l'un de ses disciples ? Pierre, qui ne se souvient plus du passé, renie son Dieu, mais sur un regard grave, il pleure amèrement. O Jésus, jette aussi un regard sur moi lorsque je ne ferai pas pénitence ; lorsque j'aurai fait le mal, éveille mes remords. Le Christ qui nous donne le salut, n'a rien fait de mal, pour nous, il fut pris, la nuit, comme un voleur, traîné devant des gens sans Dieu et accusé faussement ! De lui on a ri, on s'est moqué ; sur lui on a craché, comme le rapporte l'Écriture. Si ce n'était pas un malfaiteur, nous ne te l'aurions pas livré. Nous n'avons le droit de mettre personne à mort. Ah, puissant roi, grand à travers tous les temps, comment puis-je assez faire connaître cette fidélité ? Nul cœur humain ne peut imaginer t'offrir une chose digne de toi. Je ne puis atteindre avec mes sens ce qui pourtant serait comparable à ta pitié. Comment puis-je donc par mes œuvres te rendre tes bienfaits ? Non pas lui, mais Barrabas ! Salut, mon cher roi des Juifs ! Crucifie, crucifie ! Nous avons une loi, et, selon notre loi, il doit mourir, parce qu'il s'est fait Fils de Dieu. Par ta captivité, ô Fils de Dieu, Nous est venue la liberté ; Ta prison est le trône de la grâce, L'asile de tous les dévots ; Car si tu n'étais entré en servitude, Eternelle eût dû être notre propre servitude. Si tu le relâches, tu n'es pas ami de César ; car quiconque se fait roi est contre César. Assez, assez, crucifie-le ! Nous n'avons de roi que César. Hâtez-vous, âmes assaillies ; Sortez de l'antre de votre martyre, Hâtez-vous - où ? - vers le Golgotha ! Prenez les ailes de la Foi, Volez - où donc ? - vers la Colline de la Croix C'est là que fleurit votre salut. N'écris pas: Roi des Juifs, mais qu'il a dit: Je suis le roi des Juifs ! Au fond de mon cœur, Ton nom et la croix seuls Resplendissent en tout temps et à chaque heure, ce dont je puis me réjouir. Parais à ma vue, me consolant dans ma détresse, O Seigneur Christ, si doux, tel que jusqu'à la mort tu répandais ton sang. Ne la déchirons pas, mais tirons au sort à qui elle sera. Il prit bien soin de tout, à la dernière heure. Pensa encore à sa mère, lui donna un soutien. O homme, exerce la justice, l'amour de Dieu et des hommes, meurs ensuite sans chagrin, et ne t'afflige point ! Mon Sauveur aimé, laisse-toi questionner maintenant que tu es cloué en croix et que tu t'es écrié toi-même : tout est consommé ! Suis-je libéré de la mort ? Puis-je par ton supplice et ta mort hériter du royaume des cieux ? Est-ce la rédemption de la terre entière ? De douleur tu ne peux rien dire, Mais tu inclines la tête et tu déclares silencieusement : oui ! Jésus, toi qui étais mort, tu vis maintenant éternellement, Que dans les dernières affres de la mort,je ne me tourne vers nul autre que toi, qui m’as racheté, O mon Seigneur aimé ! Ne me donne que ce que tu as gagné, Je n'en désire pas plus. O fais, Christ, Fils de Dieu, par ta souffrance amère, que constamment soumis à toi nous évitions tout vice ; Que ta mort et sa cause, avec fruit nous méditions et faiblement, nous t'offrions nos sacrifices. Repose en paix, sainte dépouille Repose en paix et mène-moi aussi vers le repos. Le tombeau, tel qu'il vous est destiné et qui en outre n'en enserre aucune m'ouvre le ciel et ferme les enfers. Hélas, Seigneur, laisse tes chers angelots, tout à la fin porter mon âme dans le sein d'Abraham ! Laisse bien doucement reposer, sans peine ni tourment, le corps jusqu'au dernier jour. Alors éveille-moi de la mort, que mes yeux te contemplent en toute joie, O fils de Dieu, mon Sauveur, trône de clémence ! Seigneur Jésus-Christ, écoute-moi, je veux te louer à jamais ! Translation by Campelli

English translation Lord, our ruler, whose glory is wonderful over the whole world, show us by your passion that you, the true Son of God, are forever glorified, even in the greatest of humiliations. Jesus of Nazareth O great love, o love beyond all measure, that has led you on this path to martyrdom, I live in the world amidst pleasure and joy, and you have to suffer. Your will be done, Lord God, on earth as in heaven, give us patience in suffering, obedience in love and suffering, protect and guide all sinful flesh and blood, which acts against your will. Who has hit you so, My Saviour, and covered you with such evil stripes? You're not a sinner, like us and our children, and know of no wrongdoing. I, I and my sins which are as many as the grains of sand by the sea, have caused you the sorrow that strikes you and the grevious torment. Aren't you one of his disciples? Peter, who does not look back, denies his God, but at at earnest look weeps bitterly. Jesus, look at me even when I do not wish to atone. When I have done evil, stir my conscience. Christ, who blesses us, committed no evil, yet was captured like a thief in the middle of the night, ridiculed and falsely accused by godless people, mocked and derided, just as the Scriptures say. Were he not a criminal, we would not have brought him to you. We are not allowed to put anyone to death. Oh great king, great in all times, how can I sufficiently spread news of this dedication? No human heart can fathom offering a sacrifice worthy of you. I cannot imagine with my own senses what could ever compare to your compassion. What can I ever do to repay your deeds of love? Not him, rather Barrabas! Hail, king of the Jews! Crucify him, crucify him! We have a law, and by our law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God. Through your captivity, Son of God, freedom must come to us; Your prison is the throne of grace, the refuge of the faithful; for had you not entered slavery, our slavery would have been eternal. If you let this man go, you are not  [Caesar's friend: whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar. Away with him, crucify him! We have no king but Caesar Hasten, you beleaguered souls, leave your dens of torment, hasten - where to? - to Golgotha! Take the wings of faith, flee - where to? - to the hill of the cross, where your salvation will flourish! Do not write: 'King of the Jews', but that he said: 'I am the King of the Jews'. At the bottom of my heart your name and cross alone shimmer for ever and each hour, thence can I be happy. Appear to me, to comfort me in my misery, as you, Lord Christ, so gentle remained even as you bled to death. Let's not shred it, but cast lots to see whose it will be. He took good care of all, at the last hour, even thinking of his mother and giving her someone to take care of her. O man, be righteous, love God and man, die then without suffering, and do not grieve! My precious Saviour, let me ask you, now that you're nailed to the cross and even said yourself, «it is accompished!», am I free from death? Can I through your death and suffering inherit the kingdom of Heaven? Is the whole world redeemed? In so much pain, you cannot speak, yet you nod your head and silently announce: yes! O Jesus, who were dead and now live eternally, may I, in the last throes of death turn nowhere else than towards you who redeemed me, my beloved Lord! Just give me what you have earned, for I desire nothing more. Help us, o Christ, son of God, by your bitter suffering, to be constantly subject to you so as to avoid all vice: May we fruitfully ponder your death and its cause and, offer you our sacrifices, albeit poor and weak. Rest well, holy mortal remains, rest well and bring me also rest. The grave, which was reserved for you and now no longer holds you opens for me the gates of heaven and closes those of hell. O Lord, let your dear angel carry, at the very end of time, my soul to the bosom of Abraham! Let the body rest sweetly, without pain nor suffering, until the very last day. Wake me, then, from death so that my eyes may see you in all joy, Son of God, my Saviour, throne of grace! Lord Jesus Christ, hear me, I will praise you forever.

Alternate translation of final choir

English text

Ah! Lord when my last end is come,
bid angels bear my spirit home
to Abr'hams bosom going;
My flesh laid in the quiet tomb,
shall sleep until the day of doom,
nor pain nor sorrow knowing.
Then waking from that dark abode,
mine eyes shall see thee face to face.
In boundless joy, O Son of God,
my Saviour and my Throne of Grace.
Lord Jesus Christ,
give ear to me, give ear to me,
Who sing unending praise to thee.

Translation by Campelli