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Bereft, O God, I Stand Forsaken / Ach Gott, wie lästu mich verstarren
The year 2010 marked the 350th anniversary of the birth of Johann Kuhnau (1660–1722), and it is fitting to celebrate...
The year 2010 marked the 350th anniversary of the birth of Johann Kuhnau (1660–1722), and it is fitting to celebrate it with a modern edition of one of his compositions. The aria Ach Gott, wie lästu mich verstarren was written for the funeral of Erhard Titius, the director of music at the Gymnasium in Zittau, Germany, which took place on May 19, 1681. It is the earliest known vocal work by Kuhnau, Johann Sebastian Bach’s (1685–1750) predecessor at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig and former colleague of Titius at the Kreuzschule in Dresden.
The present edition was prepared by Evangeline Rimbach from a microfilm of the original that was obtained from the Stadtbibliothek in Zittau. It is scored for SATTB choir, keyboard, and optional violoncello. The six-stanza text, based on Isaiah 40:31, is by an unknown author. Both the German and an English translation by Madeleine Forell Marshall are provided. The text is appropriate for funerals, during Lent, and when Isaiah 40:31 is read: Epiphany 5 B and Easter 4 (one-year).
| Look and Listen | |
|---|---|
| Bereft, O God, I Stand Forsaken | |
| Occasions | Epiphany, Funeral, Lent |
| Voicing | Other |
| Instrumentation | Continuo, Organ, Piano, Violoncello |
| Music List | 2011 |
| Music Difficulty | Medium |
| Authors | Johann Kuhnau |
| Composers | Johann Kuhnau |
| Editor | Evangeline Rimbach |
| Music Text Translator | Madeleine Forell Marshall |
| Scripture References | Isaiah 40:31 |
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