DLXXXVI. BACH, J.S.: O liebe Seele, zieh die Sinnen, BWV 494

DLXXXVI. BACH, J.S. (1685-1750)

O liebe Seele, zieh die Sinnen, BWV 494 (1735-36)
Christopher Prégardien, tenor
Jaap ter Linden, cello
Ton Koopman, organ
(1:48)

Sacred songs and arias from Schemelli's Songbook.

O dearest soul, divert your senses
From base passions which are sensual and worldly
Thus cries your creator up on the battlements
Of the tall castle in the heavens
He will show you paths
And pleasant walks
On which you
May find nourishment which is good
And obtain those things
In which your soul finds peace

Thus, unlike other animals, God sought
To grace you with an upright countenance
And with understanding
Not in order that your soul and eyes
Should value highly the world
But that they should dwell
On what is heavenly
And that the glory
They should augment at all times
Of Him who made you in his image.