2022 SWACDA Program - UNT A Cappella Choir

ABOUT THE
COMPOSITION
DER GEIST HILFT UNSER
SCHWACHHEIT AUF
ranks among the great motets
of J.S. Bach. With text selected
from the eighth chapter of the
book of Romans, the Apostle
Paul assures the listener that the
Holy Spirit will indeed help us
in our weakness, serving as our
advocate before God, praying for
us through groans beyond our
capacity to comprehend. Set as a
double choir, the motet is divided
into four sections. The opening
section is set in 3/8 meter and in
exuberant joy gives the listener
the sense of the Spirit’s constant
and energized activity on our
behalf. In the second section we
hear Bach’s depiction of the Spirit
groanings before the throne of
God. The third section, set in fourpart
texture assures the listener
that the Spirit is at work to
achieve that which pleases God.
The motet closes with a reflective
chorale with text by the great
Reformer, Martin Luther, calling
upon the Spirit to deliver us
through trials and even through
death unto heaven.
Der Geist hilft unser
Schwachheit auf
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685-1750) (BWV 226) (1729)
Romans 8:26-27, Martin Luther (1483-1546)
GERMAN TEXT
Der Geist hilft unsrer Schwachheit auf.
Denn wir wissen nicht,
Was wir beten sollen,
Wie sich’s gebühret;
Sondern der Geist selbst vertritt
Uns aufs beste mit unaussprechlichem
Seufzen.
Der aber die Herzen forschet, der weiß,
Was des Geistes Sinn sei,
TRANSLATION
The Spirit comes to help our weakness,
For we do not know
What we should pray,
As we ought to pray;
But the Spirit itself pleads
For us in the best way with inexpressible
groans.
But he who searches our hearts knows
What the Spirit means
Denn er vertritt die Heiligen nach dem,
Das Gott gefället.
Du heilige Brunst, süßer Trost
Nun hilf uns, fröhlich und getrost
In deinem Dienst beständig bleiben,
Die Trübsal uns nicht abtreiben.
O Herr, durch dein Kraft uns bereit
Und stärk des Fleisches Blödigkeit,
Dass wir hie ritterlich ringen,
Durch Tod und Leben zu dir dringen.
Halleluja, halleluja.
Since he pleads for the saints
In the way that pleases God.
You sacred warmth, sweet consolation,
Now help us joyful and comforted
In your service, always to remain
Do not let sorrow drive us away!
O Lord, through your power make us ready
And strengthen the feebleness of our flesh
So that we may bravely struggle
Through life and death to reach you!
Alleluia, alleluia.
A Cappella Choir | UNT College of Music 9