Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Cantata for Christmas Day – Urtext
[solos,mix ch,orch] duration: 14′ solos: (SS)T – choir: SSATB – 2.0.0.0 – 2.0.0.0 – str – bc
vocal text: AlemánDescription
Johann Kuhnau’s cantata “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” is based on the chorale of the same name by Philipp Nicolai from 1599 and uses two verses of it in the opening and closing movements. The other texts are based on various biblical passages, but have no direct references to the other chorale verses. Due to the unknown text, the date of composition is also uncertain; but the two horns used, along with the “flauti” in aria no. 4, which are presumably transverse flutes, are an indication of a late composition from 1718 onwards. The same applies to the tenor soloist, who is the only solo voice to emerge here and whose range corresponds exactly to that which is common in Johann Sebastian Bach’s vocal works. There are also parallels to the choral cantata “Welt adieu, ich bin dein müde”, which can be dated to 1719 or 1720.
Like various other works by Kuhnau, the cantata is well suited for use in church services due to its short duration and compact form. The scoring with two horns and flutes in addition to two violins, violas and basso continuo contributes to the festive atmosphere. A choir can be used flexibly depending on the size and abilities of the ensemble.
PB 5844
score
EAN: 9790004218075
44 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 214 g / stapled
PB 5844D
score
EAN: 9790004823668
46 pages / 25 x 32 cm / digital edition
EB 9514
piano vocal score
EAN: 9790004189948
28 pages / 19 x 27 cm / 100 g / stapled
OB 5844-11
organ
EAN: 9790004355985
16 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 85 g / stapled
OB 5844-15
violin 1
EAN: 9790004355992
4 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 37 g / stapled
OB 5844-16
violin 2
EAN: 9790004356005
4 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 38 g / stapled
OB 5844-19
viola 1
EAN: 9790004356012
4 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 37 g / stapled
OB 5844-20
viola 2
EAN: 9790004356029
4 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 37 g / stapled
OB 5844-26
basso (cello/double bass)
EAN: 9790004356036
8 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 54 g / stapled
OB 5844-30
wind parts
EAN: 9790004356043
8 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 60 g / folder
Description
Description
Johann Kuhnau’s cantata “Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern” is based on the chorale of the same name by Philipp Nicolai from 1599 and uses two verses of it in the opening and closing movements. The other texts are based on various biblical passages, but have no direct references to the other chorale verses. Due to the unknown text, the date of composition is also uncertain; but the two horns used, along with the “flauti” in aria no. 4, which are presumably transverse flutes, are an indication of a late composition from 1718 onwards. The same applies to the tenor soloist, who is the only solo voice to emerge here and whose range corresponds exactly to that which is common in Johann Sebastian Bach’s vocal works. There are also parallels to the choral cantata “Welt adieu, ich bin dein müde”, which can be dated to 1719 or 1720.
Like various other works by Kuhnau, the cantata is well suited for use in church services due to its short duration and compact form. The scoring with two horns and flutes in addition to two violins, violas and basso continuo contributes to the festive atmosphere. A choir can be used flexibly depending on the size and abilities of the ensemble.
Table of contents
| 1. | Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern |
| 2. | Allein, heut wird der Große klein |
| 3. | Uns ist ein Kind geboren |
| 4. | O Wunder-Sohn, dein überirdisch Wesen |
| 5. | Doch leuchtet in der Niedrigkeit |
| 6. | Kommt, ihr Völker, kommt mit Haufen |
| 7. | Ich huldige dir, großmächtiger Prinz |
| 8. | Zwingt die Saiten in Cythara |
Reviews and Testimonials
„Besonders der Eingangssatz überzeugt durch seine leuchtende Harmonik und den Wechsel von homophonen und imitatorischen Partien, die das Aufstrahlen des göttlichen Lichtes musikalisch erfahrbar machen.“
Ludger Stühlmeyer, Kirchenmusik im Erzbistum Bamberg
„Mit erstaunlichem Tempo werden im Verlag Breitkopf & Härtel seit einigen Jahren die geistlichen Kantaten des Thomaskantors Johann Kuhnau […] publiziert. Seine Musik sprüht vor Energie und bietet einen wunderbaren Blick auf die Art und Weise, wie in der Leipziger Thomaskirche am Anfang des 18. Jahrhunderts musiziert wurde.“
Ulrich Barthel, Chorzeit
„Die abwechslungsreiche Satzfolge macht die Kantate sowohl für Weihnachtsgottesdienste als auch für konzertante Aufführungen zu einem großen Repertoiregewinn. Eingangs- und Schlusschor sind auch für weniger geübte Chöre gut zu bewältigen […]. Der Notentext der Partituren ist angenehm groß gedruckt und auch hinsichtlich der Wendestellen günstig gestaltet.“
Johannes Groß, Musica Sacra
Discography
Audio samples: Opella Musica, camerata lipsiensis, cond. Gregor Meyer (cpo, 2020)