J.S. Bach - BWV 653 - An Wasserflüssen Babylon

[aghaanantyab]

bach composed this when he went bohm home

[gngeannakakes]

Could you post the double pedal version of this piece?

[toxiconegro]

@gngeannakakes If I'd had it, I would, but unfortunately I don't. Sorry good Sir.

[wcbroccoli]

Here's a more or less literal, line by line translation: By the rivers of Babylon, There we sat in grief. As we thought of Zion, We wept from our hearts. In despair we hung our organs and harps high Upon their willow trees That are in their land; There we had to much humiliation and shame Daily from them suffer. - wcbroccoli, 2010

[toxiconegro]

@wcbroccoli You really made your own translation? Awesome thanks you so much and of course for all your other recent comments. So, thanks again ;-)

[wcbroccoli]

"Fluss" (plural "Fluessen") by itself means river or flow.

"Wasserfluessen" is literally "flows of water" and could be variously translated as rivers, streams, or waters.

[wcbroccoli]

Chorale Text An Wasserflüssen Babylon Da sassen wir mit Schmerzen Als wir gedachten an Zion, Da weinten wir von Herzen. Wir hingen auf mit schwerem Mut Die Orgeln und die Harfen gut An ihre Bäum der Weiden, Die drinnen sind in ihrem Land; Da mussten wir viel Schmach und Schand Täglich von ihnen leiden. --Wolfgang Dachstein, 1525

[LifeforArt]

The rivers of Babylon - not the waters...

But a wonderfull play and registration.

Thx for posting.

[toxiconegro]

I've seen various translations for this chorale prelude, but "rivers of babylon" reminded me of "ABBA" so I thought that couldn't be the right one ;-) Anyway I changed it now, thanks for advising me of it.

[LifeforArt]

The original choral from 1525 based on the psalm 137 'An Wasserflüssen Babylon' translated also in the 16-th century by Miles Coverdale. Plaese check it on Wikipedia.

The best known 'modern' version based on the psalm 137 is from Boney M.

Under this fact i understand your reservation :-)

[wcbroccoli]

@LifeforArt An even more modern English translation is

"Beside the streams of Babylon",

by Henry S. Drinker, 1941

[elgarnimrod]

Another fabulous piece played by Bine-K, fantastic, I'm going to listen and view all your Vid's

Thanks Toxi