Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light by Johann Sebastian Bach Small Ensemble - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.889423

The clarinet quartet arrangement of "Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light", was made for the "2018 Holiday Contest Entry".

Martin Luther developed the Lutheran chorale, a religious hymn sung in four-part harmony by the congregation as part of the service.

"Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light" was written by Johann Rist and Johann Schop in the mid-17th century, so that by 1734, when Bach included it in his Christmas Oratorio, it was well known to congregations. The harmonization, however, is Bach ‘s own.

The arrangement remains faithful to the original facsimile of Bach.

It is transposed for a modern clarinet quartet. 

Variations in loudness and the duration of musical notes are the basic elements to musical expression.

A few interpretation symbols where added to shorten some of the notes. 

Breathing between music phrases is notated. 

and the final was stretched with one more bar for a ralentando effect. 

This details are only suggestions for an interpretation. 

The piece is appropriate for beginner students or amateurs and without any doubt very pleasant to listen when played by an experienced ensemble. It can be used in concerts and all sorts of spiritual or religious events.

Thank you very much for taking your time to read this text and to listen to the file.

I hope you have a lot of fun and enjoy the music.

Sheers!

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

 „Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht"

„Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht, und lass den Himmel tagen!
Du Hirtenvolk, erschrecke nicht, weil dir die Engel sagen:
Dass dieses schwache Knäbelein soll unser Trost und Freude sein, Dazu den Satan zwingen und letzlich Frieden bringen." 

Words: Johann Rist (1607-1677), 1641;

Verse 1 translated from German to English by John Troutbeck, circa 1885, et. al.

Verse 2 translated by Arthur Tozer Russell, 1806-1874.

Music: "Ermuntre Dich" or "Schop", Johann Schop (1590-1667), 1641;

Harmony by Johann Sebastian Bach, 1734.

1. Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,

And usher in the morning;

O shepherds, shrink not with afright,

But hear the angel's warning.

This Child, now weak in infancy,

Our confidence and joy shall be,

The power of Satan breaking,

Our peace eternal making.

All blessing, thanks and praise to thee,

Lord Jesus Christ, be given;

Thou hast our brother deigned to be,

Our foes in sunder riven.

O grant us through our day of grace

With constant praise to seek Thy face;

Grant us ere long in glory

With praises to adore thee.

Thanks to Claudia Eppelt for the wonderful illustration, the cover design, all the Love and inspiration.

Special Thanks to Nina and Stray Queen Mimi, Carlinhos, Pontinha, Maria Joaninha, Schwarzenegger, Koboldinha. 

For all Living beings on Earth, for my Ancestors, 

Thank You for all of You 

All Your Love and Compassion.

Love Forever.

Luis Anjos Teixeira