Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226

The Spirit helps our infirmities ( BWV 226 ) is a motet for double by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Formation

Unlike many other Bach works the occasion for this motet can be uniquely specified because it Bach noted by his own hand on the composition, " J. J. Motetta à doi Cori bey funeral of seel. Mr. Prof. and Rectoris Ernestine di JS Bach. " Johann Heinrich Ernestine (1652-1729) was his death Professor Poeseos, Assessor of the Faculty of Arts, Senior and Decem - Vir Leipzig University and rector of the St. Thomas School.

Widespread is specified in the Bach literature as the date of memory sermon with performance of the motet October 24, 1729. This date of burial Ernesti result of conflicts between urban and university authorities ago. However, from the title of the funeral sermon is known that the memorial service at the University Church of St. Pauli took place already on 20 October 1729 according to other sources on 21 October 1729th The latter statement is supported by a Abkündigungszettel that was present in the archives of St. Nicholas Church.

The 1729 is one of the hard work composed music for Leipzig University celebrations. Of these compositions, Bach made ​​on behalf of the University, now twelve works are fully preserved. The Spirit helps our infirmities is one of two Bach motets, whose original manuscripts have survived.

Occupation

The motet is for two four-part choirs ( SATB / SATB) created. These are accompanied by two oboes, two English horns, bassoon, two violins, viola, cello and basso continuo.

The Running time is about 9 minutes.

Text

The motet text combines a biblical passage of Romans (Rom 8:26-27 LUT) with the third verse of the hymn Come, Holy Spirit, Lord God (EC 125), the Martin Luther wrote in 1524.

The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we know not what we should pray for as gebühret sichs; but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep. But the searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit is; because he intercedes for the saints according to the will gefället God. You holy ardor, sweet consolation, Now, help us, glad and rejoice Remain steadfast in thy service, The tribulation does not abort us. O Lord, prepared by your force us And strengthening of the flesh bashfulness, That we struggle here chivalrous, Through life and death to reach you. Alleluia, alleluia.