"J.S. Bach: O Mensch, Bewein', BWV 622" genre: Baroque
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	"[A]nother illustration of Bach's florid treatment of chorales containing the element of sadness. Words cannot begin to describe the depth of feeling expressed. It has been said by one who heard the statement, that M. Widor considered this the finest piece of instrumental music written. The expression, at the close, in music of the words 'Should bear our sins o'erwhelming load, the shameful cross enduring' is most striking. The climax on the upper B-flats is tremendous, and the dissonant relationships in the last line combined with the chromatic pedal is outstanding." -- Suggestions for interpretation by the editor, Albert Riemenschneide
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	Story Behind the Song As a high school student, I listened to the LP of Schweitzer playing this chorale until it was completely worn. I only hope to have begun to suggest in my interpretation, the deeply felt beauty of this piece, and its reflection on the human condition. Lyrics German: O Mensch, bewein' dein' Sünde gross, darum Christus sein's Vaters Schooss äussert und kam auf Erden. Von einer Jungfrau rein und zart für uns er hier geboren ward, er wollt' der Mittler werden. Den Todten er das Leben gab und legt' dabei all' Krankheit ab, bis sich die Zeit herdrange, dass er für uns gekopfert würd', trug uns'rer Sünden schwere Bürd' wohl an dem Kreuze lange. English: O man, bewail thy grievous fall, For which Christ left His Father's hall And came to earth from heaven. He of a virgin maiden pure Was born, of man the Savior sure, And came earth's ills to leaven. The dead He raised again to life, The sick He loosed from pain and strife, Until the time appointed That He for us should shed His blood And take on Him our sin's dark load, Stretched on the Cross accursed. --Tr. C. S. Terry

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