The Oboes da Caccia create a dark, oppressive atmosphere. The alto sings with deep dejection. The image of the Creator being 'deprived of earth and air' (hanging on the cross) is powerfully depicted.
The Crucifixion
Ach Golgatha, unselges Golgotha
Aria
•Alto
|
No. 58epart_68
Ah Golgotha, unhappy Golgotha!
The Lord of Glory
Must perish here in shame,
The blessing and salvation of the world
Is placed on the cross like a curse.
The Creator of heaven and earth
Shall be deprived of earth and air.
Innocence must die here as guilty,
That touches my soul deeply;
Ah Golgotha, unhappy Golgotha!
German
English
Ach Golgatha, unsel'ges Golgatha!
Der Herr der Herrlichkeit
Muß schimpflich hier verderben,
Der Segen und das Heil der Welt
Wird als ein Fluch ans Kreuz gestellt.
Der Schöpfer Himmels und der Erden
Soll Erd und Luft entzogen werden.
Die Unschuld muß hier schuldig sterben,
Das gehet meiner Seele nah;
Ach Golgatha, unsel'ges Golgatha!
Ah Golgotha, unhappy Golgotha!
The Lord of Glory
Must perish here in shame,
The blessing and salvation of the world
Is placed on the cross like a curse.
The Creator of heaven and earth
Shall be deprived of earth and air.
Innocence must die here as guilty,
That touches my soul deeply;
Ah Golgotha, unhappy Golgotha!
Modern adaptation
Ah Golgotha, cursed place! The Lord of Glory dies here in shame. The Creator of heaven and earth loses the ground beneath his feet. Innocence dies as guilty. This touches my soul deeply.
Did you know?
In het Duits is 'Kreuz' zowel 'kruis' als het muzikale '#-teken'. In dit Golgotha-stuk schreef Bach exact 59 kruistekens (#) in de noten. Het kruis wordt letterlijk zichtbaar in de muziek.