In this recitative for the alto voice, the individual believer reacts to the anointing. The quarreling of the disciples is rejected as 'foolish'. The singer does not want to give oil, but offers her own tears of repentance and love as a balm. It is an intimate, fragile moment that forms the transition to the aria that follows.
The Anointing at Bethany
Du lieber Heiland du
Recitative
•Alto
|
No. 5part_06
Thou dear Savior thou,
while thy disciples foolishly quarrel,
because this pious woman
with ointment thy body
for the grave would prepare,
so let the flowing tears
from my eyes be an acceptable ointment.
German
English
Du lieber Heiland du,
Wenn deine Jünger töricht streiten,
Dass dieses fromme Weib
Mit Salben deinen Leib
Zum Grabe will bereiten,
So lasse mir die Tränenflüsse
Der Augen angenehme Salbe sein.
Thou dear Savior thou,
while thy disciples foolishly quarrel,
because this pious woman
with ointment thy body
for the grave would prepare,
so let the flowing tears
from my eyes be an acceptable ointment.
Modern adaptation
Dear Savior, let the others quarrel. I do not want to give expensive oil, but my own tears are enough for you.