Eckhard sent this fascinating insight into the Bach Chorus, Glory be to God, which we were singing yesterday evening.  It is well worth reading.

Here is what I was trying to say yesterday, but not everyone was able to hear.  In the opening chorus of Part V there is an insight from the original German lyrics that I think has been lost in translation.

The chorus opens
Ehre sei dir Gott, Ehre sei dir Gott,  Ehre sei dir Gott, gesungen,
Glory be to God, Glory be to God,  Glory be to God, Almighty.

On first impressions that is a reasonably good translation, with only the last word being different.  Gesungen vs Almighty.  Sung vs Almighty.

Moving on to the fugue.
Dir sei Lob und Dank bereit.
Glory, thanks and praise be giv’n

The word Bereit is about preparing, preparation, or readiness.
(for you, be praise and thanks prepared would be a better translation).
So in this passage we are singing about preparing the praise that is to be sung to God Most High.  How lovely is that.  Finally, a chorus about choir practice!

Immediately the fugue launches into a light warm-up on scales.  God is not here yet, so we can relax and play and practice these beautiful, light, follow the leader scales and intervals until we are full of confidence and with smiling eyes and tuneful voices we are ready to sing the music that we are preparing to sing to God.

Ehre sei dir Gott, Ehre sei dir Gott,  Ehre sei dir Gott, gesungen,
Glory be to God, Glory be to God,  Glory be to God, Almighty.

Now doesn’t that make a difference!

Thank you, Eckhard!!