My soul, there is a country (Melchior Vulpius)

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  • (Posted 2020-11-24)  CPDL #61652:       
Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2020-11-24).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 52 kB   Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: The hymn with four-part harmony and underlaid words in the version published in Hymns Ancient & Modern New Standard
  • (Posted 2020-11-24)  CPDL #61651:       
Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2020-11-24).   Score information: A4, 1 page, 74 kB   Copyright: CPDL
Edition notes: The hymn in the version published in Hymns Ancient & Modern New Standard, melody with words.

General Information

Title: My soul, there is a country
Tune: Christus der ist mein Leben
Composer: Melchior Vulpius
Arranger: Johann Sebastian Bach
Lyricist: Henry Vaughan

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: SacredHymn   Meter: 76. 76

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella or keyboard

First published: 1609
    2nd published: 1784 in Vierstimmige Choralgesänge, Teil 1, no. 7
    3rd published: 1892 in Bach-Gesellschaft Ausgabe, Band 39
    4th published: 1898 in 389 Choralgesänge, no. 46
Opus: BWV 281
    5th published: 1983 in Hymns Ancient and Modern, New Standard, no. 191
Description: 

External websites:

Original text and translations

English.png English text

My soul, there is a country
far beyond the stars,
where stands a wingèd sentry
all skilful in the wars.

There above noise, and danger,
sweet peace sits crowned with smiles,
and One born in a manger
commands the beauteous files.

He is thy gracious Friend,
and – O my soul, awake! –
did in pure love descend,
to die here for thy sake.

If thou canst get but thither,
there grows the flower of peace,
the Rose that cannot wither,
thy fortress and thy ease.

Leave then thy foolish ranges,
for none can thee secure
but one who never changes,
thy God, thy life, thy cure.