Lobt Gott mit Schall, ihr Heiden all

Here is my translation of the Worship hymn, “Lobt Gott mit Schall, ihr Heiden all” (Cornelius Becker d. 1604), in ELGB #251, a paraphrase of Psalm 117 first appearing in the author’s metrical psalter, Der Psalter Davids Gesangweis (Leipzig, 1602) with title “The Consolation of the Heathen.” Originally based on the tune “Was mein Gott will” or “Wer Gott vertraut,” it was later given an original choral setting by Heinrich Schütz (1628/1661) which closes with a repeated Alleluia and “mit Freuden.” A version of this setting is also included in the Gotha Cantional 1646, where it is appointed for the Epiphany. This setting indicates repeats on the second and fourth lines, showing that it is the one was countenanced by the editor of the Buffalo Synod hymnal, though finally, despite the repetitions, the melody “Wer Gott vertraut” is indicated, which nevertheless requires a further repeat in order to sing the last line. I include the Gotha setting as found in Schöberlein’s Schatz.

 

TO God sing praise, thou heathen race,
O praise the Lord, ye nations. (x2)
Who grace and love to us doth prove
With sweetest consolations. (x2)
His promises shall never miss,
His Word endures forever,
With joyful verse let us rehearse
His glories, ceasing never.
Alleluia! (x4) O praise Him.
Alleluia! (x4) O praise Him.

Translation © 2023 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN
Lobt Gott mit Schall, ihr Heiden all;,
ihr Völker preist der Herren,
ihr Völker preist den Herrn.
Sein Gnad und Gunst, walt über uns
Er hilft von Herzen gerne,
Er hilft von Herzen gerne.
Was Er verspricht, das treuget nicht,
ewig sein Wort wird bleiben,
mit fröhlchem Mund von Herzen-Grund
singn wir zu allen Zeiten
[singn wir zu allen Zeiten]
Hallelujah [x4] mit Freuden.
[Hallelujah {x4} mit Freuden.]