Bach’s Cantata No.82

It focuses on Simeon, who, after seeing the infant Jesus at the temple, has no more need for earthly life.

In his brilliant Bach study, “Music in the Castle of Heaven,” the conductor John Eliot Gardiner describes the underlying theology of the world as “a hospital peopled by sick souls whose sins fester” but deliverance comes from God, that even death has lost it’s sting.

Bach has been classical music’s No. 1 music on the charts, bestowing a sourdough for the soul during these trying pandemic times.

Ich habe genug,
Ich habe den Heiland, das Hoffen der Frommen,
Auf meine begierigen Arme genommen:
Ich habe genug !
Ich hab’ ihn erblickt,
Mein Glaube hat Jesum ans Herze gedrückt,
Nun wünsch ich, noch heute mit Freuden
Von hinnen zu scheiden.
Ich habe genug !

English Translation

It is enough.
I have taken the Saviour, the hope of the devout,
Into my longing arms;
It is enough !
I have gazed on Him,
My faith has pressed Jesus to my heart;
I would now, even today,
Gladly wish to leave this world.
It is enough !

Commentary by Lars Ulrik Mortensen Danish conductor, mainly of Baroque solo music - https://youtu.be/X73zKktviuc
Ich Habe Genug by John Eliot Gardiner conductor from England - https://youtu.be/b3y-7133tWk