The chorale which forms the basis of this prelude dates from the sixteenth century and was used by J.S.Bach in his Cantata No.122, 'Das neugeborne Kinderlein'. On his score Bruce Broughton includes a translation by R. Rutledge of the words; 'There comes the true jubilee, what are we eternally lamenting? Look alive! It is a time for singing, for the Christ-child exorcises all sorrow'.
