Overview
Jesu, nun sei gepreiset, BWV 41, is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. He composed it in Leipzig for New Year's Day and first performed it on 1 January 1725. It is based on the hymn of the same name that Johannes Hermann wrote for the same occasion, published in 1591. The feast celebrated also the naming of Jesus, but hymn and cantata, while addressing Jesus by name immediately, focus on the turn of the year in thanks for received blessings and prayers for continued support.
Libretto
Jesu, nun sei gepreiset
Zu diesem neuen Jahr
Für dein Güt, uns beweiset
In aller Not und G'fahr,
Dass wir haben erlebet
Die neu fröhliche Zeit,
Die voller Gnaden schwebet
Und ewger Seligkeit;
Dass wir in guter Stille
Das alt Jahr habn erfüllet.
Wir wolln uns dir ergeben
Itzund und immerdar,
Behüte Leib, Seel und Leben
Hinfort durchs ganze Jahr!