Ach wie nichtig, ach wie flüchtig (BWV 644) Orgelbüchlein

The final piece from the Orgelbuchlein collection, "Ach wie nichtig, ach wie flüchtig" (BWV 644) - J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

1832 Van Dam organ (3 manuals, 29 ranks) from the Dutch town of Tholen, recorded by Voxus Organs.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:
1. Oh how empty,
oh how fleeting is man's life!
As a fog quickly arises
and then disappears,
behold - so is our life!

4. Oh how empty,
oh how fleeting
is man's beauty!
As a flower soon perishes
when a cold breeze blows,
behold - so is our beauty!

9. Oh how fleeting,
oh how empty
are man's creations!
Someone who has acquired great skill
and thought out many a beautiful work
is in the end overtaken by death.

10. Oh how empty
oh how fleeting
are man's treasures.
Fire and flood may come
and before we know it,
everything is ruined.

11. Oh how fleeting,
oh how empty
is man's reign.
Someone who through might has ascended on high
must in the end lie powerless,
low in the grave.

13. Oh how empty
oh how fleeting
are the things of this life .
All, all that we see
must fade and pass away.
But whoever fears God will stand firm forever!