'Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ' (BWV 1102)

Here is a very unique and enjoyable early Bach work - the Neumeister Chorale Prelude 'Du Friedefurst, Herr Jesu Christ.'
German chorale tunes are often quite similar to each other - perhaps as a result of the clergymen that wrote the chorale words, also writing the tune. Often these clergymen really only wrote variations on 'Ein feste Burg', or 'Nun ruhen alle Walder' - as is the case with this tune. However unoriginal the melody, Bach turns it into an ornate line, which is developed before breaking out into a rather virtuosic section, which requires a really relaxed technique. I love the way that despite the sombre nature of the chorale subject - war, the music is cheerful. A childlike faith - as is often seen (I think) in Haydn's music. Here are the words:

Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ
wahr Mensch und wahrer Gott,
ein starker Nothelfer du bist
im Leben und im Tod.
Drum wir allein
im Namen dein
zu deinem Vater schreien!

You prince of peace, Lord Jesus Christ,
true man and true God,
you are a strong helper in distress,
in life and death.
Therefore we only
in your name
cry to your Father!

Erleucht auch unser Sinn und Herz
durch den Geist deiner Gnad,
daß wir nicht treiben draus ein Scherz,
der unsrer Seelen schad.
O Jesu Christ,
allein du bist,
der solchs wohl kann ausrichten.

Enlighten also our hearts and minds
through the spirit of your mercy
so that we may not act frivolously
to the harm of our souls.
O Jesus Christ
you alone
can well accomplish this.