Unlocking the Secrets of Wachet Auf (Sleepers Awake) Chorale

Who wrote the chorale text and tune for Wachet auf (Sleepers awake)?

Choose the correct answer:

a. Johann Sebastian Bach
b. Martin Luther
c. Philipp Nicolai
d. Georg Frederic Handel

Answer:

The chorale text and tune for Wachet auf (Sleepers, Awake) was written by Philipp Nicolai.

What is a chorale?

A chorale is usually a simple and catchy melody to which a hymn is sung by soprano singers with a congregation, while the three lower voices provide the harmony. The church reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) advocated the use of hymns sung in German during services and himself translated texts from Latin so that the people could understand them and participate.

The opening words of Wachet auf, which translates as 'Sleepers Awake', contains a tune written by a Lutheran pastor called Philipp Nicolai.