Chorale Melodies used in Bach's Vocal Works
Mitten wir im Leben sind

Melody & Text | Use of the CM by Bach | Use of the CM by other composers

Melody & Text:

“Mitten wir im Leben sind” (We in the midst of life) is Martin Luther’s 1524 three-stanza Death Song liturgy (NLGB 334) composed in 1524 with the melody (Zahn 8502), in a collaboration of Luther and Johann Walter, says Robin A. Leaver. Bach composed the hymn as a free-standing chorale, BWV 383 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gR8wQqA-OA, http://www.bach-chorales.com/BWV0383.htm). Extensive details of this chorale are found at BCML, http://www.bach-cantatas.com/BWV156-D4.htm, “Media vita in morte sumus” and “Cantata 156: Luther Chorale” “Mitten wir im Leben sind.” (see: CT Mitten wir im Leben sind)
Source: Trinity 21-23, Death & Dying Chorales (William L. Hoffman, December 3, 2017)

Melody: Zahn 8502
Composer: Johann Walter (1524), after the antiphon Mediavita in morte (Salzburg, 1456)

Text: Mitten wir im Leben sind (NLGB 344; Gotteslob 654; EG 518; ELG 642)
Author: verse 1: Anon (Salzburg, 1456) after the Antiphon Media vita in morte sumus 11. Jh.; verses 2-3: Martin Luther (1524)

Use of the Chorale Melody by Bach:

Text: Mitten wir im Leben sind

Chorale Mitten wir im Leben sind, BWV 383
Ref: Ri 214; Br 214; AmB 46II p.170; Penzel 149 383; BC F145.1

Use of the Chorale Melody by other composers:

Sources: Bach Digital; BGA; Zahn
Prepared by Aryeh Oron (October 2018)