WACHET AUF

WACHET AUF is a hymn tune in 8.9.8.8.9.8.6.6.4.8.8, composed by Phillipp Nicolai (1556–1608) (1599). In a hymnal the tune has a name of its own, printed in capitals, because the same music carries many texts: any hymn written in its meter can be sung to it.

The four-part harmony played here comes from the Open Hymnal Project's public-domain edition (copied from 'Common Service Book with Hymnal', ULCA, 1917 Hymn 5.). Choose any text below and press play to hear the words sung to WACHET AUF, with the lines highlighted as they come — on organ, piano or guitar, in any key.

More by Phillipp Nicolai · All 8.9.8.8.9.8.6.6.4.8.8 hymns and tunes