Sunday, June 22, 2008

click to enlarge

from "In The Sky Garden"
by Lizzie W. Champney
Illustrated by J. Wells Champney
1877

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Coffee Cantata

In 1732, Johann Sebastian Bach turned a
humorous poem by Picander into what's
become known as the Coffee Cantata. It's original
title was: "Be Quiet, Don't Chatter."

Ah! Coffee, how lovely this is,
Sweeter than a thousand kisses,
Mellower than a musical.
Coffee, coffee, I crave it dearly;
And should someone wish to cheer me,
Take my cup and fill it well!

14 comments:

Kurt said...

At my house, we often go to bed talking about the next morning's coffee, as in "just nine more hours 'til coffee!"

DivaJood said...

Ah, the Coffee Cantata - it just proves that caffeine (or caf-fine) is an essential part of the day. I like my espresso, for sure.

Bobby D. said...

I'm with Kurt--I often want a cup of coffee at night.. but I wait. I'm having coffee right now... ahhhh

Merle Sneed said...

I enjoy a good cup of coffee or ten.

dennis said...

Dennis is into espresso. Sweeter than a thousand fishes.

mouse (aka kimy) said...

are you jiving me with this factoid - be quiet, don't chatter.....regardless love the post and the in the sky illustration!

I love my morning coffee rituals.... when the cats hear the coffee grinder they know it will soon be breakfast time for them!

cbb said...

Well, I just had to HEAR the Coffee Cantata (thinking not to would be a 'debachle') and among the many You Tube options here is my favorite, complete with decorative foamy designs (which you just know makes it a better cuppa joe).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF0dd0EaXDg&feature=related

Coffee Messiah said...

kurt: Seems it's always time to be thinking about coffee, no matter what time of day or night.

diva: Although we do enjoy the occasional "French Press" we've been enjoying our espresso most of the time also.

ched: It's "one" way to enjoy waking up, to be sure.

merle: Nothing wrong with that.

dennis: Many don't realize what complex flavor you can get out of a good shot or two, if done made correctly.

mouse: I found the illustration to be quite cool also.

cbb: That was nice, Thanks!

Unknown said...

Well in my universe (Mediterranean) coffee is definitely a ritual. No matter if it’s an Italian espresso, a traditional Greek /Turkish/ Cyprus / Arab (they are all the same thing!) or even an instant Nescafe hot or “al fredo”. I adore large cappuccinos…

Wonderful post, so harmonious, as I was reading it I could fantasize Johan Sebastian enjoying the aromas and taste of a cup of coffee with all his partitas open in front of him.

I haven’t been in here for ages. Do you remember me at all? I wonder. I had the Greek blog “opusdays.blogspot” you use to visit me quite often as I use to visit your previews blog often and exchange some political thoughts. I guess you know that American elections this year are a top interest here in Europe and we all hope there will be a change in Washington (Yes, you can!) Cheers from Cyprus!

ps. My new signature is my last name (Pittas) and the Greek word Politis which means “Citizen” so its Citizen Pittas – a hint for the spirit of the French revolution.

lettuce said...

well i am more of a tea drinker, i must admit - but nice to "meet" you, nevertheless

tony said...

Hi Coffee thanks (in advance) For sending The Stuff.
A word of warning.....Benidorm has the shitest Coffee in Spain.....Nice To Be Home to get a decent cup!

Coffee Messiah said...

politispittas: Hello and of course I remember you and your blog. I think politics was making us all angry back then, and nothing has changed. I did enjoy reading your blog and needed to use a translator of course. BTW, which one is your main blog? I believe I should have been born in Europe, just because I like all the coffees you mention too. Yes, we hope things change soon, but you know how it goes, baby steps always. It's been a rough 8 yrs! ; ( Cheers and Thanks for remembering!

lettuce: We too, drink tea. My favorite is Jasmine Pearls and our likes in Tea are as goos as our coffee choices. Thanks for stopping by!

tony: Spain wouldn't be a choice coffee spot I'd imagine. But the food must have been good. Have fun in Italy!

Unknown said...

I didn't know that.

Coffee Messiah said...

nick: I aim to please. ; )