Sleepers Awake! by Bach for Classical Ukulele (Video + Performance Notes)

Sleepers Awake! by Bach for Classical Ukulele

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme

Bach’s famous chorale Sleepers Awake from Cantata BWV 140 is a perfect fit for classical ukulele. Jeff’s arrangement in F major lets the instrument’s natural warmth support the noble, processional character of the music. Set in cut time (2/2), keep a steady pulse around ♩ = 80. Let the flowing 16th notes move gently forward without sounding rushed. (This arrangement is in low-G tuning.)

Performance Notes on Sleepers Awake! for Classical Ukulele

Because this is a chorale melody, think vocally. Shape every phrase as if a choir were breathing through the line.

In the first measure, establish a calm and even tone. Use your right-hand index on the 1st string for the melody, while the thumb supports the inner voices. On beats 3 and 4, let the thumb move from the 3rd to the 4th string. Keep the texture connected and legato. When the phrase returns in measure 3, repeat it more softly. This creates a gentle echo effect.

Take care of the slurs, because they shape the melodic line and keep it lyrical. To create some contrast, play measure 5 more firmly to give a sense of arrival. Then begin measures 7 and 8 softly and allow a gradual crescendo across each measure. Let the last note of measure 7 taper slightly so it leads naturally into measure 8.

In measure 11, use the 4th finger for the high C. This allows your 3rd finger to take the G on the 2nd string and keeps the hand stable. In measure 12, consider adding a light trill on beat 3. Keep the ornament expressive and relaxed rather than flashy.

Measure 19 presents one of the bigger technical challenges in this arrangement. The stretch from the 2nd to the 8th fret is wide, so avoid tension. Relax your hand, lower the wrist slightly, and let the fingers extend naturally. Practice the position shifts here slowly to maintain smooth sustain.

You will also notice an unusual fingering in measure 23. On beat 3, place your 2nd finger on the 1st string. Then use your thumb on the 2nd string to play the E on the “&” of beat 3. Although this feels awkward at first, it keeps the voice leading clean and connected.

For the final chord, you can add a gentle mordent or a pull-off/hammer-on from F to E and back to F. This small ornament adds a touch of Baroque character and provides a graceful finish.

Above all, treat Sleepers Awake as a true chorale. Sustain the tone, shape long phrases, and let the melody float above the inner voices. With patience and careful listening, Bach’s Sleepers Awake on classical ukulele becomes less about technique and more about resonance and line.