Bach to the Future: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

[ruelfredlusica]

brilliantly arranged!

[cnoyes82]

It's funny, if someone were to remake a beautiful classical painting in graffiti and call it art people would be up in arms, but turning one of Bach's best works into a Christmas Jingle is somehow higher art. I don't know how anyone can hear this and think "wow, what a great rendition". I hear it and wonder how many wasted hours went into its arrangement.

[cnoyes82]

@cnoyes82 After having some more time and listening to it again, I actually think it's more accurate to say it sounds like Phish remade "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" and then this band remade the Phish version.

[PaulinaPaulino]

@cnoyes82 Bach was first and foremost a teacher. Das Wohltemperierte Klavier was in effect a songbook for students to understand all the different scales. He would have encouraged his students to make adaptations of 'old classics'. Personally, I think he would be thrilled with this wonderful arrangement.

[cnoyes82]

@PaulinaPaulino I always squirm a little when people speak for someone who is dead. I am a major supporter of remakes, punk remakes of old standards are among my favorite songs. This is just a terrible arrangement in my opinion. You can argue that if you want, but I won't be here for it.

[nobodady1]

The magic of Bach is in the notes, not so much the sound timbres --- so it always seems to be fine, regardless of the instrumentation. Such universal music.

[MyPasswordisGrawp]

This song is absolutely epic. Nice job.

[MyPasswordisGrawp]

@MyPasswordisGrawp In fact they should play it on the radios during the holiday season, that would be way cool.

[binnyman]

Well-done !!! Sounds like Dave Grusin (Mountain Dance) meets the Dixie Dregs (any number of tunes, what with that string arrangement). Very clever updating of this awesome work !!! Peace:-)

[rahulgabrielle]

absolutely beautiful...

[sparkythapenguin]

J.S. Bach, the improviser of all improvisers would certainly love this. Sounds very Irish/Celtic. I would think that he would smile upon all interpretations, and if he had all the modern technology available to us today, he would make the most of it, a la the characterization of Beethoven in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure".

[24hoursthegirl]

Bach to the nineties.

[moloko5]

The trans-siberian orchestra take on Bach, interesting, lol.

[slkaiser69]

Where the hell is everyone?

[luizcsf1]

This song has a great atmosphere! It´s more cheerful, more vivid...

I am truly out of my mind!

Congratulationsand i hope you guys play here in Brazil!

[singdancelivesmile7]

I like the original version better because this one sounds like an irish dancing music...

[ScotchIrishFool1]

I always think of this scripture, "Don't Cast Your Pearls Before Swine" when I read such nonsense as written here.

[Babejuda]

I agree with FalconMan1960.

It's vivid, charming, and most enjoyable.

[thegoodgeneral]

I'm guessing this was supposed to be a comment to me.

Spare me the nonsensical artist crap; spare me the beer philosophy; spare me the minute lecture in taste; spare me the "analytical," thinly-veiled attacks. I have not gotten personal, no need for you to.

Your music is fine. Michael Jackson's music/choreographies are legendary, just amazing. But neither of them are in the boat of Bach's, or Ravel's, et cetera.

Also, Bach lived a luxurious and prolific life, he wasn't some tortured soul.

[RockyFretz]

at the time of this piece he was.

but....you have been much too rude to continue the discussion...goodbye

[FalconMan1960]

Keep spewing anger and hate. No one is listening to your sophomoric drivel.

[filsuf]

Let me test the smirk on your shallow musicality.

One, what is the tempo?

Two, for the baroque doctrine, what the tempo signifies?

Three, why this "interpretation" is shitty?

I know your kind of shallow comments could never answer such questions. But it's ok, I'm open to surprises. So do try.

[FalconMan1960]

This is a cheerful modern version. Nothing wrong with Bach's. I like them both. I have nothing personal against anyone that doesn't like this song.

[pastorexcelente]

the "Drumitar" is awesome!!!

[thegoodgeneral]

Maybe because Bach was a serious composer.

[FalconMan1960]

It's a modern take on a classic song. Why so much absolute hate? They love the same inspiring song that you do. I like it.

[thegoodgeneral]

It's not a song. Maybe that will draw enough attention to the divide you have with those who don't like this video.

[ctfr339]

i get to see them tomorrow!!

[jwjazz153]

I like it!

[Adoniram1986]

Oh, yeah, with applause, cheering crowds, lights and everything... right?

[hdiylove7]

Unusual=)

[zgopify]

Disgusting.

[filsuf]

Musically meaningless. It's just like putting the classic Monalisa cunt in Penthouse.

[ORUPRANKSTAZ]

Omg... what shitty music school did YOU flunk out of, filsuf?

[thegoodgeneral]

Hahahaha.

[afroponies]

what is this!???????????? i dont like it! the original version sounds way better! and this doesnt even sound a thing like joy of man's desiring!!!!

[leolinklima]

Diferent but good. I prefer the original of corse. But its always good to see diferents and good arrangements

[thejarverdude]

Never heard anything worse in my entire life. Completely abhorrent. Fucking retards.

[bachrock2000]

there is a good reason why I call my self Bachrock2000:

1.Bach is my favorite composer (next would be Brahms, Schupert, and Mendellsohn on an equal level of admiration)

2.his life and why he wrote inpries me to uitilize the many musical gifts God has endowed upon me to use for his glory.

as Bach would write:

"Solo De Gloria"

[thegoodgeneral]

That's a good reason? What about rock? What about 2000? From your enumerated point form, I think you should have called yourself, "PretentiousidiotwholikesBach.­"

[FalconMan1960]

Sounds a little Celtic too! Love it!

[Terrdemarzielle]

The funny part is Bach could do modern stuff so much better than these guys (or anyone else)

[godemp]

I was going to ask if you were channeling Bach's spirit, but, instead I'll ask you what you mean by "modern" music? If you're talking about pop (e.g., jazz, rock, blues, techno, hiphop, etc), then yes, he may be able to do that just fine. If you talking about classical (e.g., Luigi Nono, Stephen Albert, György Ligeti, Iannis Xenakis, etc.), then no, I don't think he would. Most of what Bach wrote was bad; his good pieces are spectacularly amazing, the rest was his job's output for weekly mass.

[Terrdemarzielle]

Actually Bach's output compared with most composers is consistently good. I know this because I have listened to almost everything he wrote (that survived.) There is no denying that, producing a cantata each week, there are some less fruitful works, but even these betray his skill in composition. Some of Bach's less-known works demonstate - just as fully as his well known ones - his creative genious that is too often overlooked.

Now I'll answer your question in the next comment :)

[godemp]

I would say his work was more than competent, but I wouldn't say it was good in any really subjective terms. Objectively, he was compositions are intelligent and stylistically correct. But, subjectively (personally), I don't think they're all too great. I'm in no way trying to discount his musical genius, just that a lot of his work was only adequate, and no more. Different opinions. I'm not trying to be rude; we're allowed to disagree, right? :)

[Terrdemarzielle]

Of course of course, I didn't mean to snap back at you :) I know many many people have the same (or at least similar) opinion. No composer can be everyone's favourite cup of tea.

[godemp]

Granted my favorite composer is Joseph Schwantner ( watch?v=eLO8N5IMTJU ), so my opinion is a bit invalid. But, I like PDQ Bach! ;) Ok, yeah, I can't lie, I do really like J.S.Bach; particularly the art of fugue pieces.

[dundermifflin7]

I think you mean to say that Bach's less fruitful works still Portray, not betray, his skill. If that's the case, I completely agree with you. Never has a composer been better able to mix sophistication with sublime beauty.

[Terrdemarzielle]

When I said 'modern music' I was referring to the standard concepts of modern styles (i.e the kind of harmony you would expect to find in X style.) I do not intend to suggest Bach can write someone else's music better than them.

[godemp]

I was giving examples of modern music. But I don't know if Bach's musical genius would thrive today. I really don't think atonal music is for everyone; and if you don't follow the trends, you get buried. There are plenty of amazing composers who never make it anywhere because they refuse to kowtow to the elite. This isn't anti-intellectualism; it's anti-politics and anti-good-old-boys-club.

[Terrdemarzielle]

Well, my original statement was really in respect to his genious rather than his popularity. I think you're absolutely right; even if he was alive today I don't think he would be nearly as successful as he is dead, when people actually pay him some attention. And I loath music that is contemporary for the sake of being contemporary.

[godemp]

Granted I do like some of Stockhausen's work, I would rather listen to Einstein on the Beach (Actually, I do listen to that, fairly often). But, he's an example of someone who was "doing it for the glory." I don't know if you've heard Aphex Twin's ambient music, but Stockhausen liked it, but complained that it was too dancey, I believe he said something about too much "post-African rhythm."

[bumice911]

this sucks...love this "song" , but this is sub moronic bull, sounds like styx or some irish jig meets peanuts, charlie brown

[FunRunTime]

My high school orchestra is playing with them X)

[missreggae1luv]

Great adaptation of this timeless Bach classic!...the original still dear to my heart.

[oakberry61woohalol]

Bach would be so proud of this NOT!! .

[obiwannotanikan]

i totally agree, they butchered this song, and i absolutely love the REAL version of this song. i hate it when people try to "modernize" songs or make songs "hip" and "cool". why can't they just apreciate the beauty of the original song? Bach is probably rolling in his grave somewhere.

[papaskip]

listening to bach is like hearing the thoughts of a god. if you play, sooner or later you have to tackle this stuff. one of his many miracles is that he is infinitely adaptable. check out django reinhart and stephan grappelli (and eddie south)'s treatment of the double violin concerto in D minor...old bach is just sitting there grinning...as long as humans tackle music he's there waiting for you!

[Iluvsport]

Kind of sounds like a Flecktones song

[malopere]

Me gusta mucho su interpretación..

Es de lo mejor en este género musical combinado con música clásica

[hdiylove7]

Beautiful! Read National Sunday Law by Jan Marcussen and be doubly blessed!

god bless!!!!!!!!!!

[stockinglover22]

Does anyone know the name of this group and where and how they can be located? I want to hire them to play for a company function???

[filmgirlpipes]

This is a great modern take on a classical tune. Making Bach fun and light! Fantastic!

[metropolis3043]

well i agree with you on the fact that it's completely different from how Bach intended for it to sound. but i think musically, this is amazing. it's anything but a "pop thing". it's a great arrangement (think it's slightly different from Bach's arrangement?). anyway, you're right initially, but i think musically, it's a very good piece by this band.

[itsaliveitsalive]

WOW!

[swdroid1985]

ausouumj

[doublearejazz]

:-)

..nice !

:-)

you wonna see/hear how to improvise bach..?

look for vid:

"bach sarabande jazz guitar"

:-)

..regards

[Broadwaylove88]

COOL! =D

[saukeemom]

Found your myspace piece. St. Louis? Belleville tonight? I may have to show up for that. We're just 90 minutes or so North of you. I think we saw rich mullins at St. Paul's about 10 years ago.

[saukeemom]

I'm enjoying your rendition...added it to my favs' I was looking for the 60s-70s version we use to hear on pop radio (moog maybe?) Do you remember who did that version? Is your version on myspace music?

[MortiCarthago]

Interesting, but... it's not as beautiful when it's played faster. Plus you can't make Bach better than Bach.

It was nice to listen to though.

[downtowntrio]

I hope not. I think he already passed away. Anyway, I enjoy the original works, and I enjoy our profane versions...!

Mike

[downtowntrio]

You;re probably right, but we have a good time re-interpreting classical pieces, regardless of the composers' intentions. Some people dig it, some don't. We knew that when we began. Hope it doesn't ruin your day. Thanks for watching anyway!

Mike

[onionpizza]

this piece of manure stinks like skunk diarrhea

[downtowntrio]

I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!

[ennais]

this actually makes me smile. the keyboard part, I mean. ^-^

[discontents]

i'm missing out on the afro-cuban part of this? it sounds like a jazzy version but the closest i could see this to afro-cuban is the fact that it has drums, and mixes elements of the religious with the profane (wikipedia).

[downtowntrio]

It is based on an Afro-Cuban rhythm, but it is subtle. When we do clinics we describe the originalpiece by Bach and then demonstrate the 12/8 rhythm, and then the combination of the two. This version has more melody and less of the rhythmic concept. I understand your confusion. Sorry about that.

[BayAreaBiker2001]

It sounds more like a jig

[tokoyaa]

bach had 34 children

[samal4]

Bach, would of like this!!! By the way, DID YOU KNOW: Bach had 34 children?

[lovelygi]

Great"

[ykcamseyer]

Where can I get this song?

[Ssangmoon]

Try this site, dude.

bachtothefuture (DOT) net

[Mrfreakmeade]

WOW. Sounds really good.

When i read about this i touught it was gonna suck, but man what a great translation

[robbryn]

Bach! Wendy Carlos! Midi tap shoes! Zendrum! Konono #1! Runki Runki! Believe it! Love it!

[igivupsosad]

I found your cd on your website! Should have looked before posting! Anyway, congrats on an awesome sound.

[downtowntrio]

Thanks for the kind words... Maybe we'll come through your home town soon! We're on our first N. American tour, and it's going great!

Mike

[igivupsosad]

Is Atlanta on your list???

[igivupsosad]

Really nice and upbeat variation on Jesu. I saw on the other videos that "downtowntrio" is the keyboard....do you have any cd's out and if so, where can they be purchased?

[miracas]

niceee ;)

[leetkrew2]

cool hehehe! whishlist: canon and fur elise hehe

[paulotosetti]

Awesome!!!