Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Piano - home video)

Home Video of me, performing "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." This is the English title of the 10th movement of the cantata, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147 composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. A transcription by the English pianist Myra Hess (1890-1965) was published in 1926 for piano solo and in 1934 for piano duet. The British organist Peter Hurford made his organ transcription for the chorale movement as well. Today, it is often performed at wedding ceremonies slowly and reverently, in defiance of the effect suggested by Bach in his original scoring, for voices with trumpet, oboes, strings, and continuo. Written during his first year in Leipzig, Germany, this chorale movement is one of Bach's most enduring works.

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LYRICS:
Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.
Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beautys fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdoms holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.

—
Original German lyrics:
Wohl mir, dass ich Jesum habe,
o wie feste halt' ich ihn,
dass er mir mein Herze labe,
wenn ich krank und traurig bin.
Jesum hab' ich, der mich liebet
und sich mir zu eigen giebet,
ach drum lass' ich Jesum nicht,
wenn mir gleich mein Herze bricht.

—from BWV 147, Chorale movement no. 6
Jesus bleibet meine Freude,
meines Herzens Trost und Saft,
Jesus wehret allem Leide,
er ist meines Lebens Kraft,
meiner Augen Lust und Sonne,
meiner Seele Schatz und Wonne;
darum lass' ich Jesum nicht
aus dem Herzen und Gesicht.

—from BWV 147, Chorale movement no. 10

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[musicmurph117]

at the end of each 'chorus' section, the chord sections, it sounds like there are quaves or accidentals - did you add them in yourself or were they written in your copy? they aren't in mine so am curious.

[willjustice89]

@musicmurph117 Hi, MusicMurph117. I actually put a touch of my musical idea in the piece. I had been playing this piece for so long as written, that I decided to add some difference in certain sections. I'm actually glad you noticed. =}

[langalisc]

nice job. ive been trying to learn this piece forever. tough because ive been out of lessons since 2006. it seems like you could lower the left hand by an octave for a richer sound. is that a grand or upright?

[willjustice89]

@langalisc I appreciate. =] Yeah, I learned the piece in about a month, but that's because i've had lessons since 96. heh. I was actually afraid to lower the left hand because I'm left handed :P... I've been known to play the bass louder than the upper voices because of that.. so, going any lower.. You probably would have heard just the bass. heh.

[willjustice89]

@langalisc Oh*, and it's a grand =]

[samlal123]

You are the best piano player i have ever seen

[willjustice89]

@samlal123 *blush*) Thanks a ton. =] You've made my eve =]

[moveuself]

love it, so nice to listen to and watch. i'm learning this piece myself though it's slightly simpler and maybe shorter than yours. thank you!

[camilatmarques]

Oh I truly loved this!! thank you so much for doing some good for us and post this heavenly music!! I'm really thankful

[whijoh1]

I only played part of this song in my piano recital. Maybe cause it was too long my teacher shortened it?

ANYWAYS I really wanted to learn how to play the rest. You're very good :)

[Silvermine7]

Hi! Nice approach to Bach, Wil...somewhat technical, and due to the nature of this recording it actually comes off sounding kind of like a Clavierchord or harpsichord, which really jibes nicely with the manner in which you play