Bach, JS :: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Musicians Publications presents J.S. Bach's 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring arranged for flexible woodwind trio by Bill Holcombe. This arrangement includes a plethora of woodwind parts that are interchangeable depending on the instrumentation available. The score is divided into 3 voices, with the lowest voice in both bass and treble clef. Voice 1 parts include flute, oboe, and clarinet; upper voice 2 parts include flute, oboe, and B-flat clarinet; and voice 3 parts include clarinet, bass clarinet, or bassoon. The many different options in performance make this the perfect medley for a gigging group! This arrangement is intermediate in difficulty.

Bach was not considered a saint by his students and contemporaries in Leipzig. However, he was obviously sincere when he write, 'The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. If heed is not paid to this, it is not true music. With his demanding schedule, Bach must have felt a need for spiritual assistance very often. In addition to many other responsibilities, he composed (and taught) over 250 cantatas in five yearly sets one for each Sunday of the year. Although characteristic of his genius, Bach's cantatas were considered old fashioned by his composer sons and many other musicians. Only one was published during his lifetime: his widow sold a large bundle of manuscripts for about 40 dollars.

This still-popular chorale, from a melody by Johan Schop (1590-1664), occurs at the close of Bach's 'Cantata No. 147 Be Thou Cheerful, O My Spirit . He used the same melody in Nos. 233 and 365 of his four-part chorales.

- Program Notes for Band