Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (from BWV 147) for cello and piano by Johann Sebastian Bach
Arranged by Wolfgang Birtel. Published by Schott
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German composer of the Baroque period and widely considered one of the greatest composers in the Western canon. He carefully studied the work of his forebears and contemporaries, incorporating intricate counterpoint and harmonic innovations into a sophisticated style that represents the zenith of the Baroque tradition. Though he wrote predominantly religious music-including several passions and over 200 cantatas-he is most celebrated today for his profoundly moving instrumental music, including concertos, suites, and sonatas, including many for strings-such as his Cello Suites and Sonatas and Partitas for violin.
Bach's cantatas contain some of his most enduring melodies, such as Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, the Chorale from his early cantata ''Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life'', BWV 147. Wolfgang Birtel arranges this beloved melody for cello and piano, suitable for intermediate players. Grade 3.