Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Cantata No. 147: Herz und Mond und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: Jesu, Bleibet Meine Freude) Cover Image

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Cantata No. 147: Herz und Mond und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: Jesu, Bleibet Meine Freude): Full Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$80.00 USD

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Cantata No. 147: Herz und Mond und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: Jesu, Bleibet Meine Freude): Full Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Cantata No. 147: Herz und Mond und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: Jesu, Bleibet Meine Freude): Full Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A546802
Price: 80.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

By Johann Sebastian (J.S.) Bach, ed./arr. by Alfred Reed

Item: 36-A546802

$80.00

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Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: "Jesu, bleibet meine Freude"), orchestrated by Alfred Reed, originates from Johann Sebastian Bach's (1685-1750) cantata composed in 1723 during his first year as Thomaskantor in Leipzig. Written for the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary and first performed on July 2, 1723, the chorale movement that closes each part of the cantata has become one of Bach's most beloved inspirations. The familiar English title derives from a 20th-century paraphrase of the German text, which expresses steadfast devotion and spiritual joy. Alfred Reed (1921-2005), known for his contributions to wind and orchestral literature, later arranged the piece for orchestra. Today JESU, JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING stands as a cornerstone of sacred and concert repertoire alike, frequently performed at weddings, memorials, and formal occasions, and Reed's orchestral version continues to offer ensembles a reverent and accessible interpretation of one of Bach's most enduring chorale movements. Instrumentation: 3.2+1(EH).2+1(BCl).2+1(CBsn): 4.3.3.1: Timp: Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set).

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Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library

Publisher: EDWIN F KALMUS

UPC: 612735513559

SKU: 36-A546802

Instrumentation: 3.2+1(EH).2+1(BCl).2+1(CBsn): 4.3.3.1: Timp: Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set)

More about this title

About the Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685, 1750) shaped the foundations of Western music during his tenure as Thomaskantor in Leipzig, a position he held from 1723 until his death. His output across all genres, cantatas, passions, concertos, fugues, and keyboard works, established harmonic language and contrapuntal technique that musicians still study and perform today.

Bach's cantatas, numbering over 200, served the liturgical calendar of the Lutheran church. Written with both profound theological depth and direct musical accessibility, they demonstrate his gift for setting German texts to memorable melodies while surrounding them with intricate instrumental writing. His music bridges the intimate and the monumental.

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Why we love this

Reed's orchestration respects Bach's harmonic foundation while giving each instrumental family its own voice, making the piece as rewarding to conduct as it is to hear. The arrangement lands naturally on the concert stage, substantial enough for formal occasions yet never overwrought, and the familiar chorale melody ensures immediate connection with your audience. This is a piece that conducts itself once the ensemble finds the pulse.

What to expect

Warmth and steadiness define this chorale. The familiar melody rises above gentle harmonic motion, creating an atmosphere of quiet devotion and spiritual certainty. Reed's orchestration adds depth and resonance without sentimentality, making the work feel both timeless and present.

Who it's for

Orchestra and concert band directors seeking a reverent, accessible arrangement of a Bach masterwork for formal occasions, memorial services, or concert programming. Ensembles with intermediate to advanced capability and mixed instrumentation will find this orchestration rewarding and appropriate for both sacred and secular concert contexts.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the chorale melody across first violins and woodwinds; the familiar tune must sing through the harmonic support without overshadowing it.
Approach the sustained chords with attention to intonation and blend; Bach's voice-leading rewards precise tuning.
Allow the bass line its own shape and direction; it supports but should never disappear into the accompaniment.
Maintain steady tempo and clarity of pulse; this chorale's power comes from its directness, not rubato.

How to use it

This arrangement pairs naturally with other Bach works or extends a broader concert exploring baroque sacred music. Its brevity and emotional weight make it excellent as a prelude to a concert or as the centerpiece of a shorter program devoted to devotional music. Many directors program it at memorial services or ceremonies requiring music of gravitas and accessibility.