My Heart Ever Faithful: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet strips away the baroque ornament to reveal the emotional core of one of Bach's most singable melodies. The simplicity of the fake book format makes it accessible for vocalists and keyboard players working at different levels, while the harmonic sophistication keeps it fresh for advanced musicians.

Serene and anchoring. The melody has an almost hymn-like quality, intimate rather than grand, with harmonic progressions that feel both inevitable and gently surprising. It settles into you.

Pianists and vocalists exploring sacred baroque repertoire, wedding musicians seeking accessible but sophisticated literature, and keyboardists building fluency with lead sheets and jazz-style notation.

• Phrase the melody as you would sing it, even on keyboard. Bach's vocal lines benefit from breath points and shape, not mechanical evenness.
• Let the harmony breathe in the left hand. Sparse voicings often communicate more clearly than thick chords.
• Experiment with tempo. This piece works as both a stately processional and a more intimate, reflective reading depending on context.
• Pay attention to where the melody peaks and where it rests. These natural contours guide both expression and phrasing decisions.

Perfect for a wedding or ceremony where you need music that is reverent without being somber. It also works as a chorale study in keyboard lessons or as a bridge between classical repertoire and lead sheet reading for jazz-curious students.

• Reading lead sheet notation and figured bass conventions
• Realizing baroque harmony from minimal notation
• Vocal phrasing and melodic shaping on keyboard
• Understanding historical performance practice in sacred music