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Yes, Gratitude Works!
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The Fruits of Desire
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Johann Sebastian Bach
Here is an astonishing Celtic version of one of the most beautiful melodies in history, a favorite at weddings, recorded by hundreds of soloists, choirs and orchestras.
It’s Johann Sebastian Bach’s memorable “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”
Did you know it was originally a praise and worship song? Of course they had those back in the early 1700s when this was written. It’s nothing new to sing God’s praises! The angels, after all, pioneered the idea.
Here is a literal translation of the original German lyrics. Read them as you listen to this classic:
Well for me that I have Jesus,
O how strong I hold — to HimThat He might refresh my heart
when so sick and sad — am I.Jesus have I, He who loves me,
He who takes me as – His own!Ah, therefore I don’t leave Jesus,
lest I should break my heart.
Now enjoy the Celtic version as you reflect on the love that a great man of God, Johann Sebastian Bach, had for our Lord. A complex genius, Bach was not ashamed to fill his music with his great gratitude to our loving Savior!
And here’s a bit of trivia for you. The original German lyrics were written in 1661 by Martin Janus. The melody was actually written by Johann Schop between 1661-1664. It gained enormous popularity in 1723 when Bach enhanced and arranged it for the chorus that closes his 32nd cantata, which oddly enough is named Cantata No. 147.
If you enjoyed that, then CLICK HERE to get a kick out of this — the world’s longest wooden xylophone playing an interesting version of this wondrous classic.
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posted April 10, 2011 at 11:35 am
I HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS BEFORE, IT IS AMAZING, IT MADE MY HAIRS STAND UP! I THINK IN ANY LANGUAGE, IT’S JUST BEUTIFUL
posted April 10, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Beautiful. The hairs on my arms were standing up by the end of it.
posted April 12, 2011 at 6:47 am
Of course I recognize that sublime melody, but now I won’t forget its title and composer. (I often fail to distinguish between titles and composers of classical music.) That was a lovely rendition and a refreshing post to start the day with and to find at this site.
posted April 12, 2011 at 6:47 am
Brought tears of joy to my heart.
posted June 15, 2011 at 5:40 pm
What a truly beautiful song and arrangement. I lsten to this most days..it lifts my moods amazingly…
posted September 2, 2011 at 8:59 pm
Try listening to the piece as written by J.S. Bach.