Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring — Easy Piano

Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (Jesus bleibet meine Freude, from Cantata BWV 147), in the original key of G major, arranged for a pianist in their first couple of years. The right hand plays Bach's own flowing melody, the famous line the violins and oboes play in the cantata, note for note. It is written in 9/8, as most editions print it, so the flowing rhythm reads as eighth notes beamed in threes: there are no triplet signs and no sixteenths. The left hand plays Bach's bass line, one note per beat. The piece follows the cantata's own order: the opening melody, the short linking passage, and the melody again to close. The sung hymn tune is left out so that the melody can stay whole. Fingering is marked wherever the hand moves, and dynamics and phrasing are included. An optional repeat of the opening eight bars lets you stretch it for a wedding prelude, processional or communion. It closes with a ritardando and a held G major chord. 2 pages, G major, 9/8, Moderato (dotted quarter = 44).