Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 02/21/2006, uploaded on 01/26/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring              Johann Sebastian Bach/arranged by Myra Hess

Having performed Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring dozens of times in every conceivable arrangement, it was a total surprise for me to learn that it was Dame Myra Hess who made this Bach cantata excerpt famous.  Now a staple of weddings and church services throughout the world, I had previously thought that her fine transcription was just one of dozens, rather than the original that brought the lilting theme worldwide familiarity.  I was also unaware that her 1920's transcription was the first time the piece gained its English title, since it was previously heard as part of a thirty-minute-plus cantata, one of over 200 that Bach wrote in his life.  It is my privilege to perform this transcription in her memory, celebrating a mighty career and life in music.     Alpin Hong

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.