Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is the title of the 10th movement of the cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147 composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. A transcription by the English pianist Myra Hess (1890-1965) was published in 1926 for piano solo and in 1934 for piano duet. ^[1] Today, it is often performed at wedding ceremonies slowly and reverently, in defiance of the effect suggested by Bach in his original scoring, for voices with trumpet, oboes, strings, and continuo. Written during his first year in Leipzig, Germany, this chorale movement is one of Bach's most enduring works.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - performed by Chloë Agnew

Original German lyrics

Jesus bleibet meine Freude,

meines Herzens Trost und Saft,

Jesus wehret allem Leide,

er ist meines Lebens Kraft,

meiner Augen Lust und Sonne,

meiner Seele Schatz und Wonne;

darum lass' ich Jesum nicht

aus dem Herzen und Gesicht.

—from BWV 147, Chorale movement no. 10

Wohl mir, dass ich Jesum habe,

o wie feste halt' ich ihn,

dass er mir mein Herze labe,

wenn ich krank und traurig bin.

Jesum hab' ich, der mich liebet

und sich mir zu eigen giebet,

ach drum lass' ich Jesum nicht,

wenn mir gleich mein Herze bricht.

—from BWV 147, Chorale movement no. 6

English Translation

Jesu, joy of man's desiring,

Holy Wisdom, Love most bright;

Drawn by Thee, our souls, aspiring,

Soar to uncreated light.

Word of God, our flesh that fashion'd,

With the fire of life impassion'd,

Striving still to truth unknown,

Soaring, dying, round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding,

Hark, what peaceful music rings!

Where the flock, in Thee confiding,

Drink of joy from deathless springs.

Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;

Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.

Thou dost ever lead Thine own

In the love of joys unknown.