Bach-Hess Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring || Rachel Naomi Kudo, Piano

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)/Myra Hess (1890-1965)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Recorded December 3, 2021
~~
Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is one of his most beloved chorale settings, originally appearing as the final movement of his Cantata BWV 147. Its flowing, triplet-laden accompaniment and radiant melody embody a sense of spiritual uplift and quiet devotion.

Dame Myra Hess’s famous piano transcription transforms this sacred choral work into an intimate yet luminous solo piece. The melody, originally sung by the choir, sings with serene grace in the right hand, while the left hand delicately weaves the undulating accompaniment. The result is a setting of remarkable warmth and nobility—elevating the grandeur of Bach’s original while embracing the expressive possibilities of the piano.

More than just a transcription, Hess’s arrangement captures the essence of Bach’s timeless beauty, making it a treasured piece both in concert halls and moments of personal reflection. It remains a testament to the enduring power of Bach’s music to inspire and console across generations.

© 2025 Rachel Naomi Kudo
~~
Engineer: Federico Furlanetto
Editing & Mastering: Giorgio Fiori
Piano Technician: Massimiliano Pinazzo
~~
🎵J.S. Bach Playlist
   • Johann Sebastian Bach  
🎵 Beethoven Diabelli Variations (LIVE)
   • Beethoven Diabelli Variations, Op.120 (LIV...  
🎵 Beethoven Six Bagatelles Op.126 (LIVE)
   • Beethoven Six Bagatelles, Op.126 (LIVE 201...  
🎵 Berg Sonata Op.1 (LIVE)
   • Berg Sonata, Op.1 (LIVE 2019) || Rachel Na...  
🎵 Chopin Playlist
   • Fryderyk Chopin  
🎵 Chopin 12 Etudes Op.10 (LIVE)
   • Chopin 12 Etudes Op.10 (LIVE 2003) II Rach...  
🎵 Chopin Nocturne Op.27 No.2
   • Chopin Nocturne in D-flat major, Op.27 No....  
🎵 Debussy Clair de Lune
   • Debussy Clair de Lune || Rachel Naomi Kudo...  
🎵 Marc-André Hamelin Suite à l’ancienne (2020)
   • Marc-André Hamelin Suite à l’ancienne (Sui...  
🎵Mozart Sonata No.18 K.576
   • Mozart Piano Sonata No.18 in D major, K.57...  
🎵 Franz Schubert Playlist
   • Franz Schubert  
🎵 Clara Schumann Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann Op.20 (LIVE)
   • Clara Schumann Variations on a Theme by Ro...  
🎵 Schumann-Liszt Widmung
   • Schumann-Liszt Widmung (“Dedication”) || R...  
🎵 Schumann Carnaval Op.9
   • Schumann Carnaval, Op.9 || Rachel Naomi Ku...  
🎵 Schumann Arabeske in C major Op.18
   • Schumann Arabeske in C major, Op.18 || Rac...  
🎵 Weber Invitation to the Dance Op.65 (LIVE)
   • Weber Invitation to the Dance, Op.65 (LIVE...  
~~
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5EfyC…
~~
✨Listen & Follow:
Facebook:   / rachelnaomikudo88  
Instagram:   / rachelnaomikudo  
X: https://x.com/rachelnaomikudo
Website: https://www.rachelnaomikudo.com​
~~
#Bach #JSBach #johannsebastianbach #RachelNaomiKudo