Review

Johann Sebastian Bach
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: from Cantata No. 147

Arranged by Gordon Cherry

Trumpet in b-flat, horn in F, trombone or euphonium or tuba

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 3 brass

Though he wrote and/or set many chorales, the chorale Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is perhaps one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most well-known. Part of his Cantata 147 (BWV 147), written in 1723, this chorale has been excerpted and arranged for a host of different ensembles, both vocal and instrumental. A staple of wedding ceremonies, it continues to be popular centuries after its composition.  Gordon Cherry of Cherry Classics Music has set this famous tune for a mixed brass trio consisting of trumpet in B-flat or E-flat (both parts are provided), horn, and trombone or euphonium or tuba.

Readers are likely quite familiar with this piece and will find no surprises, additions or subtractions to the expected form of the piece. The more florid eighth note melody and counter-melodies reside almost exclusively in the trumpet part, with occasional passages for horn. The longer note value melodies are typically in the horn part. The range of the trombone part spans from C to d1; whenever C is present, Cherry writes c as well, giving the player the option to choose. There are several instances of D, which are not given the optional 8va treatment. As I have come to expect of Cherry Classics editions, the score and parts are neatly and thoughtfully laid out.  Dynamics are typically scored to bring out the important parts while accompanimental parts are marked softer. The range of all parts will be friendly to players of many ability levels.

This is a nice setting of a famous piece for a common instrumentation. Brass trios, especially those that gig a lot, will enjoy this arrangement by Gordon Cherry.