Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - for Woodwind Quintet

ISMN#: 979-0-3071-0076-3

ASCAP WORK ID#: 936136838

This intermediate woodwind quintet digital download arrangement of the classic "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata BWV 147 “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben” is a staple of wedding music. It can be performed either before or after the ceremony. This piece is also great for recitals, graduations, holiday events and parties, and background-dinner-music gigs. Originally written in the Baroque Era, this piece is perfect for college groups, amateur ensembles, and professional quintets. As always, I have included an alternate bass clarinet part in lieu of a missing bassoon.

Bach’s Cantata BWV 147 was written in 1723, while in his early years as Thomaskantor (music director) at the world-famous Thomanerkirche, a Lutheran church in Leipzig, Germany. The Thomanerchor, which Bach conducted for over 25 years, dates to the 13th-century. The choir still offers weekly services, motet concerts twice a week, regular tours around the globe, and annual performances of Bach's Passions and Christmas Oratorio with the prestigious Gewandhaus Orchestra. Originally composed for a baroque orchestra, I hope you enjoy this unique setting for winds.

If you're looking for a Wedding Music Collection for WQ, CMP will be publishing a new collection in May 2026. This wedding music collection will include Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," plus Handel's "Air" from the Water Music Suites, Clarke's (Attr. Purcell) "Trumpet Voluntary," Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin, and the above-mentioned Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" from the oratorio Solomon. Save 30% on the price of these six individual pieces when you purchase the CMP Wedding Music Collection for WQ. Look for this collection, coming soon!

Updated 13 May 2026