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The Liberal Catholic Church
Christ ever lives as a mighty spiritual presence in the World, guiding and sustaining his people. The Liberal Catholic Church exists to forward Christ's work in the world.
The original and authentic
Liberal Catholic Church
Our hearts are ever restless until they find their rest in Thee
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
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Original Words: Martin Janus, 1661
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The original text by Martin Janus in 1661, "Jesu, meiner Seelen Wonne" expresses a close, friendly, and familiar friendship with Jesus, who gives life to the poet. It has been noted that the original German hymn was characteristically a lively hymn of praise, which is carried over somewhat into Bach's arrangement; whereas a slower, more stately tempo is traditionally used with the English version.
| German | English |
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| 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. |
Well for me that I have Jesus, O how tightly I hold him that he might refresh my heart, when I'm sick and sad. Jesus I have, who loves me and gives himself to me, ah, therefore I will not leave Jesus, Even if I feel my heart is breaking. —from BWV 147, chorale movement no. 6 |
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. |
Jesus remains my joy, my heart's comfort and essence, Jesus fends off all suffering, He is my life's strength, my eye's desire and sun, my soul's treasure and pleasure; Therefore I will not leave Jesus out of heart and face. —from BWV 147, chorale movement no. 10 |
The most commonly heard English version was written by poet laureate Robert Seymour Bridges (1844-1930), not a direct translation of the stanzas used within Bach's original version.
| 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 fashioned, With the fire of life impassioned, 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. |
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring conducted by Leopold Stokowski 1992 (3:43)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring conducted by Leopold Stokowski 1992 (3:43)(YouTube)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring Celtic Women (live) (4:12)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring Celtic Women (live) (4:12)(YouTube)
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Voices (SA) (4-30-19 18:43:32) |
