Tuesday, 4 November 2014

J S Bach: Jesu, meine Freude - BWV223



Here is a 4 part vocal version of a chorale by J S Bach.
Some things to consider:

  1. What language is the text? 
  2. How does the TEXTURE compare to gregorian chant?
  3. What is the tonality of the piece?
  4. How does this piece explain the christian theology?
English Translation:

Jesus, my joy,
pasture of my heart,
Jesus, my adornment
ah how long, how long
is my heart filled with anxiety
and longing for you!
Lamb of God, my bridegroom,
apart from you on the earth
there is nothing dearer to me.

There is therefore now no
condemnation to them
who are in Christ Jesus,
who wander not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit.
(Romans 8, V. 1)

Beneath your protection
I am free from the attacks
of all my enemies.
Let Satan track me down,
let my enemy be exasperated --
Jesus stands by me.
Even if there is thunder and lightning,
even if sin and hell spread terror
Jesus will protect me .