This is a text by Robert Bridges set to WERDE MUNTER, which is the famous tune by Johan Schop without Bach’s gorgeous fiddly bits I was expecting. The words are really not straightforward – they appear to try to express our longing for being in the presence of Christ in heaven.
I made two backings, but whether BIAB should be let loose on classical pieces remains questionable.
1 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.2 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.
This is with all the Bach bits added:
Just the hymn:
