After working for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen, Bach was appointed cantor of the St. Thomas School in Leipzig. He moved family and furniture in May of 1723. His job description included duties as civic director of music, and this meant numerous odious encounters with the Town Council. He complained of superiors who are strange people, with little regard for music.”

“Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring” is the chorale that ends both parts of Bach’s Cantata 147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (Heart and Mouth and Deed and Life). It was composed in July, 1723 in Leipzig for the feast of the Visitation. Parts of it had been written in Weimar as early as 1716.

Program Notes by Charley Samson, copyright 2021.