Johann Sebastian Bach: Cantatas and Chorales

The cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach are among his most significant and celebrated compositions. While many have been lost, at least 209 of the cantatas have survived, the earliest of which dates from around 1707, and the latest from 1745. His cantatas usually require four soloists and a four-part choir, but he also wrote solo cantatas for typically one soloist, and dialogue cantatas for two singers.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is the 10th movement of the Bach's cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147. The pianist Myra Hess transcribed the work for piano solo in 1926, and for piano duet in 1934. The organist Peter Hurford made a transcription for organ. Nowadays the piece is often performed at weddings, but in a slow and reverent manner contrary to Bach's suggestions.

Sheep May Safely Graze, an aria in B flat major, is the ninth movement of Bach's 1713 Hunting Cantata, BWV 208, also called The lively hunt is all my heart's desire (Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd). Along with Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Sheep may Safely Graze is perhaps the most popular of Bach's cantata movements. It was popularized by the English composer William Walton in his Wise Virgin Suite in 1940. The American composer Mary Howe transcribed Sheep May Safely Graze for piano. A somewhat bizarre arrangement for piano, called Blithe Bells, was made by by the Australian composer Percy Grainger. The American composer and electronic musician Wendy Carlos arranged and recorded Sheep May Safely Graze on a Moog synthesizer for her 1973 album Switched-On Bach II.

The music of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) is one of humanity's greatest treasures. It is unsurpassed in its expression of profound reverence for life, and in its depth and diversity of ideas and feelings. It provides boundless joy to listeners and performers.