Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S.Bach Arr. D.Qualey

[@IseBosch-j4y]

Rest in peace David Qualey, and thank you for the music.

[@itopoti4634]

This is my favorite piece of all classical guitars, RIP David Qualey legendary never die

[@davidqualeymusic]

It is not an arrangement but a fantasy. Any piece of music can be experimented with, even Bach. Not because it "needs" to be changed, but only because he left it here for the rest of us to use and enjoy.

[@amciiYou]

Just found this..gives me a comfort I needed. Having lost both sons 10 years apart..this is a much needed respite after a ravishing turmoil last year....this gives me peace in my dark days..a new day is near....thank you,thank you..

[@ddarmawa]

Found this peace a week ago, and sadly know that you passed away 😢, would like to say thank you for a very nice piece for Christmas in 2024

[@loveyourbrother100]

The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. -- Johann Sebastian Bach

[@tronovan3d]

Never gets old.

[@HaSTeYT]

noch immer muss ich fast weinen wenn ich dieses Arrangement höre und ab und zu auch mal spiele...

[@klippdachs]

So beautiful! R.I.P. dear friend!

[@Thomas-j3x8k]

I would consider myself a Baroque purist, but this arrangement is perhaps the only one I've heard that truly knocks the socks off the original score; which is something I hardly ever say. You managed to capture the Baroque style with the bass line while ornamenting the melody in a way that just brings out so many wonderful colors in this piece. Truly a work of art.

[@strat192]

When God plays His Martin, this is the piece and the arrangement He favors.

[@Skolower]

Maybe you haven't heard Christopher Parkening's version, closer to the original and very colorful !

[@uwekasten716]

@@strat192 great comment!!

[@madben9981]

Ya know, I'm an atheist, but that is one great comment.

[@madben9981]

I'm kind of a purist as well, but when I think of Bach, I remember that he wrote a two volume collection of preludes and fugues to underscore his appreciation of a new way of tuning and that he also wrote Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue. He was not an old fuddy duddy and would have loved hearing his music through a synthesizer. Or this arrangement. Or even the Gould GVs on piano ( oh lord, the first several notes of Gould's 2nd recording of GV#1 convinced me that it's OK to play Bach on an instrument with expressive key touch). Anyway, liked your comment.

[@efledapreclarotolentino4991]

I have been searching for this arrangement since 1996. It is the version that resonates for me most. Thank you for posting it on youtube.

[@davidqualeymusic]

I'm glad your search is over. Enjoy it. Ciao for now, David Q.

[@dpeders2002]

A magnificient version of a magnificent song.

[@colinwhite5355]

I first listened to this wonderful piece around thirteen years ago. I’d wanted the best possible version I could find for me and my wife-to-be to have as part of our wedding service. I chose this. Sadly, our marriage didn’t turn out to be made in Heaven - split up years ago - but I still listen to this beautiful piece of music all the time and never tire of it. It would be like tiring of breathing. .

[@davidqualeymusic]

Sorry to hear your dream didn't work out as hoped, but nice to hear you can still enjoy the piece. All the best and thanks for writing. David

[@colinwhite5355]

What a lovely surprise to have such a thoughtful response; thank you. Goodness knows how many pieces of music we all listen to in a lifetime, but this composition of Bach’s is, surely, one of the most sublime. For you to have taken it and then, in my opinion, lifted it even further takes something special. ‘God’ given gift which, I hope, you’re very proud of. And, you make it look so effortless. Damn! All the very best to you and yours. Regards. Colin. Don’t suppose you ever perform in the frozen north of England?

[@davidqualeymusic]

Thank you very much. Music has the power to bring people together, no matter what their beliefs may be, and that is what makes it so special. Ciao for now, David

[@MrMartinczech]

with this piece it´s easy to fly in my head to the jear 1976 in a little town in South Germany, where You have played at your best with your little dog Rufus- the morning after you´ve played " me and my bobby mcgee". I´d like to hear it again- begging you. sincere martin czechanowski

[@MNX58]

I wonder what J.S.Bach himself would think of this arrangement? Possibly the hairs on the back of his neck would stand up, a tear in his eye maybe and applause at the end of the song for the beautiful sound coming from David's guitar. Wonderful.

[@davidqualeymusic]

@backroadernb Hi and thank you for your comment. It is always nice to hear from those that enjoy my work. And nice to hear after 22 years you two are still together. Ciao for now, David

[@rodericksibelius8472]

Ah the SOUND of the HARP through the Virtuosity of Mr. David Quality, smooth and flowing as the sounds of Heaven. Bravo Maestro.

[@mrbluesky2317]

I found this tonight after having not heard it for many a year. My ex-wife purchased the Winter Solstice CD for the beautiful version of Greensleeves, to which she danced with her father at our wedding, but we fell in love with the entire album. This track was always our favorite. Listening to it tonight, I am overwhelmed by the nostalgia of it all: The memories of our first apartment and our first year together, beautiful winter nights snuggled in bed, the promise of a bright future ahead of us...all of that is gone now, but this song lives on. Thank you so much for this amazing gift.

[@davidqualeymusic]

Many thanks for sharing your experience with my piece. Sorry to hear that your future turned out other than you had hoped. Tomorrow is another day and another beginning. Ciao for now, David

[@HungNguyen-st3pg]

@@davidqualeymusic Like James Blau, I listen to that CD for many years and until now. I truly enjoy the way you perform this beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing it here.

[@davidqualeymusic]

Thanks guys! Please don't argue about what "could" be done with this arrangement. It is finished and it stands as it is and will probably never be "worked on" again. As I've said before, this is a very "free" fantasy on the theme and in no way is to be seen as an "arrangement" of the piece. I only use a small part of the "original" and even that I change as I felt "fit" my "fantasy". I enjoy it and I hope others can enjoy it for what it is. Ciao for now, David Q.

[@madben9981]

I think it is absolutely beautiful.

[@julierocco3250]

I walked down the aisle, to my waiting husband, to this song .... played by you. It is an all time favorite of mine. You were kind enough to send it to me so it could be played. Thank you!

[@davidqualeymusic]

The guitar is a nylon string quint guitar built by Cornelia Traudt. It is tuned a 5th higher than a normal guitar, but with the same intervals so you can play it with the same fingerings. Because the strings are shorter and tuned very high the sound is more brilliant than a normal classical guitar. Thank you Lettink60 for the help! David Q.

[@tronovan3d]

When I was young, my mother had the Windham Hill cassette with this on it. I listened to this song so much, I knew exactly how long to let the tape rewind to get to the beginning of this song; and so I listened to it over and over, wearing out the tape until it eventually became warbly and muffled. So nostalgic to listen to it again.

[@Ramunefan]

It's like each note has warm emotion the cassette must've worked really hard:)

[@MegaHugh69]

Still love this but it brings tears to my eyes, as I have told you in the past i lost my best friend, my german sheperd, Samson that layed at my feet while I played this, i know you lost taco around the same time, find it hard to play now...too many feelings, still love it, hope you are doing well. John

[@Hyttjanne]

Mycket fint! Very beautiful, listening a bright summernight in Sweden.

[@johannbeck8548]

Immer wieder ein Genuss. God bless You. Johann Beck. Damals Neuendettelsau Und Langenau.kirche.

[@ellenspitler5513]

This is the most beautiful version of our wedding song that I've heard. I wish we would have had it for our day, but it is sweet to hear it now.

[@champlain313]

I bought the Winter Solstice cassette at the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester VT in 1979 or 1980; I still have it and was playing it this morning! My three boys grew up on it; they listen to the recordting, and of course this piece, before they listen to any other music of the Christmas season Thank you David. It gives me peace and knits together the past 40 years of my life.

[@davidqualeymusic]

Hi Linda, thank you very much for taking your time to tell me your story! I appreciate it. Glad to be a part of your season. Ciao for now, David

[@verenaschnee7861]

Es ist immer noch sooo schön

[@육명선-z1j]

비가오는 아침에 선율이 가슴을 적시네요 음악과 기도와 축복받은 오늘입니다 고맙습니다

[@stechapo9050]

Herr Bach would surely approve...... exquisite arrangement.

[@sirdaveo]

thanks again. I can't wait to play this for my 5 year old daughter when she is going to sleep tonight.

[@jaymzs8221]

I enjoy playing this version. Some instrumental pieces can be so difficult that it can take away from the enjoyment of playing an instrument. This song is actually “fun” to play! Thank you David!

[@johnwoodward789]

I have listened to this well over a hundred times and have been playing along with you but now it brings a new emotion since while practicing this with my best friend at my feet he is now gone, your music is an inspiration that all can enjoy, even my beloved dog Samson. Thanks again David.

[@davidqualeymusic]

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. To hear that my music helped you in some way during this time is very moving for me personally, and I appreciate you taking the time to write and share this with me. Also my thanks to Juergen for taking his time to learn the arrangement and for playing it for all of you. Alles liebe, David

[@jonathonphipps]

well. that's about the best thing my admittedly not so experienced ears have heard in a long time. looking around like you don't have anything better to do while you're playing. I wanna be just like you. thank you.

[@seandeeify]

Beautiful David, you make it look easy. Perfect fluidity (if there is such a word).

[@patcollard3635]

A slightly different arrangement from the last time I saw you perform this at the Gallows folk club some 50 odd years ago, superb as always Dave 👌

[@seannovack3834]

This album came out the year I graduated from High School, and it was one of the first Compact Discs that we owned. I put it in and this is the first track...I was enchanted. I truly couldn't tell at the time if it was one guitarist playing or two. For a quarter century your music has been a part of our Holiday celebration...three generations have enjoyed this song (it's most people's favorite on the disc). Thank you for sharing your gift with the world.

[@jonjongsma6152]

absolutely beautiful..laid back and closed my eyes and let the music wash over me.

[@DianaCarrasco723]

I love this version of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Every time I hear it I feel something unexplainable. It fills me with peace.

[@davidqualeymusic]

Hola Diana. I'm happy to hear you enjoy this piece. Ciao for now, David

[@bananamanisyt1699]

For me this is the best "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" version, I heard hundreds times from years ago and never get bored, Thanks Mr David

[@oshosfriend]

Dear David, thank you so much for your Jesu, Joy... and for your music!

[@johnlewisy]

It is a beautiful piece of music accompanied by beautiful playing

[@Hauke657]

Einfach nur schön. Danke.

[@davidqualeymusic]

Danke, das freut mich. D

[@torbod3an]

I have listened to classical guitar for many years. I have watched hundreds of classical guitar videos on youtube. This is the most beautiful piece I have ever seen and heard. Thank you for this lovely gift.

[@backroadernb]

Thank you ever so much David!! 22 years ago today I watched my beautiful bride march to this beautiful rendition, we played our Winter Solstice album. We tried to find a guitarist to play for us but no one would attempt it. We thought for years that it was 2 guitars and when we found your video were were awestruck that you performed this solo.... words cannot express our gratitude for the joy this recording has brought us over the years..... Bless you!

[@shufflefly4383]

This is 13 years ago now and I still listen to your version every single day, this song has made me who I am today and I'm so happy, this song got me through my depression etc. I thank you a lot david, I don't know if you are still here or not but I really do appreciate it, your a lifesaver.

[@davidqualeymusic]

Hi Shufflefly, thank you so much for sharing your experience with me! If my music could be a help to you then it is and was worth making. I am very happy to hear you are doing so well. Your message also makes my day much happier so thank you. Ciao for now, David & Django

[@shufflefly4383]

@@davidqualeymusic Just found back to this song, my dad and myself used to play this together, I showed it to him today and he recognised it instantly and said that’s David qualey! I really hope you are doing good man, I wish you all the best!

[@stevetwarner]

I think I've listened to this a hundred times today! I literally can't stop listening! I blogged today about this piece of music, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring in all its many variations, being the greatest "song" ever written and shared your video with my subscribers. Your performance of this piece of music is one of the best I've heard. An earlier commenter described Jesu as "the most perfect song!" I believe that as well and you represent it here as profoundly as anyone I've heard! Thanks!!!!!

[@Sevenstrings-classical-guitar]

Fantastic arrangement , it is really a beautiful fantasy 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎵🎵🎵🎵

[@davidqualeymusic]

Thank you Claudio. Exactly right, a fantasy and not an arrangement.

[@Sevenstrings-classical-guitar]

@@davidqualeymusic a great and enjoyable Job indeed. 👍👍👍

[@rohansan1]

Thank you thank you thank you. Always listen when I need calm.

[@Bonemantrombone]

I have been listening to this for at least 6 hours.

[@flywithseaguls]

Always a pleasure to be here!

[@judeseamus]

I've listened to this song a thousand times or more. Thank you for the music!

[@gerryforeman]

Dan, thanks! this was our wedding music nearly 49 years ago. Your version is a new blessing. All the best

[@prandallwright1]

That is absolutely wonderful and a spiritual listening experience. Prayer on the guitar. A witness....

[@rogercharlie]

A Maestro indeed!Effortless finger work yeilding such a full sound. Amazing to say the least. Hail David!

[@mikemasail823]

First heard of your music when a friend of mine tried to play Santa Cruz. Found it intriguing. After searching for many years eventually found the Album (LP) Soliloquy. I still have the original LP and it is still one of my all time favorites. Thanks for the music

[@hochbob]

One of the most pleasing arrangements I've ever heard.

[@Rajarshikalraiya]

Heard this years back while watching Season 2 finale of How I met your mother. It is played when Marshall and Lilly are getting married. The song has stayed with me since. It's such a beautiful composition..Hope to play it someday.

[@davidqualeymusic]

Thank you very much alfalfa, I am honored. The guitar is a beautiful instrument that is a joy to play even though it is very difficult. Ciao for now, David

[@newmexican]

Thank you David. You make your playing look so effortless. What a joy you are to watch and hear.

[@RichardMikesell]

David, this is a song that one thinks no one can improve upon until they hear your version of it. It's exquisite. During our wedding reception just after Christmas in 89, the WH cd played in the background, and this song set the most peaceful and ethereal mood. Thank you for creating this masterpiece.

[@freelans]

Thank you for bringing this masterpiece of music into the world. It haunted me over twenty years ago when I first heard it on cassette tape in college, and it still brings tears to my eyes every single time I hear it. I am finally able to play a somewhat passable version on the guitar. THank you again for your soulful music.

[@JazzgutsVGvanKampen]

If one knows what to express,calmness itself enters the sound, a feeling I've been striving for my whole life,when I listen to you I hear just that, this is true Art and the music from Bach,let's not waste any words further,greetings Victor.

[@peternemeth1777]

You have my respect. First I thought: this is Naudo's biggest fan. His comment is under every Naudo video. And now I discovered that you also know David Qualey. Greetings to you. Maybe you realised it that I'm also a huge Naudo fan. Qualey is in my heart as well especially his Jesus joy of man's desiring. I have a CD of him which I bought on a live concert in Nuremberg, germany. I love every single song on it. When I hear a piece of David Qualey I always think: this man delivers quality and the sound he gets from the guitar is pure quality the same as Naudo.

[@pgamba]

The most beautiful 'alternate' version fo this great masterpiece is this DQ performance. Thanks for sharing.

[@MBuck-iw7qn]

This is such a beautiful version of this piece

[@oldspam]

The best hands downs. All the comments about your playing was right. Made my day.

[@johnwoodward789]

Your playing and performance of this tune literally brings tears to my eyes. Bravo

[@artpatronforever]

When the CD first came out I bought it for myself and some others too for gifts, so I am an old fan. Very beautiful, always enjoy listening and hearing, the beauty comes through. Thank you.

[@beee20]

When I felt sad, I only listened this beautiful performance and this is all... thank you for this amazing song!!

[@mightymorphosis]

Your version of this on Winter's Solstice is IMO the finest version of the most perfect song ever recorded. It has meant more to me than you can imagine. ... and I am an atheist so it was all earned praise.

[@pgamba]

Thank you David. One more time! Regards from Ecuador, SouthAmerica.

[@davidqualeymusic]

I'm very happy to hear you enjoy the piece so much. Being that I've only used a small portion of Bach's composition, and then taken great liberties with it, does make me wonder whether Bach would have liked it. But that doesn't matter now. It is only important if listeners can enjoy it for what it is. Ciao for now, David

[@stechapo9050]

Herr Bach would surely approve and appreciate your fantastic arrangement and your sublime rendition. Inspirational stuff, JSB would've loved it, I've no doubt. Thank you sir, a true artist you are.

[@flywithseaguls]

Hi David, it was always a special pleasure to see you live in concert. Thank you for this one!

[@sok018]

One of my first introductions to Bach as a child, still one of my favorites. So warm and gentle, excellent.

[@stevengoodheart8750]

Incredibly soulfulness and depth and sensitivity! Thank you!

[@noahsdad61]

Breathtaking. Thank you so much for posting.

[@Boguslaw60]

A great composer, a great guitarist and great music... Thank you..

[@robertkersbergen82]

It had a similar effect on me.. Without a doubt the best version of this song on youtube. It is played with so much feeling and accuracy, despite the difficulty of the song. Big up for David!

[@as7cordas]

Simply wonderful this arrangement, Your introduction has a unique beauty and then everything is so prefectand done with such good taste...After hearing your arrangement of this piece others seem naked...Your harmony is full of life and emotions and each note a mayor choice, I can hear several times in a row without getting tired and just that way satisfy me.I have no doubt i want it in my repertoire....thank you

[@davidqualeymusic]

It is my pleasurre and I'm happy to hear when others enjoy it. David

[@luckystars2000]

Thank you so much for putting this video on youtube. David Qualey's beautiful arrangement of this song really appeals to me. When I am feeling the stress of what the "holiday season" has become, a performance like this reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas. I sometimes play this song for my kids, just before the George Winson piano solo, "Joy," which was based on David Qualey's arrangement. Both are beautiful.

[@uwekasten716]

i do remember the " gitarre 76" event, in the fachhochschule in dieburg, close to darmstadt, hassia. david was one of the performing virituosos, among john pearse, sammy vomaçka, manolo lohnes and werner lämmerhirt. werner was the highlight of the first part of the evening, and after the break david showed up and introduced himself - it need to be said he was not so well known the folk music scene at that time. i think he just came over from the u.s. just 2, 3 years before that. and in the beginning of his performance it was quite noisy, people came back late from the break, talking, laughing, but he continued with opus 21, santa cruz, and others.. very nice. so, when he had finished, he received great applause, forcing him to do an encore. he went behin the curtain, and came back with the little octave guitar, and stated - in the beautiful way when americans speak german " dies ist ein kleine stück für ein kleine guitar" - " that´s a little piece for a little guitar"... and he played his wonderful adaption of bach´s masterpiece. he also had the fade out by the very end, and then pulled it up again, and let it finally fade out... that moment you could hear a pin drop in that large hall, the whole audience was enchanted by the piece... and finally he received an overwhelming applause.. long time ago. i still remember that.. it was almost magical..

[@waltertanner7982]

Yeah, we had a similar event in Hannover, 1 or 2 years earlier. Werner played downstairs, David upstairs, and we went up and down. These two guitar giants showed us, what is possible if you belong to the upper class of players.

[@roswellsportsdoc]

The most perfectly beautiful rendition of this song I've ever heard...will never stop listening. Thank you.

[@davidqualeymusic]

That's correct. George Winston used my arrangement on the piano on his December album.

[@tomgraney8509]

This is undeniably THE best version of one of my all-time favorites. My hat is off to you brother. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You play this so wonderfully that I believe Jesus blessed you in doing so. :)

[@guitarrandinaperu]

BELLISIMO , REALMENTE UNA ARREGLO VERDADERAMENTE HERMOSO. ERES UN GENIO QUE SE A ADELANTADO A NUESTROS TIEMPOS. BELLISIMO AMIGO.. NOS VEMOS !!!

[@mamgeorge]

This is beautiful. Every note is so clear and precise. The blended notes are so rich. It is , and has been to me , an expression of beauty and excellence. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidqualeymusic]

+M George Thank You very much for your comments. They are very much appreciated. Ciao for now, David

[@RonaldvanHoove]

Sheer beauty.. Thank you for this food for the soul.

[@kList22]

Beautiful! It makes you want to smile and cry at the same time, Truley bittersweet. You are very talented, keep up the wonderful work!!

[@DatuDieter]

For 99.9% of all guitar players: forever. The will never be able to play like David. He is very special.

[@robertburr9612]

Thanks for posting. There are wonderful moments within this piece...the guitar has a powerful sound...your playing feels and sounds original to my ear.

[@SeyfertChristian]

These tunes are very enthralling. Excellent arrangement. Bach would have loved it!

[@MamboSoulDance]

Wonderful and warm, I grew up hearing this on CD. Thanks for playing it live and giving us this quiet moment to share with you!

[@edcedera]

Simple Gifts. Thank you.

[@willackerman-guitarist]

This is just so beautiful, David.... I've listened a number of times in the last few days. Hard to find another take on a piece as Jesu, but you've done it beautifully. All my best, Will

[@davidqualeymusic]

Thanks a million, Will. Nice to get a "Lebenszeichen" from you. Thanks for your support in those early years and I hope you are doing well with your projects. Ciao for now, David

[@achimschwirten]

Wunderbar! Das zu hören, freut mich immer wieder (seit Stockfisch-Zeiten).

[@萩原耕介]

Oh! yeah, I listened to Sungha Jung "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" long time ago. splendid. (92yrs.Japanese)

[@Mykel_Maze]

Always a beautiful rendition to revisit. Thank you Mr. Qualey for your arrangement.