O Dearest Jesus

Johann Cruger / Johann Heermann

Score in Gm
Score in Fm
Lyrics
MIDI in Gm
MIDI in Fm
MP3 recording Live from the board at Faith Lincoln 16 March 2005
PowerPoint

Comments: For Lent of 2005 I was concentrating on writing a new Lenten song titled "Still Today" when I turned my attention instead to this hymn and began improvising this arrangement. The heart-brokenness of these words came to life with a more lyrical treatment and I worked hard to get the improvised piano part down on paper. Our singers took up the challenge of harmonizing these altered chords with amazing, and aching, effectiveness. I hope this blesses you as much as it has me.

Note that the G minor is the key in "Lutheran Worship", but at this slow tempo holding out those high notes turned out to be tough for our female vocalists, hence the transposition to F minor. Also, with the slower tempo and extra material between verses, seven verses makes for a very long song; all the verses have excellent words, you'll have to make your own choices which you want to include.