Description

“In dulci jubilo” (Latin for “In sweet rejoicing”) is a traditional Christmas Carol. In its original setting, the carol is a macaronic text of German and Latin dating from the Middle Ages. Subsequent translations into English, such as  J M Neale’s arrangement “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” have increased its popularity, and it has become a mainstay of the  Christmas Nine Lessons and Carols repertoire. Johann Sebastian Bach set this melody several times: as a chorale in BWV 368; and then for organ in BWV 608 as a double canon in his Orgelbüchlein and in BWV 729 as a chorale prelude. Clearly he was fond of the tune and who can blame him. This arrangement of BWW 368 follows almost exactly the four original voices from the chorale. It is not difficult to play but be careful with the rhythm; it’s not always as straightforward as you think.