For a kid who thought Top 40 radio was the only music that existed, "Hymns for Classic Guitar" was a gift from my mother that opened my ears to a whole new universe of sound. Just like that: one day I had never heard or Rick Foster, and the next day I was a fan. Forty years later, I still am.
I owned a tape of Rick Foster about 15 years ago, but it was destroyed in a junk car of mine that I forgot to take it out of. I' surprised to find him on you tube. He's great.
The arrangement of Jesu is in two Rick Foster books, Favorite Hymns for Acoustic Guitar and Season of Joy. You can order the books from the Rick Foster web site.
This is just so incredibly good, warranting multiple listenings. Perhaps the finest example of this piece on TH-cam where we hear the necessary contrast in timbre between the lower and upper voices, the guitar's rich 'Spanish' character shining through. Kudos to the player for maintaining the pulse through relatively tight arpeggios and effortless positional changes. No affectations here whatsoever. Bravo, sir, for being the perfect conduit between composer and audience.
I am so glad to be able to comment here, after so many years (30+) of enjoying this particular arrangement, the definitive guitar arrangement of one of Bach's most beloved masterpieces. I salute you, sir.
Thanks for your comments. I can't remember why I used the capo - probably because it sounded better on that particular guitar or to shorten the left-hand stretches.
No, Parkening isn't his teacher but they've known each other for a quite a while. Parkening actually used this arrangement of Foster's in one his album.
When I see musicians like this guy, my first thought is to chop my guitar up for firewood or some other use. Lol. Not really, but all jokes aside, this is a wonderful rendition of Bach's famous composition. Kudos to Rick Foster.
Did you specifically do this arrangement for Christopher? Did he ask you to do it or was it your idea and he liked it? If I recall correctly, didn't you arrange another piece for him on one of his albums?
This has always been one of my favorite guitar arrangements. Christopher Parkening recorded this on his Parkening Plays Bach album and he gave a nod to Foster in the liner notes - a well deserved nod.
I have yet to ever leave a remark regarding a video on youtube... ever..., and I've listened to hundreds... so I thought it about time to leave one. The full voicing, intricate patterns and execution here are extraordinary... VERY WELL DONE!
just found the link of this video in a chat with an ex girlfriend 15 years ago... Mr Foster, you toched my heart then and now. Cant press "like" twice.
I first heard of Rick in fingerstyle magine. I checked him out, and was totally amased. His version of good king winselos blew my mind. To say that I am a fan would be an understatement. To see other beleivers play so presisely proficiently is refreshing to mind and spirit. He has definately inspired me. Awsome job Rick. Floyd.
Dear RIck! Parkening is the only version of this piece I was ever able to listen to. The other guitarists play it in a key which really diminishes this piece and without much inspiration, however, Parkening always plays it in this wonderful key and with that special vibrato on the high c which brings the piece to life showing how much he hears and appreciates it. I've always heard him say that it's the arrangement of some RIck Foster and now as I opened youtube I saw you and was so surprised and happy to be able to appreciate your own playing, to see it played by the arranger himself!
One of the most beautiful pieces ever, in my opinion and the best transcription and transposing job. Your interpretation of it speaks volumes of the subject and of yourself. Thanks for your work. It's inscribed in history for ever!
dear rick i enjoy your music very much. we had the honor of have launch in bozerman montana when i studied at msu with mr parkening. i remember when you, christopher parkening and i (Armando Garcia) had launch in bozeman and we had an interesting conversation about guitar arrangements. all the best to you rick foster i enjoy your arrangements and recording for guitar very much take care Armando Garcia 8-21-2014 12:41:51 pm est Hialeah florida
@stevenqirkle very well said... the cool thing about tunes like this is that yea it takes quite a while to learn but you NEVER get sick of playing it. I have played this for years and still love every note every measure every chord shift every nuance etc etc. Play with a capo on fret one and it may ease the streches for you, Rick does that here too.
I'm trying to learn this piece now. I'm not a good guitarist, and I fully expect it to take a year just to learn the fingering - and a lifetime to be able to play it even half as well as Rick Foster does here. But so far it's been such a great learning experience, and with each new measure my appreciation for Bach and of this particular transcription of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" grows tremendously. I highly recommend this piece for any guitarists looking for a meaningful challenge.
I was lucky and clipped the arrangement out of n old Guitar Player mag, they tried to give credit to Leo Kotke but printed a correction the next issue, seems its this arrangement. It is a monster!. Im enjoying it now tht im back to practicing 4 hrs a day. Another challenge for you would be Douglas Neidts "Away In Manger" Beautiful arrangement and a challenge on par with this piece.
After watching Rick Foster play this peace and Christopher Parkening play this same peace multiple times, it seems that Rick is much more relaxed. Parkening is making lightening fast left hand position shifts on the guitar neck whereas Foster doesn't have to.
Beautiful! Why the capo? And, I should add your version is delicate and beautiful whereas Parkening's is more bold and expressive. Both are great for sure.
think i have that tape buried in a pile some where...will look... but this version sounds as good as parkening's and seems to have some more streamlined fingering (helpful)...really dug on foster's christian hymns (oddly as we have found, many christian hymns were written by jewish folk, including irving berlin)... (this in no way is meant to be divisive, but rather, unifying hopefully)
This appears to be the arrangement in C major, except there is a capo making it C#. The C arrangement gives so much more scope than the usual G major which is really a tad low for the guitar. But even so, a lot of inner chordal notes could be left out if they interrupt the flow (and these also make things much more difficult!). The magic of Bach is that a threadbare arrangement with mainly the bass notes in the correct inversions communicates the wonderful flavour of the piece, and might be more flowing to play.
could his picking hand appear any more effortless? amazing. the talent is impressive here, but even moreso is the thought of how many determined hours of practice it tool to get to this level of virtuosity. wow.....
this dude is the Muggsy Bogues of the guitar world ! how doth one recall all them left hand positions ?? (it resembles math) clear proof music is Universal and a gift from God.
For a kid who thought Top 40 radio was the only music that existed, "Hymns for Classic Guitar" was a gift from my mother that opened my ears to a whole new universe of sound. Just like that: one day I had never heard or Rick Foster, and the next day I was a fan. Forty years later, I still am.
Played without pretention but at the highest levels.Hats off, beautiful.
I owned a tape of Rick Foster about 15 years ago, but it was destroyed in a junk car of mine that I forgot to take it out of. I' surprised to find him on you tube. He's great.
The arrangement of Jesu is in two Rick Foster books, Favorite Hymns for Acoustic Guitar and Season of Joy. You can order the books from the Rick Foster web site.
This is just so incredibly good, warranting multiple listenings. Perhaps the finest example of this piece on TH-cam where we hear the necessary contrast in timbre between the lower and upper voices, the guitar's rich 'Spanish' character shining through. Kudos to the player for maintaining the pulse through relatively tight arpeggios and effortless positional changes. No affectations here whatsoever. Bravo, sir, for being the perfect conduit between composer and audience.
I am so glad to be able to comment here, after so many years (30+) of enjoying this particular arrangement, the definitive guitar arrangement of one of Bach's most beloved masterpieces. I salute you, sir.
Thanks for your comments. I can't remember why I used the capo - probably because it sounded better on that particular guitar or to shorten the left-hand stretches.
This is probably the world's best recording of Jesu, JOMD on classical guitar.
Check out his teacher Christopher Parkenng:(
No, Parkening isn't his teacher but they've known each other for a quite a while. Parkening actually used this arrangement of Foster's in one his album.
When I see musicians like this guy, my first thought is to chop my guitar up for firewood or some other use. Lol. Not really, but all jokes aside, this is a wonderful rendition of Bach's famous composition. Kudos to Rick Foster.
You're right, it's the same version Parkening does. I did the arrangement for him in the late 70's. Thanks!
Did you specifically do this arrangement for Christopher? Did he ask you to do it or was it your idea and he liked it? If I recall correctly, didn't you arrange another piece for him on one of his albums?
This is enough. You need to play this with an audience that will get to show this to the masses. Absolutely....beautiful.
This has always been one of my favorite guitar arrangements. Christopher Parkening recorded this on his Parkening Plays Bach album and he gave a nod to Foster in the liner notes - a well deserved nod.
Unspeakably fabulous and sensitive. As a lover of Bach for more than 50 years, I'm virtually in tears.
I believe Rick Foster is one of the very first guitarists to play church hymns in the classical style.
Thank you for arranging this piece as you did, and for playing it so beautifully. It’s really a gift.
Hey buddy, thanks for leading me here. Rick, this makes me want to brush off my old Alvarez-Yairi classical. You sir, are a monster! God Bless.
I have yet to ever leave a remark regarding a video on youtube... ever..., and I've listened to hundreds... so I thought it about time to leave one. The full voicing, intricate patterns and execution here are extraordinary... VERY WELL DONE!
I played this arrangement in my Junior Recital, April 18, 1977, probably the happiest day of my life. It's wonderful. Thank You!
just found the link of this video in a chat with an ex girlfriend 15 years ago... Mr Foster, you toched my heart then and now. Cant press "like" twice.
This is by the far the best arrangement I've heard of this tune. I just wish I could play it!
My very favorite arrangement of this song. Absolutely beautiful, thank you!
This just fills my heart with joy to hear it played so exquisitely. Thank you! ...and thank you, TH-cam!
You can find the TAB in Rick's books, found on his web site.
Best arrangement here. I love the inner voices, and the hymn melody is intact!!!!
I first heard of Rick in fingerstyle magine. I checked him out, and was totally amased. His version of good king winselos blew my mind. To say that I am a fan would be an understatement. To see other beleivers play so presisely proficiently is refreshing to mind and spirit. He has definately inspired me. Awsome job Rick. Floyd.
great job on a beautiful classic...Thankyou for sharing.
Thank Very much, well done. Excellent choice of instrument.
As if I there hearing it in the 1700's.
God Bless You.
Dear RIck! Parkening is the only version of this piece I was ever able to listen to. The other guitarists play it in a key which really diminishes this piece and without much inspiration, however, Parkening always plays it in this wonderful key and with that special vibrato on the high c which brings the piece to life showing how much he hears and appreciates it. I've always heard him say that it's the arrangement of some RIck Foster and now as I opened youtube I saw you and was so surprised and happy to be able to appreciate your own playing, to see it played by the arranger himself!
Thanks for your comments on the arrangement.
Absolutely amazing arrangement and interpretation . Flawless technique.
One of the most beautiful pieces ever, in my opinion and the best transcription and transposing job. Your interpretation of it speaks volumes of the subject and of yourself.
Thanks for your work. It's inscribed in history for ever!
One of my favorite classical guitar piece.
Just wow. Speechless.
Your arrangment and skill is one of the best in youtube. Thanks for sharing it with us!
please share your tab or notation, this was done immaculately. MERCI for sharing!
Super Fantastic!
This is beautiful man..........thank you
dear rick i enjoy your music very much. we had the honor of have launch in bozerman
montana when i studied at msu with mr parkening. i remember when you, christopher parkening and i (Armando Garcia) had launch in bozeman and we had an interesting conversation about guitar arrangements.
all the best to you rick foster
i enjoy your arrangements and recording for guitar very much
take care
Armando Garcia
8-21-2014
12:41:51 pm est
Hialeah florida
excellent.. correct timing, intensity.. good choice of notes... just excellent!
Beautiful! This is the best arrangement for the song! 😀👍
very nice = you made me smile.
An extraordinary musician. It plays like the few who perform the guitar with mastery! Congratulations! Thanks for the beautiful videos you recorded.
Beautiful!
learning this song.......... its not easy.....
Rick Foster is a great guitar player who is professionally trained in the art of classical guitar.
@stevenqirkle very well said... the cool thing about tunes like this is that yea it takes quite a while to learn but you NEVER get sick of playing it. I have played this for years and still love every note every measure every chord shift every nuance etc etc. Play with a capo on fret one and it may ease the streches for you, Rick does that here too.
God bless!!!
Very beautiful!!!
Beautifully arranged and played!
Rick, you're a stud!
Beautiful and Amazing!
I really like this song. Very well played!
I have the Parkening/Foster transcription of this. It is in standard tuning, with a capo at the first fret for performance.
Some told me to give you a look...so here I am...Great, glad I came for a listen .
5*
--Van
Amazing, this man rocks
Easily my favorite rendition of this piece on classical guitar
Beautifully done.
Bravo!
Fabulous!
Wow!
Beautiful
Um músico extraordinário. Toca como poucos que executam o violão com mestria! Parabéns! Obrigado pelos belos vídeos que voce gravou.
THAT! My friends...is how it is done!
That sounds like the Christopher Parkening version. Did you do the arrangement that he performs? I can't imagine a better guitar version.
I'm trying to learn this piece now. I'm not a good guitarist, and I fully expect it to take a year just to learn the fingering - and a lifetime to be able to play it even half as well as Rick Foster does here. But so far it's been such a great learning experience, and with each new measure my appreciation for Bach and of this particular transcription of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" grows tremendously. I highly recommend this piece for any guitarists looking for a meaningful challenge.
I was lucky and clipped the arrangement out of n old Guitar Player mag, they tried to give credit to Leo Kotke but printed a correction the next issue, seems its this arrangement. It is a monster!. Im enjoying it now tht im back to practicing 4 hrs a day. Another challenge for you would be Douglas Neidts "Away In Manger" Beautiful arrangement and a challenge on par with this piece.
More than meaningful!!
Wonderful, superb, historic.
After watching Rick Foster play this peace and Christopher Parkening play this same peace multiple times, it seems that Rick is much more relaxed. Parkening is making lightening fast left hand position shifts on the guitar neck whereas Foster doesn't have to.
Great to see it done by the transcriber himself!
Splendidly done.
You play beautifully.
awesome! this video should have more views
Great transcription!
excellent !
LOL this was posted on my birthday . Nice video
He was Cp’s student.
Beautiful! Why the capo? And, I should add your version is delicate and beautiful whereas Parkening's is more bold and expressive. Both are great for sure.
Probably to shorten the fingerboard just a bit to make it more playable. The stretches are extreme.
Nice! I also used to play in C, but as you know, it's limited. So I retranscribed it in A.
think i have that tape buried in a pile some
where...will look... but this version sounds
as good as parkening's and seems to have some
more streamlined fingering (helpful)...really
dug on foster's christian hymns (oddly as we
have found, many christian hymns were written
by jewish folk, including irving berlin)...
(this in no way is meant to be divisive, but
rather, unifying hopefully)
THIS IS IT
qbuen arreglo!!!
rick, I'm great fan of this arrangement from South Korea. I want to buy this arrangement's TAB. How I purchase this?
You can purchase arrangements in books from rickfosterguitar.com. Thank you!
You can email to music@rickfosterguitar.com
Bravo! :D
Hello rigo1962,
All of Rick's books are available from his web site, which is rickfosterguitar.
Why he didn’t become as famous as other guitarist? Or he is?
Where can I find the tabs??? Just divine!!!
This appears to be the arrangement in C major, except there is a capo making it C#. The C arrangement gives so much more scope than the usual G major which is really a tad low for the guitar. But even so, a lot of inner chordal notes could be left out if they interrupt the flow (and these also make things much more difficult!). The magic of Bach is that a threadbare arrangement with mainly the bass notes in the correct inversions communicates the wonderful flavour of the piece, and might be more flowing to play.
YOu can purchase books of tab and sheet music on Rick's channel.
could his picking hand appear any more effortless? amazing. the talent is impressive here, but even moreso is the thought of how many determined hours of practice it tool to get to this level of virtuosity. wow.....
Does anyone know whether he is in standard tuning here ?
@jensiepoo
Thank you!
pliss tabs i need play this song
hello, where can I find and buy Rick´s books?
this dude is the Muggsy Bogues of the guitar world !
how doth one recall all them left hand positions ?? (it resembles math)
clear proof music is Universal and a gift from God.
cuetty!
I thought Christopher Parkening once said Rick Foster's arrangement was the most difficult song he ever played.
Yes, Parkening said exactly that many years ago.
Are those real catguts?
Does Rick get money for every album Parkening sells which has this piece, or did Rick get paid off in one lump sum?
Lesson please!
Very difficult key and bass line to play on guitar