Martin Janus (c1620-c1682)

Martin Janus (c1620-c1682)  was a German poet and musician,  educated at the University of Königsberg, where he studied theology.He was employed as a musician in Steinau an der Steinau in Upper Silesia but fled to Niederlausitz during the counter-reformation and was employed as director of music at the two Protestant Churches in Sorau.

After 1654 he worked as Rector and Kantor at the city school in Sagen in North Silesia, but gain had to leave because Lutheran/Catholic conflict. Eventually he accepted the post of Kantor in Ohlau. Some of his texts and some of his melodies were used by  Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750) in his vocal works.

• Jesus Joy Of Our Desiring (Werde Munter, Organ, 5 Verses)
  Jesus Joy Of Our Desiring Lyrics 1. Jesus joy of our desiring, Holy wisdom, love most bright; Drawn by thee, our souls aspiring Soar to uncreated light. Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, With the fire of life impassioned, Striving still to truth unknown, Soaring, dying round thy throne. 2 Through the way where hope is guiding, Hark, what peaceful music rings; Where the flock, ...