O Sacred Head, once wounded

This hymn is a great lesson in how words and tunes are shaped and adapted for different contexts!

The words for this Easter hymn come from a much longer poem, originally written in Latin, sometimes attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153) or to Arnulf of Leuven (died 1250). It has been translated many times and is known in German from Paul Gerhardt's translation. The words most often used in English-speaking parts are the work of James Waddel Alexander (1804-1859), an American Presbyterian minister.

The melody was written by Hans Leo Hassler for a secular love song, and adapted for use as a hymn by Johann Cruger. It is probably best known now for its prominent part in Johann Sebastian Bach's "St Matthew Passion."


O sacred head, once wounded - Lead Sheet


O Sacred Head Once Wounded LEAD Pdf
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Listen to a sample here;