O sacred head (Johann Sebastian Bach)
Music files
| ICON | SOURCE |
|---|---|
 |
|
 |
Midi |
 |
MusicXML |
 |
Sibelius |
 |
File details |
 |
Help |
- (Posted 2013-03-09) CPDL #28480: (Sibelius 3) (Sibelius 5) (Sibelius 6)
- Editor: Andris Solims (submitted 2013-03-09). Score information: A4, 2 pages, 43 kB Copyright: CC BY NC
- Edition notes: There are two arrangements in this edition with improved text of J. W. Alexander. The harmonizer of both scores is J.S. Bach, from his St. Mattäus-Passion, nr. 15/17 ("Erkenne mich mein Hüter"/"Ich will hier bei dir stehen") and nr. 54 ("O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden"), respectively.
General Information
Title: O sacred head
Composer: Hans Leo Hassler
Arranger: Johann Sebastian Bach
Lyricist: James Waddel Alexander
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Hymn
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella
First published: 1601 in Lustgarten neuer teutscher Gesäng, no. 24
2nd published: 1830 in Bach's Matthäuspassion by Adolf Schlesinger in Berlin
3rd published: ca. 1875
Opus: BWV 244 , mvt. 15
Description: Tune simplified in late-19th-century "hymnal" style (by an unknown arranger), derived loosely from J. S. Bach's arrangements. This hymn tune is derived from Hassler's part-song Mein G'müth ist mir verwirret. See Herzlich thut mich verlangen (Johann Sebastian Bach) for other arrangements from this tune.
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
1.
O sacred head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, your only crown;
O sacred head, what glory
and blessing you have known!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I claim you as my own.
2.
My Lord, what you did suffer,
was all for sinners’ gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but yours the deadly pain.
So here I kneel, my Savior,
for I deserve your place;
look on me with your favor
and safe me by your grace.
3.
What language shall I borrow
to thank you, dearest Friend,
for this your dying sorrow,
your mercy without end?
Lord, make me yours forever,
a loyal servant true,
and let me never, never
outlive my love for you.
4.
My Savior, be you near me
when death is at my door;
Then let your presence cheer me,
forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish,
oh, leave me not alone,
but take away mine anguish
by virtue of yours own!