Composer

:

Max Reger

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1904

First Performance

:

Mar 4, 1905

Average_duration

:

17:41

'O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden' is a sacred hymn composed by Max Reger in 1913. The hymn is based on a German poem written by Paul Gerhardt in the 17th century. The poem is a meditation on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the suffering he endured for the salvation of humanity. Reger's composition is a setting of the hymn for choir and organ. It is divided into four movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the poem's meditation on the crucifixion. The first movement is a somber and mournful setting of the hymn's opening lines. The choir sings in unison, accompanied by the organ's deep and mournful chords. The movement sets the tone for the rest of the composition, conveying the solemnity and gravity of the subject matter. The second movement is a more complex and intricate setting of the hymn's middle verses. The choir sings in harmony, with the organ providing a rich and varied accompaniment. The movement builds in intensity, reflecting the growing emotional intensity of the poem's meditation on the crucifixion. The third movement is a brief and quiet interlude, featuring a solo organ passage that provides a moment of reflection and contemplation. The final movement is a powerful and triumphant setting of the hymn's closing verses. The choir sings in full harmony, accompanied by the organ's majestic and uplifting chords. The movement conveys a sense of hope and redemption, reflecting the poem's ultimate message of the triumph of love over suffering and death. Overall, Reger's composition is a masterful setting of a timeless hymn. It captures the emotional depth and spiritual power of the poem's meditation on the crucifixion, while also showcasing Reger's skill as a composer of sacred music.

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