Composer

:

Hans Leo Hassler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1601

Average_duration

:

3:35

'O Sacred Head, Now Wounded' is a hymn that was composed by Hans Leo Hassler in the 17th century. The hymn is based on a medieval Latin poem called "Salve mundi salutare" which was written in the 11th century. The poem is a meditation on the sufferings of Christ on the cross and the hymn is a musical setting of this poem. The hymn has been set to various melodies over the years, but the most popular melody is the one composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in the 18th century. The melody is known as "Passion Chorale" and it is often used during Holy Week services. The hymn has four verses, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Christ's suffering on the cross. The first verse describes the physical suffering of Christ, while the second verse focuses on the emotional pain that he endured. The third verse speaks of the love that Christ had for humanity, and the fourth verse is a prayer for mercy and forgiveness. The hymn has a somber and mournful tone, which reflects the solemnity of the occasion. The melody is slow and contemplative, with long, drawn-out notes that emphasize the gravity of the subject matter. The harmonies are simple and understated, which allows the words to take center stage. 'O Sacred Head, Now Wounded' has become one of the most beloved hymns in the Christian tradition. It is often sung during Holy Week services, particularly on Good Friday, and it has been recorded by countless artists over the years. The hymn is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice that Christ made for humanity and it continues to inspire and move people to this day.

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