O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

This hymn is believed to have been authored by Saint Bernard, abbot of the monastery of Clairvaux, France. It was translated into German in 1656, and into English in 1830. The tune, “Passion Chorale” was written by Hans Leo Hassler, and later harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach.

J. S. Bach himself said, “the aim and final reason of all music should be nothing else but the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit.” Many of his compositions began with the inscription, “Jesus, help me!” and at their close, “To God alone be the praise!”

This is an antiphonal treatment of the hymn is based on the J.S. Bach harmonization, but includes a key modulation and some added modern re-harmonization by the arranger towards the end of the piece. The work is intended to be played with brass choir 1 on one side of the auditorium (2 Trumpets, 2 Horns, 2 Trombones) and brass choir 2 on the other (2 Trumpets, 2 Horns, 2 Trombones, 1 Tuba).

For 13 piece brass ensemble

Instrumentation:

• 4 Trumpets in B♭
• 4 Horns
• 4 Trombones
• Tuba