O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (PASSION CHORALE)

"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" is one of the most profound and recognizable hymns of the Lenten season, drawing choirs and congregations into deep reflection on the Passion of Christ. Sung to the solemn and stirring melody of the "Passion Chorale," the text contemplates the physical and spiritual weight of the crucifixion. As the voices move through the verses, they paint a vivid picture of the Savior crowned with thorns, bearing the transgressions of humanity with a pity that knows no end.

In the choir loft, this piece is a staple for Good Friday and Holy Week liturgies. The steady, descending lines of the solfa notation guide the singers through a deeply personal prayer of gratitude and devotion. The lyrics shift from witnessing Christ's suffering to a heartfelt plea for His presence at the hour of death. It is a hymn that quiets the church, inviting every listener to look upon the cross and find there the ultimate expression of grace and redeeming love.