JS Bach Harmony - O Sacred Head Now Wounded

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I'm preparing a choir to do O Sacred Head Now Wounded - JS Bach liked the melody of this piece and orchestrated it several times including for the St. Matthew Passion.

It is SUCH a beautiful piece. I had performed the St. Matthew Passion under George Shangrow with the Seattle Chamber Singers and Orchestra Seattle about twenty years ago - but to be able to conduct the piece a cappella with a choir is just such a fantastic experience.

As usual, nothing compares to JS Bach's mastery of harmonization. His four part harmonies give each SATB line it's own beautiful melody.

The choir will sing this particular piece at the end of the Palm Sunday service while the cross is draped with a black cloth. A very powerful moment for the congregation I think.