It is a translation of a German hymn, “O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden” which was written by Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676). This in turn was based on “Salve Mundi Salutare” a medieval poem written in Latin and attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux or Arnulf von Löwen.
Other English translations of the same text include Henry Williams Baker's O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” and Robert Bridges “O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded" (1899) (ref and ref).
The hymn was published in the New Catholic Hymnal, by Faber Music Ltd (UK) in 1971, which was edited by Petti. It was included in a BBC-produced radio broadcast in 1979 (ref) - but after that the internet does not appear to have any further references to it. However it was recently (2020) requested by a reader who reports singing it in 4-part harmony in a Catholic church in Zambia.
With meter 76 76 D, it is set to PASSION CHORALE composed by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612) and adapted/harmonised by J S Bach (1685 –1750).
Downloads
No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music for this particular hymn. But many versions of the tune are available.
Examples
Instrumental - piano:
XXX1
Instrumental - brass band. Professional recording:
Instrumental - reeed organ:
Instrumental - organ:
Instrumental - guitar / cello duet:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. No on-line sources have been found - the only source is the New English Hymnal, which is still in-print. A rough outline is:1 Dear face, with pain transfigured, which piercing thorns have scarred ...
2 With strength and vigour failing, Your body wracked with pain ...
3 Good Shepherd by your passion, Your grief and misery ...
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