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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

PDF Download • “O Sacred Head Surrounded” — Twelve Organ Accompaniments

Jeff Ostrowski · March 14, 2021

ITHOUT QUESTION, my favorite harmonization of “O Sacred Head Surrounded” is the version found in the Brébeuf hymnal. I cannot release that, because obviously Sophia Institute Press can’t survive if they give their books away for free! However, the following are public domain: Eleven different harmonizations by Johann Sebastian Bach (d. 1750). Some of these are pretty funky, and I hope a Bach specialist can weigh in on whether every single note was written by Bach. My understanding is, the “371 Chorales of Bach” were collected and arranged after his death. I’m not saying they are inauthentic—yet some of these dissonances and open fifths strike me as uncharacteristic of Bach. On the other hand, sometimes Bach intentially did “strange stuff” when he was text painting. For instance, when the HOLY NAME is mentioned, Bach often deliberately had voices cross; I assume he did this to show a “Cross” in honor of Jesus Christ.

*  PDF Download • 11 Harmonizations (J.S. Bach)
—Please note: The famous “371 Bach Chorales” were arranged & collected after Bach’s death.

Some organists might this easier harmonization for “O Sacred Head Surrounded” by Hassler, courtesy of Roger Wagner’s teacher, Dr. Eugène Lapierre:

*  PDF Download • Harmonies by Lapierre

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: O Sacred Head, Sacred Head Surrounded, Salve caput cruentatum Last Updated: March 14, 2021

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“To treat harmony and rhythm in this matter was a difficult matter. Facing numerous problems both large and small—that arose constantly—we understood that a flawless harmonization of Gregorian chant cannot be created by improvisation, no matter the competence and ability of the organist or harmonist.”

— ‘Mons. Jules Van Nuffel, NOH Preface’

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