O Haupt, voll Blut und Wunden

Helmut Bornefeld (1906 - 1990) was born in Stuttgart. In the early 20s he became a trained gardener, but from 1924 on he studied music and worked later as a piano teacher, choirmaster and composer in Esslingen. Becoming a victim of the Nazi propaganda Bornefeld studied church music and served as cantor and organist in Heidenheim from 1937 to 1971 and as organ expert until 1976, interrupted by WW II.

Besides songs, piano and chamber music he wrote numerous pieces for the service, his "Choralwerk". As an organ expert he created a style of his own, both in terms of sound and technique, but also in architectural shape. 91 instruments were built after his plans or with his support, 30 of them are listed as protected monuments today. Bornefeld's organ dispostions are very unique and it is often not easy to approach the sound he might have had in mind.

I have recorded a few chorales for Lent in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Bornefeld's death. If you like his music, you can find some earlier recordings for Advent and Christmas on CCH.