O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden

This very well-known set of variations is composed by Johann Pachelbel on a melody by Hans Leo Hassler, in a modification by Johann Crüger.

It used to be a secular melody, but appeared in many hymnals in the 17th century.

The variation set is very beautiful in its simplicity; there is no exuberance, only extreme reverance, as fits the occasion.

I tried to play it accordingly, using simple registrations of only a few stops at a time.
Vollenhove, with it's clear and intimate sounds is imho the ideal organ for that.

It seemed a fine upload on this Spy Wednesday in Holy Week.

I could not resist playing Bach's setting of the melody as a reprise after the last variation.