This timeless melody by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), is now chiefly remembered because of its inclusion in J S Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, (hence its title) where it is treated to a variety of rich harmonisations. It is mostly sung to Paulus Gerhardt’s words, O Sacred head! sore wounded.This setting features the flugel and horns, who first play a lyrical descant to the famous hymn tune and then the melody itself, against a Bach-like obbligato in the accompaniment.