O sorrow deep!

This is my 43rd entry in the Lenten Hymn-of-the-Day project.

Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, will conclude the project. My THANKS to ALL who assisted by UPLOADED, by LISTENING, or by COMMENTING!

This hymn was the "sort of thing" that would have been sung before the Great Vigil of Easter had been "restored" to common use. Therefore, it is a hymn of grief and sadness, but also one of hope and consolation.

The words of the first stanza were written in Würzburg in 1628, and the second stanza was written by Johann Rist in 1641. They are translated by Winfred Douglas (1867-1944) a well-known American Episcopal priest and musician who did much to restore both the use of plainsong and of proper liturgical forms.

The tune, "O Trauerigkeit" appeared, like the words, at Würzburg in 1628.

In the "Hymnal 1940", from which this was taken, this hymn is designated to be sung on "Easter Even".

O sorrow deep!
Who would not weep
With heart-felt pain and sighing!
God the Father's only Son
In the tomb is lying.

O Jesus blest,
My help and rest,
With tears I pray thee, hear me:
Now, and even unto death,
Dearest Lord be near me.