Ah, Holy Jesus

The Latin original of this very striking and intimate Passion hymn, an intense conversation with the crucified Jesus, was by Ravenna-born Jean de FeIcamp (d. ca. 1078), Abbot of FeIcamp, author of influential theological works, and go-between for kings and popes. It was first translated by Johann Heermann (d.1647), a pastor who ministered through plague and serial military occupations of his town during the Thirty Years War, and a writer of many devotional poems and hymns. It was translated in turn, and in part reworked, by the poet Robert Bridges (d.1930), choirmaster in the village of Yattendon, near Oxford, and compiler of the famous Yattendon Hymnal in which this hymn appeared. The hymn tune, 'Herzliebster ['most beloved'] Jesu', is by Johann Cruger (d.1662), the composer of some of the greatest and best-loved German chorale melodies. The intense drama, portrayed in this hymn's text and tune, is the inspiration for this new arrangement by Douglas Mears for SATB choir, timpani, percussion, harp, and strings.