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Man of Sorrows, What a Name

Philip P. Bliss

Score

Read it and listen to it right here. It can't be downloaded — to sing it with your choir, use it in Cantico.

History

Man of Sorrows, What a Name

“Man of Sorrows, What a Name” (also known by its refrain “Hallelujah! What a Saviour!”) is by Philip Paul Bliss (1838–1876), who wrote both words and music in 1875. Bliss died a year later in a railway accident.

About the piece

A hymn on the passion of Christ that culminates in an “Alleluia” of gratitude. This edition carries the melody with its text; it is a very short melody, just 8 measures per verse.

How to prepare it

The range is exactly an octave, B3–B4 (an octave), and the melody is simple. What matters is the contrast: the phrases about suffering are sung softly and contained, and the final “Alleluia” with a sober light, without shouting. Rehearse that dynamic contrast as an exercise in expression.

When to use it

Very suitable for Lent, and the final alleluia also allows its use in Eastertide.