GROSSER GOTT was set to the German versification in the Katholisches Gesangbuch (see above). Variants of the tune abound; the version found in the Psalter Hymnal came from Johann Schicht's Allgemeines Choralbuch (1819), and the harmonization came from Conrad Kocher's (PHH 358) setting in his Zions Harfe (1855). William H. Monk's (PHH 332) shortened version of this tune (HURSLEY) is often associated with John Keble's evening hymn "Sun of My Soul."

A sturdy melody, GROSSER GOTT is in simple bar form (AAB). Sing in parts on stanzas 1-3 and add the descant by Emily R. Brink (PHH 158) to unison singing on stanza 4. Use full organ tone with some festive mixtures.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook