Be Still, My Soul - a hymn, know it?

I was looking at a page of some national anthems and other songs.. Then I found this one. If you go to church, you might know this hymn. Be Still, My Soul. Or, that's the way it is known in the USA.
Actually it is a part of the masterpiece of a Finnish songwriter/composer Jean Sibelius. The hymn part of it is very beautiful, and every Finn knows it. That's why I'm wondering how did a song which is almost considered as the unofficial national anthem of Finland become a religious hymn in the USA? :)

The lyrics are all different in the original version of course.

http://junior.apk.net/%7Ebmames/ht0010_.htm

http://learning.lib.vt.edu/slav/national_anthems.html


This message was edited Feb 5, 2004 5:37 PM

The words sound so familiar and a tune goes thru my mind as I read them, but I can't honestly say I know it or know where I might have learned it. Thanks for sharing this information with us.

Here you go Evert - explanation and all :)

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/e/bestill.htm

Pretty cool. Thanks Dea for that link. Thanks Evert for mentioning this topic.

EvaMae, at Dea's link, click on "Midi" and it will play the tune for you. You may recognize it.

Evert and Dea, I really liked that song. I am not musical at all but know what i like. i wanted to forward it to a friend and also my daughter. I thought i had forwarded link things before but I couldn't get either to forward this time. Thanks for sending the song. Donna

Evert, Amy Grant did a very beautiful rendition of this song and it is on one of her CDs (can't remember the name right now). We played it at our Grandson's funeral in May and it was very, very moving. If you get a chance to hear it, please do....you will be blessed. Kathy

I really like Jean Sibelius. I don't know the names of his pieces, but I usually know his style when I hear it.

Kathy, I have that CD. I can't think of the name of it either, tho....you're right: it's a simple and beautiful rendition of a lovely song.

Evert, I've known this song since childhood. It was in our hymn book at church. I have always liked it! :)

I've done this as a solo at church - great hymn. I always love Sibelius's work.

Terry, I love the talking in the middle of the song. It gave us much peace and many at the service said the music was awesome. I sat down with our choir director for several hours the day before the service and listened and cried to many, many songs that were very heartfelt. Chris Rice sang another called Child of Mine.