Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:02

"Be Still, My Soul" is a hymn that was composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899. The hymn was originally written in Finnish and was titled "Finlandia hymn." The hymn was later translated into English by Jane Borthwick in 1900. The hymn has become a popular Christian hymn and is often sung at funerals and other solemn occasions. The hymn is a part of Sibelius' larger work, "Finlandia," which was composed as a protest against the Russian Empire's censorship of Finnish culture. The hymn is the final movement of the work and is a slow, reflective piece that is meant to convey a sense of peace and comfort. The hymn is written in a simple, yet powerful style that is characteristic of Sibelius' work. The melody is slow and contemplative, with long, sustained notes that create a sense of stillness and calm. The harmonies are rich and full, with lush chords that add depth and warmth to the piece. The lyrics of the hymn are based on a poem by Katharina von Schlegel, which was originally written in German in the 18th century. The poem is a meditation on the soul's journey through life and the comfort that can be found in God's love and grace. The English translation of the poem is as follows: Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. The hymn has been performed by many different artists and has become a beloved piece of music in the Christian tradition. Its simple yet profound message of comfort and hope has resonated with people around the world, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift.

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