Religious Music: Hymns

We start our discussion on modern Religious Music with “Finlandia” by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. A part of the last section in this symphonic poem is known as the “Finlandia Hymn”. The symphonic poem was composed in 1899 while Finland was suffering under Russian dictatorship. Listen and hear if you recognize it – the “Finlandia Hymn” starts around 5 minutes 20 seconds into the YouTube-video below and lasts until around 7 minutes 7 seconds; elements of it is again recognizable at around 8 minutes.



Try to identify the instruments used in this recording of the “Finlandia Hymn.” Listen to the different timbres and take note how the density changes. What causes the density to change?

The “Finlandia Hymn” has become well known as a Christian hymn – “Be Still, My Soul”. Listen to it sung by Izzy.



Now listen to it sung by rock artist Sheryl Crow.



How is the orchestration different in the rendition with Izzy compared to the one by Sheryl Crow? Describe the difference in musical instruments used. How is the density different? Can you describe the difference in timbre between Izzy’s voice and Sheryl Crow’s voice?

The lyrics that is usually sung to the melody of the “Finlandia Hymn” (“Be Still, My Soul”) was originally written in German (“Stille meine Wille, dein Jesus hilft siegen”) by Katharina Amalia (1752). It was later translated into English by Laurie Borthwick (1855).

Listen to Ginny Owens, CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) artist, use the same lyrics but sing it to a completely different melody.



How will you describe the difference in the “Finlandia Hymn”-melody compared to Ginny Owens’ melody?

Of the three versions (Izzy's, Sheryl Crow's, and Ginny Owens'), which do you prefer and why?