"Be Still My Soul" is often called "the perfect hymn".......the consumate marriage of simple, moving, hope-filled words with hauntingly-beautiful music.
The words were written by a German noblewoman in the 1700's. They were translated into our language 100 years later by an Englishwoman.
The music was written in 1899 by Finland's greatest composer, Jean Sibelius. The tune comes from a movement in his world-famous suite, "Finlandia".
These three contributors of different nationalities in a time frame spanning several centuries used their talents to bring us this "ultimate" hymn in its final form.
The Lord moves in wonderful musical ways!
Leni
It’s one of my favorites, too, and I can’t sing it without getting fahklempt. Don’t know why it affects me so.