Be Still My Soul - Mount Royal Kantorei

"Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last."

The music for ‘Be Still My Soul’ is a hymn-like section from the patriotic symphonic poem Finlandia written in 1899 by Finnish Composer Jean Sibelius.

Katharina Von Schlege (1697 – 1768) * wrote the original German lyrics “Stille meine Wille, dein Jesus hilft siegen“ in 1752 and the hymn was subsequently translated into English by Jane Laurie Brothwick (1813 – 1897) in 1855.

The tenors and basses of Mount Royal Kantorei began work on this inspiring arrangement by Calgarian Oliver Munar, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We love championing the local talent we have here in Calgary. Oliver is a member of Calgary’s professional Juno nominated choir, Luminous Voices.

The comforting lyrics of this hymn speak of faith and hope. Even when confronted with pain and suffering, we can persevere.

This arrangement was recorded at OCL Recording Studios in the spring of 2021. On September 27th, 2021 our singers gathered at Elbow Falls, Alberta and created a beautiful music video with the talented team from Media Pop Films.

Special thanks to the Kantorei Choral Society, OCL Recording Studios, Morgan Music, Media Pop Films, and our funders – Calgary Arts Development and Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Be Still My Soul

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 ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav'nly
Friend thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hast'ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are
gone, sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears
are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing
shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still
know His voice, who ruled them while He dwelt
below.

Be Still My Soul
Music by Jean Sibelius
Lyrics: Katharina Von Schlege
Arrangement: Oliver Munar
Performed by Tenors and Basses of Mount Royal Kantorei
Artistic Director: John Morgan