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

[jerrycallison]

Beautiful song with such a message! I particularly enjoyed the strong bass foundation for the rendition. Such masculinity is frowned upon by so many these days, but the richness those voices added is incalculable.

[rickysikes]

This is the song Eric Liddell requested be song while he was dying in a Japanese internment camp in China during the beginning of WW2.

[leonidabendicion]

What do you see when you close your eyes and listen to this ensemble? I see the hands of Jesus reaching to me in my pain.❤

[marythomas]

Simply magnificent. Nothing more need be said.

[Morellas]

What a wonderful piece of music! - and equally wonderful sung. Thank you.

[Hearts]

If Appalachia could hear this now-- Oct 3, 2024. May God bless them with recovery and healing 👑✝️🕊️♥️

[cdean]

My Mama loved this..I had it sung at her funeral..I know she walks with her Savior, Master and Redeemer now..❤

[alanyoder]

Beautiful - the human voice praising God.

[BzyB]

This is the most beautiful version of this hymn I’ve ever heard.

[katya]

Bonjour bravo pour votre chant magnifique et la nature splendide 😂
Bonne continuation big merci 🙏

[tinukeafe-ajanaku]

So beautifully sung! I heard and listened to this hymn whistled by my dad every morning in the bath. I'll share this with him; yes, he is 86 years old. Glory to God!

[nccrchurchunusual]

What encouraging lyrics. The Lord is on our side! According to 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord...is longsuffering toward us not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Dont delay run to Jesus now- He wants to save you from your sin.

[peggyhemenger]

Thank you, how I needed this reminder of our Lord's loving presence.

[nelcarpunz]

This is my favorite hymn! What a beautiful rendition, and I am blessed.

[masheretmissions]

Alberta missionary in South Africa. Elbow Falls was my dad's favourite place and where his ashes were spread.
Beautifully done!

[eissolbe]

Himmelsk lovsang.
Vidunderlig vakkert❤❤❤

[Candy-syeo]

Thank-you for this wonderful gift of faith and peace and beauty! You are filling the world with the love of our Lord! Powerful!

[margritneuenhagen]

Beautiful singing it is so nerve calming, thank you all ❤️🇨🇦

[wizzardofpaws]

The poetry of the old hymns is incredible.

[corneliacarden]

Beautifully sung! I could hear the lyrics, your voices blended together is wonderful harmony. Thank you!