Be Still My Soul
Jean Sibelius (arr. James Swearingen)
Subtitle: A Chorale Prelude
General Info
Year: 1900 / 2016
Duration: c. 4:05
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: C.L. Barnhouse
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $74.00 | Score Only (oversized) - $24.00; (print) - $8.00
Instrumentation
Full Score
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II
Euphonium
Tuba
Organ (optional)
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:
- Bass Drum
- Bells
- Chimes
- Crash Cymbals
- Marimba
- Snare Drum
- Suspended Cymbal
- Triangle
- Vibraphone
- Xylophone
Choir (optional)
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
The origin of this extraordinary work dates back to 1752 when German-born Katharina von Schlegel penned a hymn that was published under the title Stille, mein Wille; dein Jesus hilft siegen (Be still, my soul; the Lord in on thy side) in a compilation A New Collection of Spiritual Songs. Later transcribed to English by Jane L. Borthwick in 1855, the new translation now appears in the second series Hymns from the Land of Luther.
The final transformation of this glorious piece takes place in 1899 when the noted composer Jean Sibelius creates a stirring melody that, when added to the text, reflects the historic struggles of the Finnish people. From his love of country and patriotism emerges the emotional quality of a deeply moving hymn that symbolizes hopes and resolution for all.
- Program Note by James Swearingen
The hymn displays a tremendous amount of passion, inspiration, and power as the intricate parts connect together, creating a stunning melody. Swearingen’s arrangement brings out the beauty of this original hymn and adds powerful trumpet lines to a moving melody by the woodwinds. The percussion and winds collectively make it feel as if the listener is in an enormous cathedral. James Swearingen’s reintroduced version of Be Still, My Soul for concert bands instills strong emotion and leaves the listener with a deep appreciation of its musical beauty.
- Program Note from William Mason High School Wind Symphony concert program, 15 December 2016
Media
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Computech Middle School (Fresno, Calif.) Wind Band (Marco Mellone, conductor) - 21 April 2017 (2017 San Joaquin Valley (Calif.) Concert Band Invitational)
- Edison-Computech Middle School (Fresno Calif.) Wind Ensemble (Marco Mellone, conductor) - 25 March 2017 (2017 Sutherland Wind Festival (Fresno, Calif.)
- William Mason High School (Mason, Ohio) Wind Symphony (Susan Bass, conductor) - 15 December 2016 (2016 Midwest Clinic)
- Capital University (Columbus, Ohio) Junior Winds – Spring 2016
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Andante Festivo (arr. Thurston) (1922/1930/1999)
- Be Still My Soul (arr. Swearingen) (1900/2016)
- Finlandia (tr. Cailliet) (1900/1939)
- Finlandia (tr. Hindsley) (1900/1971)
- Finlandia (arr. Kuikka) (1900/1967)
- Finlandia (tr. McAlister; ed. Reed) (1900/2004)
- Finlandia (arr. Molenaar) (1900/1964)
- Finlandia (arr. Page) (1900/1928)
- Finlandia (tr. Winterbottom) (1900/1908(?))
- Onward, Ye Peoples! (arr. Goldman) (1940)
- Overture in F Minor (trans. Ambrose) (1889/1988/2018)
- Petite Suite (arr. Fransman) (1891/1988)
- Preludio (ed. Corporon) (2010)
- Swan of Tuonela (tr. Hartman) (1895/2023)
- Tiera (1899/c. 2011)
- Valse Triste (arr. Schyns) (1903/1911/2007)
- Valse Triste (arr. Winterbottom) (1903/1911/1939/)
Resources