"Be Still, My Soul"

Episode 15: The history behind "Be Still, My Soul": In this hymn, Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel wove together a series of scriptural themes in a creative and remarkable way. She was born in Cöthen, Germany, on October 22, 1697, only 12 years after Johann Sebastian Bach—who may have been an acquaintance of hers. Jane L. Borthwick translated Katharina’s words into English about a century after their publication in German. Finnish composer Jean Sibelius originally wrote the music for a piece that would become a national favorite in his native land. This program includes contemporary renditions of “Be Still, My Soul” by the following artists: Michael Dowdle, Scott and Jenny Frogley, Jenny Oaks Baker, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, the Brigham Young University Concert Choir, and Christina England.