The music Sibelius wrote for Finlandia has served for several hymns, including this one–I Then Shall Live, sung by the Faither Vocal Band, flavored with photos of God’s handiwork. Looking at these, it’s no wonder that when God surveyed His finished creation, He pronounced it very good.
Have you head this hymn before? I Then Shall Live–performed at Christ Church by the Longboat Key Chancel Choir: the melody you’ve probably heard as Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius.
A bonus hymn today, requested by Erlene–I Then Shall Live, by the Gaither Vocal Band. If the music seems familiar, well, it’s Finlandia, by Sibelius. And how can you not be moved by the gorgeous photos of God’s handiwork?
I Then Shall Live, performed a capella by the Gaither Vocal Band–if the melody of this hymn makes you think, “Why, that sounds just like Finlandia, by Sibelius,” give yourself high marks because that’s exactly what it is.
In fact, there are very many hymns and patriotic songs of various nations that are sung to the music of Finlandia.
Erlene, you asked for it, so here it is–a nice start to the day.
Even as the hymn, Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee borrows its music from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, so does I Then Shall Live, by the Gaither Vocal Band, take its melody from Finlandia by Sibelius.
I guess it’s all right, God having given Sibelius the beautiful music in the first place.
P.S.–The hymn shop is open to one and all, so don’t be shy. If there’s a hymn you’d like to see posted on this blog, just let me know.