My arrangement of the hymn from Finlandia by Jean Sibelius is a "work in progress." The version of "Finlandia" on this video was based on a concept of performance style that is still evolving and was basically improvised.

Later this year I plan to release this arrangement on a CD of popular classical melodies, arranged for solo fingerstyle guitar. At that point, the piece will feature three statements of the melody, and the 3rd will modulate up to the key of D. The attached chart contains only one verse, but should give you enough to go on.

As you play through it, listen carefully for the melody notes and emphasize them. There are basically two ways to do that: One is to play the melody louder; the other is to play everything else quieter. A combination of both those techniques will give you some variation in the dynamics. Playing around with volume and attack will also give you a more personal performance.

Best wishes,
Tom Rasely

See YouTube for Tom Rasely's performance of the hymn from Finlandia; while there, have a look at Tom's Celebration of 50 Years as a Musician

The boys' choir, Libera, sings a lovely arrangement of "Be Still My Soul"

See the Wikipedia entry at Finlandia Hymn for a comprehensive history of the various sets of lyrics that have been set to this hymn.

The Lyrics as sung by the Libera choir are:

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 every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening 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.

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