CANTUS: Finlandia by Jean Sibelius

[@rutha1464]

If when I transcend and this is the first thing I hear, I will know I am in paradise.

[@cantussings]

❤️

[@allenpinnix5241]

the UN General Assembly should always open with this- it could not hurt

[@cantussings]

👏👏

[@alvinwagner6085]

The greatest instrument in the world: the human voice.

[@mogx2586]

This is beautiful to hear our congregation sing in psalms at church. So beautiful.

[@mommylonglegs510]

This hymn makes me teary under normal circumstances but as I sit here in March 2022, with the world responding to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, I can’t help but ugly cry. Beautiful performance.

[@julieringnalda3013]

I came looking for this song tonight since it has been in my heart for a few days.💙💛

[@BillHaack]

I recently sang a solo at church with these lyrics, I really love the inclusiveness of the·lyrics.

[@BillHaack]

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. Stone makes magic with the lyrics he wrote. The words wrap in and around the music until it becomes a singular plea for understanding of the basic similarities of all humans, regardless of their nation. Cantus lends a beautiful performance with masterful harmony. Thank you for this wonderful gift!

[@richardthomas2334]

Lloyd Stone’s poem, sometimes called "This Is My Song" and sometimes called "A Song of Peace," was first set to the hymn-like portion of Finlandia in 1934 and published as a choral anthem by the Lorenz Publishing Company. The author of the words, Lloyd Stone, was a poet who was born in California and whose parents were from Missouri. The Finnish composer Johan Julius Christian [Jean] Sibelius (08 Dec 1865 - 20 Sep 1957) composed Finlandia in 1899-1900. Some people have posted “This Is My Song” but called it the “Finlandia Hymn.” Finns then protest that the words (Lloyd Stone’s words) aren’t the words of the “Finlandia Hymn.” The words sung in Finland, which weren’t written until 1941 (long after Lloyd Stone’s words were set to the tune!) are by the Finnish poet Veikko Koskenniemi. The “Finlandia Hymn” quickly became a popular anthem for Finland. There is no relationship between the words of Lloyd Stone's poem and the words by the Finnish poet Veikko Koskenniemi, except for having been set to the same music. Lloyd Stone was also an illustrator and composer. [I own a copy of one of his self-illustrated books: The Story of an Ozark Grandmother: As the Grandmother, Jane Honey Howell Marr, Told her Story to her Grandson, Lloyd Stone. Point Lookout, Missouri. (1938).] Lloyd Shelbourne Stone was born 29 Jun 1912 in Fresno, California. His parents, Lowends Columbus Stone and Gurtha Emalaine Marr were born in Missouri and married there in 1910 before moving to California. Lloyd Stone attended Lindsay High School, Lindsay, California, graduating in 1930. He was president of his class in his Junior year. He then attended the University of Southern California. He wrote “This Is My Song” before (or at about the time of) his graduation from USC. He was planning to be a teacher, but instead, in 1936, he joined up with a circus on its way to Hawaii. He didn't stay with the circus for long, but he did stay in Hawaii. From a Hawaiian newspaper, The Islander, "Mr. Stone is probably among the most versatile contributors to the arts of whom Hawaii can boast. His poetry reflects Hawaii. He does not sing of the palms and the surf, but of the earthy human beauty which is the heritage of the islands. He finds his niche as an interpreter of that which lies beneath the lovely outward shell of Hawaii. He has made Hawaii his home. And Hawaii is fortunate." The Legislature of the Territory of Hawaii passed a concurrent resolution in 1951 “bestowing the honor and title of poet laureate of Hawaii (Ka Haku-Mele O Hawaii)" on Lloyd Stone. He wrote many books of poetry while in Hawaii, illustrated his own works and those by others, taught in the public schools of Hawaii, and also created and sold greeting cards. After spending many years in Hawaii, he returned to California. He served as state president of the California Federation of Chaparral Poets in 1982. His father died in Lindsay on 30 Jan 1978. His mother lived to be 100, dying on 03 Dec 1987. Lloyd Stone died, age 80, in Visalia, Tulare County, California, on 09 Mar 1993. His two-line obituary in the Fresno Bee described him as “a retired teacher,” and made no mention of his poems, his being the poet laureate of Hawaii, or his well-known “Song of Peace.” Although his poem has appeared as a hymn in 18 hymnals, I haven't yet found anything that suggests he was particularly religious himself. However, except for the book about his grandmother, I haven't read any of his published works, which include: For You (with decorations by the author) (1937)-[original title For Me], Poems to Be Served with a Poi Cocktail (1940), Lei of Hours (1941), Hawaiian War Chant (1942), Aloha Means an Island (1944), In This Hawaiian Net (1945), Hawaiian Christmas (1945), Keaka, the Hawaiian Fishboy by Max Keith, illustrated by Lloyd Stone, Laughter Wears a Coconut Hat (1948), Escape to the Sun with illustrations by the author (1949), The Cave of Makalei: Old Hawaii Pageant Aloha Week (1958), Song Stories of Hawaii by Carol Roes with drawings by Lloyd Stone (1959), A Children’s Hawaiian Program: “Eight Islands” by Carol Roes, with drawings by Lloyd Stone (1963), Boy's Illustrated Book of Old Hawaiian Sports (na pa'ani kahiko) (1964), Christmas Luau (1976), and San Joaquin Carols (1977). There are other lyrics that have been set to the hymn-like part of Finlandia, including the words of the old hymn “Stille mein Wille (Be Still, My Soul)” by Catharina von Schlegel (1752)-translated by Miss Jane Borthwick in 1855. Those words were set to Finlandia for the 1941 Lutheran Hymnal.

[@phlipachtenburgensteinhaus6610]

Thanks for this information

[@andyng3432]

Wonderful bio of mr stone. Thank you Richard Thomas.

[@michaelboyle2794]

This was such a beautiful rendition of Finlandia and especially moving for the problems and invasion of Ukraine. It brought tears to my eyes-they are suffering so much just defending their country against a crazy person who doesn't seen to care about anyone but himself. Prayers, for all the country of Ukraine.

[@jeandeblaize4175]

Les Américains (ou les Anglais) sont prompts à coller un texte en anglais, profane (ou religieux surtout) sur un air ou une partie d'une œuvre musicale dite "classique" dont la mélodie leur semble convenir à un texte (pourvu qu'il soit d'eux et compris par eux) Cf. : "This Is My Song" ou bien "Be Still My Soul" ("Finlandia" , pièce symphonique avec ou sans chœur, de J.Sibelius) "Holy art thou," (aria "ombra mai fu" / opéra Xerxes, de GF Hændel) "O Holy night" ("Minuit Chrétien" de A. Adam) etc

[@jackwilloughby239]

This was the first classical piece that I ever played as a member of an Orchestra. Fresh out of the Navy, 37 years old. A fiddle player who barely knew how to read music. Sitting beside a child prodigy from Albania (Ehlonia, Principal Violinist), Conducted by Julien Shew (from China). All at Ft. Hays State University in Kansas. The only piece I had ever heard that compared to it was "My Oklahoma" as played by Country Gazette.

[@helenpanshin5589]

*Lyrics* This is my song, O God of all the nations A song of peace, for lands afar and mine This is my home, the country where my heart is Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine But other hearts in other lands are beating With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine My country's skies are bluer than the ocean And sunlight beams on clover leaf and pine But other lands have sunlight too, and clover And skies are everywhere as blue as mine Oh hear my song, thou God of all the nations A song of peace for their land and for mine

[@clarkbaxter7662]

Helen Panshin y

[@jormakoskinen2957]

Very nice interpretation. After 45 years, I still remember my own bass stems by heart.

[@michaelbare1862]

Beautiful job gents. Thank you for uplifting our spirits with beautiful music.

[@johnn.8140]

Beautiful sound for radio. If you watch it, they become the bobblehead choir.

[@charlesmusicstore754]

So peaceful and calming- so needed right now. Always felt so blessed to be half Finnish.

[@timgriffin807]

I'm not able to understand what they're singing, but it's so peaceful ! Thanks, was a great performance.

[@kierstin1989]

One of my favorites, and so fitting in these uncertain times.

[@eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807]

Peace and blessings. That was truly beautiful. Heavenly.

[@jeannesurber4604]

Brings a tear to my eyes

[@bonnies.8699]

I watch this video when I need to find peace.

[@darnedmallard8924]

This piece is so much more than just a pretty song for the Finnish people...

[@darnedmallard8924]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4iznoasYrl1r5I&ab_channel=Carolus

[@alisonrowell8336]

Beautiful rendition. Brought tears to my eyes

[@robbabcock_]

Thank you! This is perfect for smoothing out the social distancing! I've seen Cantus several time, back when I still lived in MN. Hearing the music makes me homesick!

[@chaaaaaaaance]

YOOOOO!!! this is the song my high schools alma mater is based off of. absolutely beautiful.

[@MeowMixton]

I heard this group sing this In the Salem Church in Quincy IL on my birthday yesterday and noticed that the tune was a bit familiar since my college choir had a male group sing a version of this titled "Be Still My Soul" the year before. Amazing performance and thank you for singing this amazing music for us!

[@cantussings]

Thanks Michael! Hopefully, we’ll be back before too long-

[@jeanettekramer7372]

So beautiful I cried all the way through!

[@jsm2142]

Thank you for these lyrics at this time.

[@jamesdean8427]

this is objectively the best performed/recorded version of this song, and it's a crying shame that it's so short.

[@MrArnisM]

Beautiful rendition. One of the most popular Hymn melodies sung in the Latvian Lutheran Church both in Latvia and around the world! Thank you!

[@sophiegrisom]

Neat humming in the background. Sounds almost like some instruments in play, but only vocal. The "But, other lands ..." in the 2nd verse is a bit contrary, though seems very Finnish to give a caveat like that.

[@AllyVertigan]

just beautiful

[@similars88]

Blessing be, profound blessings be. We are one.

[@Alleycat938]

Wonderful! Thank you

[@fionadyball1593]

So very beautiful, and timely. Thank you for your artistry.

[@cathcort1]

beautiful

[@canoeman621]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@urloony]

While there are many textual variations for the hymn, Finlandia itself is forever a tone poem about national pride and escape from Russian tyranny and oppression. I think the text that best conveys this sentiment comes from Sibelius' Masonic setting for the hymn. This text uses light and darkness (shadow), central to Masonic ritual, as a metaphor for Finland's fight for independence. Oh gracious Lord, by whom the morning dawneth, Now in thy mercy bless our native land. Let thy light shine to drive away the shadows, And free our homes from war’s relentless hand, To Thee our people pray for Truth and Justice, And in thy faith they firmly take their stand. Thy wisdom infinite is our reliance. Thy hand shall keep our people strong and free. They sow the seed, they calmly wait the harvest, And give Thee thanks whatever it may be. Our honest toil and zeal shall bring us gladness, For joy is theirs whose hopes rest in thee.

[@consultantmoses]

Wow. Nice depiction of Ukraine's hopes

[@consultantmoses]

Nice depiction of Ukraine's hopes in God for refuge.

[@harryrosson9499]

Is there somewhere I can find this arrangement??

[@cantussings]

Send us an email at [e-mail] and we'll try and help if we can!

[@jeffliu7195]

Amazing!!!

[@tjcopland]

Wow. Just...wow. Thank you

[@TokyoiteinBerlin]

So beautiful harmony!

[@hannahrice3245]

My favorite hymn tune and text! Beautiful unison at 1:13.

[@snaregurl07]

So beautiful!!

[@doreenedmundson9860]

So beUtiful!!!

[@karenpacker8473]

Thank you from us in Portland Oregon.

[@MrIanmmackay]

Absolutely Beautiful!

[@pirjo1955]

Thank you - That was beautiful !

[@joanconnorton7943]

one of our FAVORITES!

[@MonicaE521]

Beautiful, thank you.

[@cgrsworld]

Thank you for this. Absolutely stunning.

[@tiritiri-matangi]

素晴らしいですね。 うっとりしちゃいます 繊細な歌声で感激しました

[@OrionOlamPiksie]

Thank you gentlemen.

[@poldibinder5164]

Beautifully performed! This should really be the national anthem of EVERY country.

[@boklas87]

At least in finland. Hopefully pandemic .& Blody neighbour woke now

[@darnedmallard8924]

As a Finn I have to say this is one of the best foreign interpretations of Finlandia. The harmonies are on point. I challenge you to try Sibelius in Finnish! (Meaning this hymn...)

[@cantussings]

We've done it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bISyanlriLeZabMsi=ADZHyY1opXg1AFy2

[@suemchenry7680]

magnificent

[@tomsandyfarley5779]

There is another set of lyrics that starts "We would be building..." Would love to hear them do that.

[@jsm2142]

These lyrics were just written, for all of us, in the time of Covid. by Lloyd Stone.

[@juliepage7552]

@@jsm2142 This version, know as the Song of Peace, has been around for decades and appears in the Unitarian hymn book Hymns for Living, published 1985.

[@MeowfaceMusic]

1:40...Woah! That attack on "but." I think I'm gunna cry. Thank you, gentlemen. Wow. How would you explain ensembling close together vs far apart like this? Has this experience added any new thoughts about how you might want to configure exact positioning in the future? Maybe (post pandemic) standing spread out like this yet in pods of two might yield and interesting sonic experience (maybe bass with baritone and tenor 2 with tenor 1, or maybe bass with tenor 2 and baritone with tenor 1...hmm) Haha, maybe everyone lay down on the floor in a star shape with heads touching creating a "hoggin circle" with mics hovering above would be fun and interesting too 🤪😉 (Long live Sinfonia!)

[@cantussings]

Hearing is everything and it’s hard to beat a standard arc for that! Interesting ideas tho!

[@bobwalker9635]

Wonderful

[@daisynaquira1232]

Divino!

[@daisynaquira1232]

@이태민 Not me. YOU!

[@melaniechadwick2174]

OH MY GOD

[@riittarucker2232]

Thank you so beautiful ❤️

[@shalvahmb617]

❤

[@SedlickyAdam]

Very nice! Who is this arranged from? Thank you

[@TAZIO60]

Stunning! Who arranged it?

[@ReverendHowl]

Diolch, neis, caled, cryn.

[@neongirl77]

Dear God, be still my heart and pass the kleenex! There is no way this song could be done any better, ever, by anyone. THANK YOU!

[@cantussings]

Thank you, Sue!

[@neongirl77]

@@cantussings My pleasure, my honor! 😊

[@FrankietheLawDog]

True.

[@bobbydazzler8684]

Do you think talking in superlatives makes your point more convincing? This version is fine, but the real Finlandia is regularly performed better than this in Finland by the people for whom the original music was composed and the lyrics written.

[@Kaija1940]

Sending this to all my cousins in Finland.

[@harrisonknights8169]

Hello - who arranged this version, is there somewhere I can get a copy?

[@cantussings]

Can you please email [e-mail]? Thanks for the inquiry!

[@OrionOlamPiksie]

Weird thing- I learned the last paragraph of this song- as a camp song when I went to summer camp in NY at like 12...

[@caiomoreira7059]

Beautiful! Is the sheet of this arrangement available somewhere?

[@levshogren8594]

gucci gang

[@skykid2012]

reverent!

[@fluteguitarbass]

Nice recording and engineering, great voices. Verses could have used a bit more interpretative dynamic freedom---we (Finns) usually sing the first mp and p then build to the second verse to ff (in parts) and end in pp. Thumbs up ... very clean, lovely singing.

[@barbarasfdavis]

I call Finlandia "The International Anthem."

[@singe0diabolique]

Ethereal.

[@markkuheinonen3886]

KIITOS Kotini on SUOMI

[@lamppuu1]

This isn't as powerful with these words, the whole point of this song is the meaning for Finnish people. Maybe it would be more impactful after the whole corona thing. I dunno, just my opinion.

[@schopa01]

vi x2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bISyanlriLeZabM

[@jsm2142]

In the time when it was written, it celebrated Finland's success in staving off Russia. (more than once). Right now, the point is the oppostie - we are not divided into nations, we are all brought to suffer by the same, unseeable CV. I like these lyrics for this time.

[@eltouni]

No, this ain't your song. This is finns song. Stop mocking and ruining it.

[@margaretvella3557]

Don’t be so rude....if you can’t hear that this is a sublime performance....then something is sadly lacking in your soul.

[@eltouni]

@@margaretvella3557 How would you feel, if someone stole national treasure of your homecountry, and ruined it? Yeah, dont be so rude. If you cant understand that, then something is sadly lacking in YOUR soul.

[@zollykod2541]

@@eltouni I'm curious as to why/how you think Cantus have 'ruined' the song?

[@whatsina1]

Tony. People know this is Finnish song. But choirs all over the world sing it in various versions. They are not mocking it. You should be proud that more people get to hear the beautiful melody of Sibelius.

[@crixxxxxxxxx]

You don’t have ownership over a melody. Go take a Finnish ice bath and cool off.

[@nikoruti4540]

Thumbs down for not sung in finnish 😑

[@cantussings]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bISyanlriLeZabMsi=jy8cN5gDf8Msb-1g

[@nikoruti4540]

@@cantussings, there we go 😁👌🏼

[@Xfranman]

Pretty. But CDC guideline nonsense ruins it. Dislike nasal singers.