Rachel Evans
How Great Thou Art is a popular hymn that has been performed by various Catholic church choirs, including the All Saints Catholic Church Choir and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. The hymn was heavily influenced by a British minister, Stuart K. Hine, but the original text was written by Swedish preacher Carl Boberg, who was inspired by a visit to a country estate on Sweden's southeast coast. The lyrics of How Great Thou Art capture the awe and wonder of God's creation, with nature's beauty and power reflected in the mighty thunder and calm bird songs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | How Great Thou Art |
| Type | Hymn |
| Duration | 4:19 |
| Choir | Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, All Saints Catholic Church Choir |
| Soloist | Bryn Terfel |
| Organist | Clay Christiansen |
| Lyricist | Stuart K. Hine (British minister), Carl Boberg (Swedish preacher) |
| Refrain | Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee, How great thou art |
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What You'll Learn
How Great Thou Art lyrics
"How Great Thou Art" is a popular hymn with music based on a Swedish folk melody, adapted by Stuart K. Hine (1899-1989). The lyrics are also written by Hine, who first heard the melody and lyrics in Russian, coupled with the original Swedish lyrics, while he and his wife were missionaries in Poland. The first three verses of the hymn were inspired by Hine's experiences in the Carpathian Mountains.
The lyrics to the hymn are as follows:
> Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee,
> How great thou art (x2)
>
> Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee,
> How great thou art (x2)
>
> O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
> Consider all the works thy hand hath made,
> I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
> Thy power throughout the universe displayed
>
> Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
> How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
> Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
> How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
>
> Verse 2: When thru the woods and forest glades I wander
> And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
> When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
> And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze,
>
> Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
> How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
> Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
> How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
>
> Verse 3: And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
> Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in –
> That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
> He bled and died to take away my sin!
>
> Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
> How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
> Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
> How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
>
> Verse 4: When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
> And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
> Then shall I bow in humble adoration,
> And there proclaim: My God, how great thou art!
>
> Chorus: Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
> How great thou art, How great thou art!
> Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee;
> How great thou art, How great thou art!
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How Great Thou Art history
"How Great Thou Art" is a Christian hymn based on the original Swedish hymn "O Store Gud," which was written in 1885 by Carl Boberg (1859–1940). The English version of the hymn is a translation by British missionary Stuart K. Hine in 1949. Hine's version includes the phrase "How Great Thou Art" four times in the refrain. Hine was inspired to create his version of the hymn after hearing the Russian translation of the German version while on an evangelistic mission to the Carpathian Mountains in 1931.
The original Swedish poem, "O Store Gud," was set to a traditional folk tune and published in the Swedish Missionary Alliance hymnbook, as well as a US Swedish hymnbook called Sionsharpen. The poem was first published in 1886 and was inspired by Boberg's experience of walking home from church near Kronobäck, Sweden, and listening to the church bells. Boberg's lyrics also came from a unique experience on Sweden's southeast coast, where he got caught in a midday thunderstorm followed by a clear, brilliant sun, and then heard the songs of birds in nearby trees. This prompted him to write a nine-stanza poem beginning with the Swedish words, "O Store Gud, nar jag den varld beskader."
Hine's version of the hymn became popular after Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea performed it during Billy Graham's crusades. The televised performance at Madison Square Garden in 1957 introduced the hymn to millions of viewers and helped cement its position in the American Protestant repertoire. The hymn has since been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, whose 1967 album "How Great Thou Art" won the artist his first Grammy. More recently, singers like Alan Jackson and Carrie Underwood have also performed the hymn.
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How Great Thou Art by All Saints Catholic Church Choir
"How Great Thou Art" is a well-known Christian hymn that has been sung by many choirs, both Catholic and otherwise. The All Saints Catholic Church Choir released their rendition of the hymn in 2021, with a duration of 4 minutes and 19 seconds.
The hymn is a powerful expression of faith and awe in the beauty and majesty of God's creation. It speaks to the soul, stirring emotions of joy and adoration for the divine. The text of the hymn is a prayerful meditation on the grandeur of the natural world, from the stars in the heavens to the mighty thunder that echoes through the earth.
The refrain of the hymn is a heartfelt declaration of God's greatness: "Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee, How great thou art." This refrain is repeated, emphasizing the depth and sincerity of the worshipper's praise. The lyrics continue, inviting the listener to contemplate the vastness of God's power and the infinite scope of His creations:
> "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
> Consider all the works thy hand hath made,
> I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
> Thy power throughout the universe displayed."
The All Saints Catholic Church Choir's rendition of "How Great Thou Art" is a beautiful testament to their faith and a wonderful addition to the rich tradition of Catholic choral music. Their harmonious voices unite in praise, creating a sound that uplifts and inspires, capturing the essence of the hymn's reverent message.
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Hymn's melody
"How Great Thou Art" is a popular Christian hymn that has been embraced by various denominations, including Catholic churches. The hymn's melody and lyrics combine to create a powerful expression of faith and awe in the majesty of God and his creations.
The melody of "How Great Thou Art" is grand and majestic, reflecting the grandeur of the lyrics. It typically begins softly, with a gentle and contemplative tone, before building to a triumphant and glorious climax, capturing the sense of wonder and praise in the text. The melody is often performed with a combination of tenderness and strength, mirroring the humble yet exalted nature of the lyrics.
The hymn's lyrics, originally written in Swedish by Carl Boberg, a Swedish preacher, were inspired by a visit to the southeast coast of Sweden. There, Boberg experienced a thunderstorm, followed by the calm and sweetness of birdsong. This experience led him to write a nine-stanza poem, capturing his sense of awe and adoration for God's mighty power and the beauty of nature.
The English version of the hymn that is commonly sung today was heavily contributed to by British minister Stuart K. Hine. It has been performed by various choirs, including the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and the All Saints Catholic Church Choir.
The melody of "How Great Thou Art" has a way of uplifting and inspiring listeners, reflecting the joy and reverence expressed in the lyrics. It serves as a testament to the power of music in worship, evoking a deep sense of devotion and gratitude.
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How Great Thou Art's place in Catholic hymns and prayers
"How Great Thou Art" is a popular hymn that has become a well-known fixture in Christian, and particularly Catholic, religious services and events. The hymn's lyrics were originally written by Swedish preacher Carl Boberg, inspired by a visit to a beautiful country estate on the southeast coast of Sweden. Boberg's experience of witnessing a thunderstorm and then hearing the sweet songs of birds prompted him to write a nine-stanza poem, expressing his adoration for God's greatness.
The hymn has since been adapted and translated into various languages, with British minister Stuart K. Hine contributing significantly to the version commonly sung today. The song has found a special place in the hearts of Catholics worldwide, with choirs like the All Saints Catholic Church Choir and others embracing and popularising the hymn.
The lyrics of "How Great Thou Art" beautifully capture the awe and wonder that one feels in the presence of God's creation. The singer describes the natural world, from the stars in the sky to the gentle breeze, acknowledging God's power and majesty. The refrain, "Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee, How great thou art", expresses the singer's deep devotion and gratitude towards God.
The hymn also reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God's son, who died on the cross to take away the sins of humanity. This reflection adds a layer of spiritual depth to the song, reminding Catholics of God's immense love and grace. The chorus, "Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art!" reinforces the central theme of praising and exalting God.
"How Great Thou Art" has become an integral part of Catholic hymns and prayers, often sung during mass, special occasions, and personal devotion. Its powerful message and uplifting melody inspire a sense of reverence and joy, connecting Catholics to their faith and to God's wondrous creation.
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Frequently asked questions
The lyrics to the hymn 'How Great Thou Art' include:
> O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
> Consider all the works thy hand hath made,
> I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
> Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
>
> Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee,
> How great thou art (x2)
> Then sings my soul, my Saviour God; to thee,
> How great thou art (x2)
The original text for 'How Great Thou Art' was written by Swedish preacher Carl Boberg, who was inspired by a visit to a country estate on the southeast coast of Sweden. During his visit, he experienced a midday thunderstorm followed by the calm, sweet songs of birds in nearby trees. This prompted him to write a nine-stanza poem, beginning with the Swedish words "O Store Gud, nar jag den varld beskader", expressing his exaltation of God. The version that is popular today was heavily contributed to by British minister Stuart K. Hine.
The All Saints Catholic Church Choir's version of 'How Great Thou Art' is 4 minutes and 19 seconds long.
Choir groups that have sung 'How Great Thou Art' include the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, the All Saints Catholic Church Choir, and Bryn Terfel and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
