Mahalia Jackson, “Be Still My Soul” | Music Lifts

In the 38^th edition of Lit Music That Lifts, we’re uplifted by legendary gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson performing, “Be Still My Soul.”

Welcome to Lit Music That Lifts (LMTL), or Music Lifts for short! Music Lifts seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 38^th edition of Music Lifts (2022), we highlight “Be Still My Soul”  as performed by legendary gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.

If you are a classical music fan, the tune of the hymn, “Be Still My Soul” likely sounds incredibly familiar.  That’s because the tune comes from the Jean Sibelius masterwork, Finlandia.  The text predates the tune, penned by German hymn writer, Katharina von Schlegel. “Be Still My Soul” masterfully merges classical and Christian music. In olden times, this merge was natural – particularly when you examine the Catholic mass – and remains a natural merge depending on religious denomination.  That said when it comes to gospel music, a connection with classical music is more far-fetched.  A versatile, legendary gospel musician like Mahalia Jackson (1911 – 1972) perfectly shows gospel and classical can co-exist and thrive.  Her rousing rendition of “Be Still My Soul” appears in her 1968 album, A Mighty Fortress.  The minute the late, great musician sings, you’re instantly lifted . 

The voice of Mahalia Jackson was one of a kind – once in a lifetime.  On “Be Still My Soul” she sings with a magnificent tone.  Her expressiveness and nuance are awe-inspiring, while her overall performance can be described as commanding, classy, powerful, and, of course, spiritual.  Jackson moves you as she perfectly executes Sibelius’ tune and von Schlegal’s poetic lyrics.  It’s safe to say, Jackson had me at the first verse:

“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 heav’nly friend

Through thorny ways lead to a joyful end.”

Also, providing that musical lift is marvelous production work.  The gospel instrumentation – piano and organ – is intact.  Adding more color to the timbre are warm strings.  Furthermore, those strings amplify the emotion, already elevated by Jackson’s anointed pipes.  Personally, listening to Mahalia sing this particular record elicits an emotional response – it’s just awesome!  Also, the  Morgan State University Choir performed a wonderful rendition.

Mahalia Jackson • A Mighty Fortress • Sony Music Entertainment  • 1968

Mahalia Jackson, “Be Still My Soul”: Music Lifts No. 38 (2022) [: Arek Socha, Benjamin Balazs, Brent Faulkner, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Ketut Subiyanto, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Sony Music Entertainment]