Our second CD, GATHER AT THE RIVER, was dedicated to hymns, gospels and spirituals of American or British origin. This time we have chosen Swedish religious music. All the composers on this CD were Swedish or Swedish-Americans (with one exception).

Most of the tunes date from the religious revival of the 19th century. It is not a coincidence that we play "New Orleans Revival" jazz! We play the tunes in our own way, maybe not the way the composers intended, but with very much love and respect.

Many Swedish hymns have been translated into English, mainly for The Evangelical Covenant Church of America. English titles with numbers refer to THE COVENANT HYMNAL, 1950. There may be other translations from other denominations, not included here. Titles in parenthesis are approximate translations where no English titles are known.

1. Pärleporten / He the Pearly Gates Will Open Words: Fredrik Bloom. Music: Alfred Dulin.

"Love divine, so great and wondrous, Deep and mighty, pure sublime..."

Refrain"He the pearly gates will open, So that I may enter in..."

 

2. Jesus för världen givit sitt liv ("Jesus Has Given His Life for the World") Words: Lina Sandell. Music: Fredrik A. Ekström. The melody has been used with other words by Otto A. Ottander: Håll dig vid klippan, dyrköpta själ / Trust in the Savior, O Precious Soul (402, Hymnal 1973), translated by A. Eldon Palmquist.

 

3. Medan allting ler och blommar / In the Springtime Fair (298, HYMNAL 1973). Words: Lina Sandell. Music: Swedish folk tune. Translation: Karl A. Olsson.

"In the springtime fair but mortal, In the day of fragile flow´rs..."

 

4. När morgonen kommer ("When the Morning Comes") Words and music: Andrew L. Skoog.

Skoog was born in Sweden but lived his entire life in the United States. However, no English translation is known for this song.

 

5. Jag har valt att göra sällskap med Guds enkla vandringsmän ("God´s Wanderers") Words and music: Lydia Lithell.

 

6. Härlighetens morgon / A Song of Love. Words: Lennart Thanner. Translation: Kjell Samuelsson. Music: Erland Dahlgren.

 

7. Min Gud, jag sjunker ner ("My God, I´m Sinking Down") Words: Emil Gustafson. Music: Nils Jacobsson.

 

8. Låt mig börja med dig / I With Thee Would Begin (47) Words: Lina Sandell. Translation: A. Samuel Wallgren. Music: Th. Söderberg.

"I with Thee would begin, O my Savior so dear, on the way that I still must pursue...."

 

9. Nu är jag nöjd och glader / I Sing With Joy And Gladness (355) Words and music: Nils Frykman. Translation: E. Gustav Johnson.

"I sing with joy and gladness, my soul has found release..."

 

10. Lämna dig helt åt Jesus ("Render Yourself completely to Jesus") Words and music: Joël Blomqvist.

 

11. Skall det bli några stjärnor i kronan jag får / Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown (PENTECOSTAL HYMNAL) Words: Eliza Hewitt, Swedish translation and music: J.A. Hultman.

"I am thinking today of that beautiful land I shall reach when the sun goeth down..."

Refrain: "Will there be any stars, any stars in my crown, When at evening the sun goeth down..."

 

12. Bred dina vida vingar / Thy Holy Wings Dear Savior (42) Words: Lina Sandell. Translation: E.E. Rydén. Music: Traditional.

"Thy holy wings, dear Savior, Spread gently over me; And thro´ the long night watches, I´ll rest secure in Thee..."

Other translation: Mighty Wings

 

13. O, sällhet stor, som Herren ger / How Great the Joy (552, HYMNAL 1996) Words: Nils Frykman. Translation: Aaron Markuson and Glen V. Wiberg. Music: Fredrik Engelke.

"How great the joy the Lord provides for us so freely here..."

 

14. Blott en dag / Day by Day (325) Words: Lina Sandell. Translation: E.E. Rydén. Music: Oscar Ahnfelt.

"Day by day Thy mercies, Lord, attend me, O what comfort in this hope to rest..."

 

15. Fröjdas vart sinne / Joy Bells Are Ringing (114)

Words: Nils Frykman. Translation: E. Gustav Johnson. Music: Th. Söderberg.

"Joy bells are ringing, Christmas is bringing, Tidings of Jesus´ birth..."

 

16. Tack min Gud för vad som varit / Thanks to God for My Redeemer (543) Words: August Storm. Translation: Carl E. Backstrom. Music: J.A. Hultman.

"Thanks to God for my Redeemer, Thanks for all Thou dost provide..."