How Great Thou Art Sheet Music – A Guide to the Classic Hymn
“How Great Thou Art” is one of the most popular Christian hymns of all time. Originally written in Swedish in 1885, it has been translated into hundreds of languages and sung by Christians all around the world for over a century.
The powerful lyrics and memorable melody make “How Great Thou Art” a favorite for churches, individuals, and groups to sing praises to God. Whether you’re looking to perform it yourself or just learn more about the history and meaning behind the song, understanding the sheet music is essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the sheet music for “How Great Thou Art,” including:
- The story and history behind this beloved hymn
- Examining the original lyrics and English translations
- The meaning behind the thought-provoking lyrics
- Tips for learning and analyzing the sheet music
- Finding sheet music arrangements for different instruments and skill levels
- Resources for listening to popular renditions and recordings
Equipped with the sheet music and the background behind this timeless song, you’ll be prepared to not just sing the notes, but truly worship through the powerful words and melody of “How Great Thou Art.”
The Origins and History of “How Great Thou Art”
The lyrics to “How Great Thou Art” were originally written in 1885 by Carl Boberg, a Swedish pastor and poet. According to the story, Boberg was caught in a sudden thunderstorm and awe-inspired by the power and majesty of nature, leading him to write the poem “O Store Gud” (O Great God).
The poem was set to an old Swedish melody and published in 1891 as a hymn titled “How Great Thou Art.” It was translated into German and Russian early on but didn’t make its way into English until the 1920s.
Over the years, the English translation evolved, solidifying into the version that is sung in churches worldwide today in 1949. The current lyrics were composed by British missionary Stuart K. Hine, who added a few original verses inspired by his experiences in Ukraine.
“How Great Thou Art” quickly grew famous internationally, becoming a staple hymn across Christendom. In the past century, it has been translated into hundreds of languages as far-reaching as Mandarin, Arabic, Swahili, and more.
The song continues to touch Christian hearts and inspire praise to God for His greatness and glory displayed through His creation. It endures as one of the few hymns cherished across all Christian denominations and church traditions around the world.
Examining the Original Lyrics and English Translations
Since being translated from Swedish into English, “How Great Thou Art” has undergone a few lyrical changes, though the message remains the same. Let’s compare some key lines from the original Swedish poem to the English translations:
Original Swedish:
O store Gud när jag den värld beskådar
Som Du har skapat med Din allmakts hand
Early English translation:
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works Thy hand hath made
Current English lyrics:
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made
The Swedish poem refers specifically to God’s creation of “the world” while the English broadens it to “the works” and then “the worlds” your hands have made.
Original Swedish:
Jag ser Ditt verk i skog och mark och hav
Hur stor är icke Dina verkers makt!
Early English translation:
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder
Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed
Current English lyrics:
When through 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
The English lyrics opt for more descriptive imagery of nature scenes rather than a direct translation. From stars and thunder to woods, birds, mountains, brooks, and breezes, the lyrics help paint a vivid picture for the listener.
While the essence remains the same, these poetic translations allowed “How Great Thou Art” to spread more easily into the hearts of English speakers, helping cement it as a treasured hymn.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
“How Great Thou Art” is a reverent hymn praising God for His greatness, power, and majesty as displayed through His creation. The lyrics poetically reflect on nature scenes – from stars, thunder, and skies to mountains, woods, and seas – to express awe at God’s works and wonders.
The hymn follows a clear progression of praise as the singer surveys creation and is filled with awe, praise, and worship for the Lord.
The first verse describes the singer looking out at the majestic world God created and feeling small yet overwhelmed by God’s power and greatness.
The chorus is the main declaration of praise – “How great Thou art!” – a simple yet profoundly moving tribute to God’s greatness.
The second verse explains how through nature and God’s creation, “I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed.” Again, creation displays and testifies to the might and glory of its Creator.
The third verse transitions from creation to salvation, how when Christ shall come again in glory, all sin and sorrow will cease, and we’ll fully grasp how great and glorious God is.
The hymn concludes with the promise of eternal life singing praises to Christ, our King of heaven. Overall, the lyrics guide listeners through feelings of awe, gratitude, and desire for deeper understanding of the greatness of God.
By vividly describing nature scenes familiar to listeners, the lyrics make God’s power tangible. The hymn gives language for Christians to express their wonder and praise to God for His handiwork displayed in creation.
The universal themes of God’s greatness and longing for salvation and heaven explain why “How Great Thou Art” remains a beloved hymn for Christians worldwide.
Tips for Learning and Analyzing the Sheet Music
Learning to read and understand sheet music is essential for being able to confidently sing or perform “How Great Thou Art.” Here are some tips:
- Listen to recordings to become familiar with the melody and rhythm. Pay attention to the tempo, dynamics, and articulation.
- Obtain a version of the sheet music matching your skill level. Simplified, easy piano arrangements are available for beginners.
- Note the key signature. “How Great Thou Art” is most commonly in the key of D major. This has two sharps – F# and C#.
- Identify the time signature. The hymn is in 4/4 time, with a steady quadruple meter. Count along with a metronome to internalize the beat.
- Watch the accidentals such as flats and sharps that deviate from the key signature. Accidentals affect the pitch of that note only.
- Learn the scale degrees and melodic intervals to better understand the melody. The melody primarily moves by step in a conjunct motion.
- Notice the dynamics and articulation markings. The song begins softly ( piano) then builds (crescendo) to forte (loud) in praise during the chorus.
- Pay attention to the lyrics and how they align with the rhythm and melody. This will help you learn proper phrasing.
- Practice hands separately at first, then together. Work in short sections and increase speed gradually. Master one section at a time.
Analyzing the sheet music in terms of key, rhythm, melody, and form will help unlock a deeper musical understanding that informs your performance.
Finding Sheet Music Arrangements and Resources
Fortunately, there are many arrangements and resources available to help learn “How Great Thou Art”:
- Hymnals: The sheet music will be included in most standard hymnals, like The Baptist Hymnal and Great Hymns of the Faith.
- Choral scores: Choral arrangements are available for choirs with different voicings like SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).
- Piano solo: Simple piano solo arrangements are ideal for beginners learning the melody and chords.
- Piano accompaniments: These provide a piano part to support singers, often including guitar chords.
- Instrumental solos: Violin, flute, trumpet, and other instrumental solo arrangements allow performers to praise through their instrument.
- Orchestrations: Fully-arranged orchestra, band, and accompaniment tracks provide lush backgrounds .
- Digital downloads: You can instantly purchase and download sheet music of all types from retailers like Musicnotes.com and Amazon.
- YouTube: Watching pianists, choirs, and bands perform the song can boost familiarity with how the sheet music translates into sound.
Whatever your skill level or instrumentation, there are fantastic arrangements of “How Great Thou Art” sheet music to allow you to engage with this beloved hymn.
Listen to Popular Renditions and Recordings
In addition to obtaining the sheet music, listening to some of the most popular and moving renditions of “How Great Thou Art” can provide inspiration:
- Elvis Presley’s live recording captures his booming vocals and the contagious excitement of the congregation singing along.
- Carrie Underwood’s soaring version at the Grammy Awards blends traditional and contemporary styles flawlessly.
- Alan Jackson’s country version is stripped back to the basics with simple guitar picking accompanying his voice.
- Andrea Bocelli’s classically-trained tenor and orchestral arrangement is breathtaking.
- Chris Tomlin’s version with Passion is a powerful contemporary praise anthem.
- Mahalia Jackson, George Beverly Shea, and Tennessee Ernie Ford all have legendary versions as well.
Hearing “How Great Thou Art” performed by choirs, bands, soloists, and congregations alike will expand your understanding and appreciation for this timeless, inspiring hymn.
Conclusion
For over a century, “How Great Thou Art” has stood the test of time across nations and denominations as a unifying anthem of praise. Both the memorable melody and vivid, poetic lyrics work together to inspire awe, gratitude, and worship of God’s greatness.
Whether you are a listener, solo performer, or conductor leading a choir, understanding the sheet music provides a foundation to fully engage with this hymn.
