Traditional Swedish Melody (O STORE GUD)
Biography
The melody associated with “O Store Gud” is a traditional Swedish tune whose individual composer has not been identified. Boberg’s poem circulated first as text, but by 1891 he printed it with the melody in “Sanningsvittnet.” That edition included an arrangement for voice, piano, and guitar by Erik Adolf Edgren and differs in several melodic and rhythmic details from the form commonly sung today.
A 1894 printing in “Svenska Missionsförbundets Sångbok” presented a version much closer to the familiar tune, including the rising conclusion that supports the refrain’s climax. The melody then traveled with Swedish, Russian, German, and English versions of the text, acquiring the tune names O STORE GUD and HOW GREAT THOU ART in modern hymnals.
The traditional melody is public domain, but the English-language form represented by Stuart K. Hine’s adaptation, together with particular harmonizations and arrangements, may remain copyrighted. Hymnals therefore vary in whether they credit the music simply as Swedish traditional, name Hine as adapter, or identify a later arranger.
A 1894 printing in “Svenska Missionsförbundets Sångbok” presented a version much closer to the familiar tune, including the rising conclusion that supports the refrain’s climax. The melody then traveled with Swedish, Russian, German, and English versions of the text, acquiring the tune names O STORE GUD and HOW GREAT THOU ART in modern hymnals.
The traditional melody is public domain, but the English-language form represented by Stuart K. Hine’s adaptation, together with particular harmonizations and arrangements, may remain copyrighted. Hymnals therefore vary in whether they credit the music simply as Swedish traditional, name Hine as adapter, or identify a later arranger.
Hymns by Traditional Swedish Melody (O STORE GUD)
How Great Thou Art
Role: Composer