Organ: "It Is Well With My Soul"

Tune ("Ville du Havre") by Philip P. Bliss, Words by Horatio G. Spafford

A favorite old hymn played on the Casavant's "Big Strings."

This hymn was written after two major traumas in Spafford's life. The first was the great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a wealthy businessman). Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford's daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford's wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Several weeks later, as Spafford's own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired these words. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief befall them on earth.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

(Source: The Cyber Hymnal, http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/i/itiswell.htm)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• pipe
• organ
• hymn
• sacred
• song
• strings
• casavant
• lutheran
• charles
• richard
• lester

[theremin137]

Thanks. I love these beautiful old hymns that sadly are being sung and played in fewer and fewer churches.

[asham2]

I agree. Thankfully my church is still using a lot of the older hymns, but many churches in our area are going modern. Many no longer even use or have any kind of organ.

We are a dying breed, not many people are taking organ lessons. In the past I had several people who could fill the bench when I was out, now there is no one. If I'm out, there is no organ.

[theremin137]

Yep. I can't even take time away from my church job for vacations - when I am away, they use a MIDI keyboard with a "Hymns in a Can" interface to accompany the hymns.

[jcorgan2011]

If it makes you feel any better I will be taking organ lessons in a couple of months. I am in the 10th grade. I am on Bach Inventions right now on the piano. I hope to major in organ. I love the organ and hope it never dies!!!

[theremin137]

Very happy to hear this! Always glad when another student takes interest in the organ. Hope to hear some YouTube postings from you soon!

[MoneyManTC]

Brings me to tears.

[dieselheart001]

Your pacing of this beautiful hymn is nothing short of perfect. This usually is played much too fast. The chimes in the chorus were a real surprise, and gave it a presence that it needs. Thank you for this, and for helping me remember a friend.

[lithium3fun]

@smog718 Indeed it is. I'm currently in the business of promoting the purchase of an organ in our church and it's sad how many people around here don't even know what an organ is or why we should get one. Tis quite a shame.

[cadillacchrome]

This is honestly one of the most restful and moving performances of this song I have ever heard. Excellent for meditation. I've listened to this again & again. THANKS for sharing your talent!

[Zmusicbox]

So beautifuly played on one of the best brand names in the business,Casavant!

[kensingtonpalace]

wow, that was really beautiful...i'll have to remember to use the chimes like you did here on the chorus, very nice touch.

[thattrptplyr]

The best situations I've seen have been where a church does a contemporary service as well as a traditional one. Best of both worlds.

[phildaddy4]

We just did this song (When Peace Like a River) a few weeks ago at my church and this is one of my favorite hymns too

[dougiefresh135]

after hearing this, it is indeed well with my soul!