This Norwegian hymn is among the most beautiful and moving hymns ever written – both musically and textually. It describes the heavenly host singing triumphant anthems and waving palm branches. It has been a very meaningful part of many funerals over the years, especially for people of Norwegian descent. For me personally, I will always remember playing this for a special prayer service at First Lutheran Church in Decorah shortly after Weston Noble passed away. I was the organist for that service and this was one of the hymns sung on that occasion- and I will never forget what it sounded like to hear that sanctuary ringing with the sound of hundreds of past members of the Nordic Choir. Several months later, one of Luther’s most distinguished alums, Karen Brunssen, sang it at the memorial service held at Luther. More recently, I was honored to sing this hymn for the funeral of Dr. Roger Anderson, father of my best friend Marshall. Whenever I sing this hymn, whether for a funeral, a standard church service, or for a recital like this one, I can’t help but think of the many generations of people who have derived comfort from this hymn in times of loss and sorrow.
A translation of the Norwegian text:
Behold the host dressed in white like a thousand mountains covered in snow
with a forest of waving palm branches before God’s throne.
Who are they? It is the multitude that has survived great tribulation
and washed themselves in the Lamb’s blood to receive heaven’s holiness.
They now worship in church with unfathomable jubilation
in the high choir where God abides, surrounded by all of the angels’ songs.