Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark

Inspired by Oehlenschlaeger and strongly encouraged by Grundtvig, Ingemann in 1824 began the issuance of his famous historical novels, based upon episodes from the romantic period of Danish history during the 13th and 14th centuries. To some extent the novels are modeled upon the similar works of Walter Scott but are written in a livelier style and more idealistic spirit than their English prototype. In later years their historical veracity has been gravely questioned. Enjoying an immense popularity both in Denmark and in Norway, these highly idealized pictures of the past did much to arouse that national spirit which especially Grundtvig had labored long to awaken. After completing his historical novels, Ingemann again resumed his lyrical and fictional writings, producing a large number of poems, fairy-tales and novels that further increased his already immense popularity.

Despite the great popularity of Ingemann’s secular writings, it is, nevertheless, his hymns and spiritual songs which will preserve his name the longest. His first collection of hymns, a small volume of morning and evening songs, appeared in 1822. This collection was followed in 1825 by a volume of church hymns, which was enlarged and reprinted in 1843. The favorable reception of these hymns caused Ingemann to be selected to prepare the new church hymnal, published in 1855, a task which he accomplished to the general satisfaction of all.

Ingemann’s hymns faithfully reflect his own serene and idealistic nature. Their outstanding merits are a limpid, lyrical style and an implicit trust in the essential goodness of life and its Author. Of Kingo’s realistic conception of evil or Grundtvig’s mighty vision of existence as a heroic battle between life and death, he has little understanding. The world of his songs is as peaceful and idyllic as the quiet countryside around his beloved Sorø. If at times he tries to take the deeper note, his voice falters and becomes artificial. But though his hymns on such themes as sin and redemption are largely a failure, he has written imperishable hymns of idealistic faith and childlike trust in the goodness and love of God.

The extreme lyrical quality and highly involved and irregular metre of many of Ingemann’s hymns make them extremely difficult to translate, and their English translations fail on the whole to do justice. The translation given below is perhaps one of the best. It is the work of the Rev. P. C. Paulsen.

As wide as the skies is Thy mercy, O God;Thy faithfulness shieldeth creation.Thy bounteous hand from the mountains abroadIs stretched over country and nation.Like heaven’s embrace is Thy mercy, O Lord;In judgment profound Thou appearest.Thou savest our souls through Thy life-giving word,The cries of Thy children Thou hearest.How precious Thy goodness, O Father above,Where children of men are abiding.Thou spreadest through darkness the wings of Thy love;We under their pinions are hiding.For languishing souls Thou preparest a rest;The quivering dove Thou protectest;Thou givest us being, eternal and blest,In mercy our life Thou perfectest.

The following hymn is also quite popular.

The sun is rising in the east,It gilds the heavens wide,And scatters light on mountain crest,On shore and countryside.It rises from the valley bright,Where Paradise once lay,And bringeth life, and joy and lightTo all upon its way.It greets us from the land afarWhere man with grace was crowned,And from that wondrous Morning Star,Which Eastern sages found.The starry host bow down beforeThe sun that passes them;It seems so like that star of yoreWhich shone on Bethlehem.Thou Sun of Suns, from heaven come,In Thee our praises riseFor every message from Thy homeAnd from Thy Paradise.

The most beloved of all Ingemann’s hymns is his splendid “Pilgrim Song.”

Dejlig er Jorden,Prægtig er Guds Himmel,Skøn er Sjælenes Pilgrimsgang.Gennem de fagreRiger paa JordenGaa vi til Paradis med Sang.

This hymn is written to the tune of “Beautiful Savior” which Ingemann, in common with many others, accepted as a marching tune from the period of the crusades. Although this historic origin has now been disproved, the tune united with Ingemann’s text undoubtedly will remain the most beloved pilgrim song among the Danish and Norwegian peoples. Though fully aware of the impossibility of translating this tenderly beautiful song so that it is acceptable to those who know the original, the author presents the following translation in the hope that it may interest those who cannot read the original.

Fair is creation,[12]Fairer God’s heaven,Blest is the marching pilgrim throng.Onward through lovelyRegions of beautyGo we to Paradise with song.Ages are coming,Ages are passingNations arise and disappear.Never the joyfulMessage from heavenWanes through the soul’s brief sojourn here.Angels proclaimed itOnce to the shepherds,Henceforth from soul to soul it passed:Unto all peoplePeace and rejoicing,Us is a Savior born at last.

Of other hymns by Ingemann, which are now available in English, we may mention “Jesus, My Savior, My Shepherd Blest,” “The Country Lies in Deep Repose” and “I Live and I Know the Span of My Years.”

The last half of the 19th century also brought forth a number of Danish hymnwriters of considerable merit, such as Chr. Richardt, Pastor J. P. M. Paulli, Pastor Olfert Ricard and Pastor J. Schjorring. The latter is especially known by one song which has been translated into many languages and with which it seems appropriate to close this survey of Danish hymnody.

Love from God our Lord,Has forever pouredLike a fountain pure and clear.In its quiet source,In its silent courseDoth the precious pearl appear.Love from God our Lord,Comes with sweet accord,Like a pure and lovely bride.Dwell within my heart,Peace from God impart,Heaven doth with Thee abide.Love from God our Lord,Has to man restoredLife and peace from heaven above.Who in love remains,Peace from God obtains;God Himself is ever love.

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Other translations:

“O day full of grace, which we behold” by C. Doving in “Hymnal for Church and Home.”

“The dawn from on high is on our shore” by S. D. Rodholm in “World of Song”.

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Another translation:

“Ever is a peril near me” by C. Doving in “Hymnal for Church and Home”.

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Another translation: “He that believes and is baptized” by G. T. Rygh in “Hymnal for Church and Home”.

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Another translation: “On my heart imprint thine image” by P. O. Stromme in “Hymnal for Church and Home”.

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Another translation with the same first line by A. M. Andersen in “Hymnal for Church and Home”.

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Another translation: “The faith that God believeth” by P. C. Paulsen in “Hymnal for Church and Home”.

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Another translation: “I walk in danger all the way” by D. G. Ristad in “Hymnal for Church and Home”.

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Another translation: “Like thousand mountains brightly crowned” by S. D. Rodholm in “World of Song”.

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The printed text is corrupt here. Saga: A New Year’s Gift for 1812 is one work. Possibly the third work referenced is World Chronicles, the first part of which was published in 1812.

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Another translation: “Take away the signs of mourning” by P. C. Paulsen in “Hymnal for Church and Home”.

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The printed text is corrupt, but the correction is not obvious. Norway and Finland might have "about as many" or "about half as many".

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Another translation: “Beauty around us” by S. D. Rodholm in “A World of Song.”