I RAISE MY HANDS (JAG LYFTER MINA HÄNDER)
for mixed choir
Based on a Swedish folk hymn
Duration ca 4 min.
This piece is dedicated to the choral conductor and music pedagogue Bo Johansson (1943–2016).
Bo founded the Adolf Fredrik’s Girls’ Choir, which he led for 38 years. The choir reached fame for their special girls’ choir’s sound and unconventional concert programmes. Bo developped choral singing in all its aspects with plenty of humour and with great imagination.
He conducted workshops and masterclasses all over the world and never ceased to be curious about new music, always looking for more challenges. To me he was a great source of inspiration and a dear friend.
– Karin Rehnqvist
Text, Jakob Arrhenius (1694):
Jag lyfter mina händer upp till Guds berg och hus.
I raise my hands towards God’s hill and house.
Från dem han hjälpen sänder och skickar ut sitt ljus.
Until them he sends his help and shines his light.
Mig Herren hjälp bejakar som jord och himmel gjort;
The Lord grants me help, who made heaven and earth;
min bön han ej försakar men skyddar mig alltfort.
He hears my prayers and shelters me forevermore
Han låter mina fötter ej slinta, ty han är
He does not let my feet stumble, for he is
en väktare, ej trötter, och blir mig alltid när.
a guardian, unwearied and always by my side.
Han nådigt mig bevarar och skyddar mig från fall,
He keeps me in his grace and protects me from falling,
mig dag och natt försvarar —
guarding me day and night —
