In 1885, Carl Boberg wrote “O Store Gud” (O Great God) when he was inspired by a walk home after a church service in Kronobäck, Sweden. Boberg was listening to the church bells, no doubt on a spiritual high after the service, when a thunderstorm appeared.
Thunder and lightning came and a shower of rain washed over the town. But as soon as the storm arrived, it quickly disappeared leaving behind a beautiful rainbow and a clear view of the bay of Mönsterås. The sights, sounds, and colors washed over Boberg’s soul that day.
Carl himself narrates it as such,
“It was that time of year when everything seemed to be in its richest colouring; the birds were singing in trees and everywhere. It was very warm; a thunderstorm appeared on the horizon and soon there was thunder and lightning. We had to hurry to shelter. But the storm was soon over and the clear sky appeared. When I came home I opened my window toward the sea. There evidently had been a funeral and the bells were playing the tune of “When eternity’s clock calls my saved soul to its Sabbath rest”. That evening, I wrote the song, “O Store Gud”.
The poem is a paraphrase of Psalm 8.
There have been different translations and versions but it was in 1949 when the final English version was published.
Listen to this classic Christian hymn, this time by the young English tenor, Jonathan Antoine.
He first appeared in 2012 on the sixth season of Britain’s Got Talent as one half of Charlotte and Jonathan.
Similar to Susan Boyle, Jonathan was immediately judged based on his appearance.
And in fact, Antoine himself has been conscious of his weight for the longest time. But once he opens his mouth, both audience and judges were stunned beyond belief.
Jonathan thanks his mom for suggesting he sing the song. This was for his streamed ChristmasLand concert and you can find the album version on his new Christmas album, ChristmasLand.
Jonathan introduces the song as pianist Dominic Ferris takes it away. If this is your first time listening to Antoine, go ahead and close your eyes.
It’s worth every single second.
Cecille commented,
“My love around you, Jonathan. You bring us so much joy. Merry Christmas.”
It is performances such as these that truly shines.
Yes, that really is his voice. Unbelievable, isn’t he? This is a voice that can sing a diverse range of disciplines. Jonathan appeals to all audiences. The best part is that he is so young!
Watch out, Mr. Bocelli, you’ve got company. Jonathan’s got that control and power, with a unique sound all his own. He is filling that church with his talent, singing a song that fits his style perfectly.
Jonathan’s singing reaches to the highest heavens and if his intention was to call down the divine then he’s doing a mighty good job at it.
Watch and listen to Jonathan’s amazing rendition below!
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