
The Research Process
To present an accurate and historical profile of Borghild Jacobson
and her music the following research materials were utilized.
1. Personal interviews with Harvey Jacobson.
2. A review of the scores which constitute the complete works
of Borghild Jacobson.
3. Selection of songs and hymns chosen by Mark Bloedow as "hallmarks"
from various categories determined by the composer with music
cataloged as such by the composer before her death.
4. A complete review of the index of "Musical Works of Borghild
Jacobson" prepared by Harvey Jacobson (Draft No. 1, dated
1-14-95).
5. Two Memos dated March 7 & 9, 1999 from Harvey Jacobson
(RE: The Mequon Portfolio: Borghild Jacobson, Composer, Part I
& II).
6. Selected file materials and documentation provided by Harvey
Jacobson.
7. Personal files of Mark Bloedow concerning Borghild Jacobson.
8. Musical and literary analysis of "hallmark" selections
by Mark Bloedow.
The Focus
This paper will primarily focus on those musical compositions which are or are most closely related to hymnody. More specifically, those selections which are intended or could be successfully used for congregational song. It should be noted that Borghild's output does include a fair number of duets, trios and choral anthems ranging from two to eight parts in voice texture. Ultimately, the goal is to present a rather detailed overview of the hymnody of Borghild Jacobson. Major areas to be considered will be as follows:
1. Characteristics and Influences (musical, literary, scriptural/doctrinal)
2. Borghild's Signature Hymn: This My Church Shall Be
3. Hymn Collection: Songs for the Lesser Festivals
4. Other Collections
a. Five Christmas Songs, Set I (Morning Star)
b. Songs of Mary: from a Protestant Perspective
c. Songs of Mary's Day
d. Mercy Songs
e. Feminine Insights: 11 Songs about New Testament Women
5. A "hallmark" selection of single songs, hymns and
semi-collections.
6. Appendix: An updated and annotated catalog of complete works
based on the original "Musical Works of Borghild Jacobson"
by Harvey Jacobson (Draft No. 1, 1-14-95). Also included is a
current listing of publishers and copyright holders.
7. Various other appendices pertinent to the paper including autograph
scores of Borghild Jacobson. Used by permission.
To provide a historical reference, free from editing, error
in translation or other musical or non-musical influences, photocopies
of the composer's autograph scores will be included in this paper.
The clear notation and careful typing of the text by the composer
adds yet further evidence of her craft and concern for detail
in setting the text and music. All of these scores have been grouped
in various appendices at the conclusion of this paper. References
to a specific appendix will be included where appropriate. This
format is being used to facilitate reading the paper as well as
allowing the reader to more easily study and play the scores at
the piano keyboard. Additional engraved musical examples will
be used in the body of the paper when necessary.
Grateful appreciation is extended to the composer's husband, Harvey
Jacobson, for making copies from the originals and providing permission
for their use in this paper. It should be noted that these works
are all under copyright protection. Please see Appendix A for
copyright permission contact information.
This My Church Shall Be
This paper would not be complete without highlighting what
has become known to many as Borghild's signature hymn, "This
My Church Shall Be." This hymn, expressing a genuine appreciation
for the life and gifts of the church, has been her gift to the
church universal. In a letter to me just prior to her death, she
writes: "The more copies run off the better!" Her intention
continues to be honored as her husband Harvey, the current copyright
holder, continues to grant free permission for the duplication
of this hymn in worship books, hymn supplements, concert programs
and worship bulletins to churches, schools and missions. His only
request is that the copies bear Borghild's name and copyright
date, 1982, along with the understanding that the copies will
not be offered for resale or other distribution.
Central to this hymn is its poignant text which captures the very
essence of church life while constantly providing encouragement
to sing "This My Church Shall Be." Her choice of the
words "shall be" gives a sense of the definite. It leaves
little room for doubt about what the church can and should be.
Her specificity and exacting choice of ideas speaks to her strong
understanding and belief in the important aspects of the church
to Christian life. The text beautifully connects with common life
experiences: crying, singing, learning, growing, dying, rejoicing,
speaking, sharing, preaching, praising, etc. These are everyday
actions that take on new meaning when shared in the context of
the church. The positive, confident and hopeful style in which
this is presented is continually reinforced with the words "This
My Church Shall Be."
In discussing the text in a sermon on this hymn, The Rev. Carol DiBiasio-Snyder notes a viewpoint about the recurring words "This My Church shall be." She believes "it is Jesus, who says this, calling us, empowering us, to be the kind of church described here (in the hymn)." This view can be supported by the closing verse of the first stanza "Leading up to Me, This My Church shall be." At this point in the text, it seems quite clear that these words represent a dialog by Jesus about the church. It is somewhat unclear, however, if Borghild intended the entire hymn to be solely a dialog by Jesus about the church. This thought is based upon the wider scope of Borghild's other compositions, her treatment of Jesus' words in other works, her personal desire to use her gifts in service to others and her understanding of participation in liturgical worship.
In many of Borghild's other works she denotes the words of Jesus by enclosing the text in quotations. It is generally very obvious when the words "I" and "Me" are intended to be those of Jesus. Although this hymn uses "Me" only once, "My" is included twelve times-once in each of the recurring refrains of "This My Church shall be." Since "My" indicates ownership, the question is whose. Obviously, it is Christ who is the head of the church. The question then is, can this "My" be used by individuals to express their own personal devotion to the church. It is interesting to note that poetically, Borghild could have used "Thee" in place of "Me." This rather important decision appears to indicate that she intended these words to be the words of Jesus. Further evidence can be seen in the capitalization of "My" each time in the refrain, "This My Church shall be." In discussing this point with her husband, he referenced conversations when this specific question was posed to Borghild in his presence. He recalls that she did understand the words as those of Jesus, but would equally appreciate and recognize the profound personal impact on the individual or church body singing the hymn.
In concluding this specific discussion of the text, it can be quite confidently stated that few would argue with the sincerity of the entire text as if spoken by Jesus. It is however, the broadness and human content of the hymn that suggests these words belong to all believers. It seems quite appropriate for one singing this hymn to make these words their own as well as consider them as thoughts from Jesus. This would most assuredly be in harmony with Borghild's desire to strengthen the faith of the believer and reach out to others in the name of Christ. Regardless of the interpretation, the believer and Christ are united through this hymn by a oneness of thought-This My Church shall be!
Note below the text of each verse and additional comments concerning the hymn text by Rev. Carol Dibiasio-Snyder.
As the Rev. Carol DiBiasio-Snyder has noted, the text is rich
with images, thoughts, beliefs and hope. As the hymn is sung the
inspirational text is supported by an equally energizing tune.
A tune which Borghild crafted with the same love and devotion
exemplified in the text. The text with the tune is included on
the following page.
This My Church Shall Be
The tune at first seems simple and unassuming. One may,
at first glance, suppose it to be "too simple," possibly
even inadequate for the strength of the text. Greater consideration
proves the tune to be masterfully created to uplift and undergird
the text. In addition, there are some strong influences which
indicate overall symbolism and text painting. Notice the continual
upward motion of the melody which supports words such as flowing,
growing, guiding, singing, leading, praising and raising. This
motion is further complimented by each phrase beginning with three
quarter notes moving in an upward direction. An emphasis on three,
can also be seen in the three repeated unison notes in the recurring
refrain, "This My Church shall be," on My, Church and
be. And finally, the refrain itself occurs three times in each
stanza. Without question, these influences help to unify the hymn
musically and textually. The emphasis on three supports a common
musical technique used through the ages for symbolism of the Trinity.
It is unknown whether this was Borghild's conscious effort. It
appears however, that sufficient evidence exists to document this
Trinitarian theme in the text and the music of this hymn.
In addition to the tune, Borghild also wrote the harmonization of the tune. The harmonization features a solid bass line that supports a natural forward motion-each phrase moving confidently to the next. An interlude is included between the verses with a coda indicated after the final verse. In 1988, I arranged the hymn for handbell procession, handbell hymn accompaniment, handbell hymn interlude and trumpet. The arrangements were presented at a handbell concert at First English Lutheran Church, Oshkosh on May 22, 1988. See Appendix C for an autograph original, engraved copy and four-part choral setting by George Henriksen of "This My Church Shall Be."
The Washington National Cathedral
In the final communication I received from Borghild before her death, she sent me a copy of a choral arrangement of "This My Church Shall Be" done by George Henriksen (an organist from Grace Lutheran Church in Washington, D. C.). She states that "Mr. H. is trying to get it used as the theme hymn for the Reformation Rally next October at the Washington Cathedral." This was the first I heard of this extraordinary possibility. Unfortunately, this same letter included the sad news that her cancer was "proceeding on its nasty course." With a sense of acceptance about her physical condition, she says "I can be there lots of times in my imagination even if I miss the big event." She died in June, just four months before the Lutheran Reformation Festival was held at the Washington National Cathedral on Sunday, October 30, 1994. The service was sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington, D. C., Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which is comprised of seventy-four congregations. The service bulletin noted Borghild as "one of those many servants of God who made music and poetry so that we might glimpse that hope of perfection which will be ours as we stand before the glory of God."
Her hymn signature hymn, "This My Church Shall Be," was one of the featured hymns as well as the theme for the event. In addition, her hymn provided the inspiration for a special banner commissioned by the Synod Reformation Service Committee from Pastor Dean Louis Moe, Senior Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church. The Borghild Jacobson Newsletter published in 1995 gives the account that "1500 people lifted their voices in song to the accompaniment of the Great Organ as played by organist Jeffrey Pannebaker of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Silver Spring, MD." Members of Borghild's family attending the festival included her husband Harvey of Oshkosh, WI; her sister Rachel Hiebert of Moorhead, MN; and her nephew Michael Hiebert of Eagan, MI. The well wishes of Borghild's friends followed the family to this memorable and historic occasion. Many commented to Harvey and to me that certainly "Borghild was there singing in spirit."
One can only imagine the majestic sounds filling the acoustically beautiful setting at the Washington National Cathedral. It was a shining moment for this great hymn, the church and the people who experienced it. It should be duly noted that most in the assembled congregation had never seen or heard the hymn before singing it that day. Harvey has commented on how energetic and enthusiastic the singing of the hymn was done by those attending the service.
Before closing this section, it is important to note that two weeks before the Reformation Festival another of Borghild's songs, "Mercy on Those Who Cannot Sleep," which will be discussed later, was used to highlight the observance of St. Luke Day in churches in the Washington, D. C. area. St. Luke is the patron saint of healing. The song was used as The Hymn of the Day at Grace Lutheran Church, Washington, D. C. on Sunday, October 16 with the text and harmonization printed in the bulletin as transcribed and edited by George Henriksen.
Songs for the Lesser Festivals
One of Borghild's most interesting collections is her "Songs for the Lesser Festivals." This collection includes a musical selection for each of the twenty-eight lesser festivals of the church year noted in the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW). Each of the songs is based on the gospel or one of the suggested lessons for the day as found in LBW.
For this work, the composer will speak for herself. Reprinted below is a portion of the preface she wrote for the collection.
"For the principal festivals, such as Easter, Pentecost, and Epiphany, the pastor and music director can find ample musical material. Composers, however, have been reluctant to give their energies to the Lesser Festivals, assuming that their work will find little use. As a result, songs about the minor events in the life of Christ and about God's grace to us through His apostles and evangelists are almost nonexistent. This volume hopes to provide such songs. While celebration of the Lesser Festivals is not yet widespread in the Lutheran Church, there is a growing interest in their celebration. The availability of music for these days may assist church leaders in making these festivals more meaningful to their congregations."
She continues by suggesting other uses for these hymns in the church year. She notes that of the twenty-eight songs, twenty-one also match the lessons and gospels for specific Sundays or Principal Festivals. Included is a complete listing of appropriate usage days as found in the three-year lectionary. She details additional possibilities in a complete listing of selections appropriate for various other occasions: baptism, wedding, ordination, funeral, mission emphasis, evangelism, bible study, proclamation of the word, women's meetings, men's groups, church conventions, services of praise, services of social welfare, and services of Christian life. A further detailing of scriptural themes and possible uses is also included for each song in the collection. Examples of suggested uses for three of the "hallmark" hymns found in this collection are found in the Scripture Hymn Text Analysis charts below. Autograph scores for these hymns are found in Appendix D.
To gain a greater appreciation for Borghild's ability to write creative poetry from scripture texts, it is helpful to compare the biblical text and her hymn text. Often in this collection and in other works, the hymn text becomes a synthesis of the scripture text. In many cases often a literal paraphrase. This of course takes a thorough understanding of the scriptures. Here is where Borghild's hymnody continually shines with clear images, sincerity of thought and uncomplicated, yet beautiful, language. The language inspires the singer, congregation or listener to a greater understanding of the text. To illustrate, consider one of the "hallmark" hymns from this collection, St. Barnabas, as compared in the Scripture Hymn Text Analysis chart which follows.
| Matthew
10:7-16 From NIV Concordia Self-Study Bible |
Text by Borghild Jacobson |
|
Verses 7 and 8: As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. |
Stanza 1: Behold I send you to bring riches to the poor;Behold I send you to invite them to my door;Behold I send you to refine their earthly loves;Be as wise as serpents, Be as innocent as doves. |
|
Verses 9 and 10: Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. |
Stanza 2: Take no gold or silver; take no money in your purse.You were freely ransomed; freely others reimburse.Take no staff or sandals; take no jacket, boots or gloves, But be wise as serpents and be innocent as doves. |
|
Verses 11 to 15 Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. |
Stanza 3: Freely bless the household with the blessing of My peace;If they will not have it, from their door your word release,And from your shoestring shake their curses, blows and shoves,Being wise as serpents, being innocent as doves. |
|
Verse 16: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. |
Stanza 4: Behold I send you as a sheep unto the wild;Behold I send you as a brave and guileless child,And in your travels I will shield you from above,You, my wise, wise serpent, you, my good and gentle dove. |
| Suggested uses for this hymn as noted in the collection: | Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Series C, Gospel) Eight Sunday after Pentecost (Series B, Gospel) Mission emphasis and evangelism Commissioning of church workers Church convention Christian life General Anthem |
Notice how she immediately encapsulates the first verse into a concise poetic thought. She makes it clear that these are the words of Jesus by using the words, "Behold I send you." In stanza two, she uses the scriptural text quite directly. Stanza three on the other hand is a brilliant condensing of five verses. Quite a challenge when considering the importance of this part of the text. It is here where Jesus gives very specific directions to the twelve apostles concerning their mission. The closing stanza, the words of Jesus partly as a paraphrase from verse 16, provides a reassuring conclusion to the text.
In reviewing another of the "hallmark" hymns from this collection, we find similar treatment of the scripture text. St. Mary Magdalene is a narrative about Mary Magdalene's visit to the empty tomb. Stanzas one and two are a synopsis of the text including important parts of the dialog between the angel and Mary. Stanza three is a prayer that reflects on the significance and meaning of the text. Note below how this prayer becomes a natural extension of the first two stanzas.
|
From NIV ConcordiaSelf-Study Bible |
Text by Borghild Jacobson |
|
Verses 1-2: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" |
Stanza 1: When Mary came with rich perfume |
|
Verses 11-17: But Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize it was Jesus. "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" |
Stanza 2: "I weep because His sealing stone |
|
Verse 18: Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. |
Stanza 3: Lord Jesus, stand in living light |
| Suggested uses for this hymn as noted in the collection: | Resurrection of
Our Lord (Series A, B & C, Gospel) Women's meetings |
A final "hallmark" hymn to consider is the last hymn in this collection. "All Saints Day" is based on The Beatitudes as found in Matthew 5:1-12. Once again, notice Borghild's ability to succinctly express the biblical text. The flowing triple time meter moves the text along nicely with a mostly stepwise melody. Note the very specific usage of the biblical text as a basis for the imagery and symbolism in each stanza of the hymn.
|
From NIV Concordia Self-Study Bible |
Text by Borghild Jacobson |
|
Verse 3: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. |
Stanza 1: To those of lowly heartBlessings impart,For they shall own their heaven's King,Before His throne in gladness sing.Holy, Holy, Holy. |
|
Verse 4: Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. |
Stanza 2: And to the souls who mourn,Blessings be bourne,For they shall still in gladness see,The Lord who will their comfort be.Holy, Holy, Holy. |
|
Verse 5: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. |
Stanza 3: To those who meekly liveBlessedness give;The earth shall spin within their handNew wisdom win at their command.Holy, Holy, Holy. |
|
Verse 6: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. |
Stanza 4: On those who thirst for rightBlessings alight,Their hunger fed with spirit's food,Shall bring the Bread of Life renewed.Holy, Holy, Holy. |
|
Verse 7: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. |
Stanza 5: In those who mercy show,Blessedness grow,They, who from sin forgiveness tellShall ever in forgiveness dwell.Holy, Holy, Holy. |
|
Verse 8: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. |
Stanza 6: Before the pure of soulBlessings unroll,For they shall see with shining sightThe Trinity enshrined in light.Holy, Holy, Holy. |
|
Verse 9: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. |
Stanza 7: To those who make our peaceBlessings increase,For they shall know their Father's grace,As children grow before His face.Holy, Holy, Holy. |
|
Verse 10-12: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. |
Stanza 8: To you who suffer wrongBlessings belong.Glad hearts to Him rejoice and bring,With seraphim "All holy!" sing.Holy, Holy, Holy. |
| Suggested uses for this hymn as noted in the collection: | All Saints' Day Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Series A, Gospel) Communion Service Funeral Wedding Service about social welfare Service about Christian life General Anthem |
In addition to her fine literary talents and scriptural insight, she has provided skillful tunes which are seemingly one with the text they are set. The tunes, and her harmonizations, encourage and support the congregation, choir or soloist to see and understand the beauty of the word through music. The tunes are intentionally not difficult. She took great care to keep the music accessible to small church choirs and soloists with minimal training. This has not limited the use of her hymns, but rather given them a genuine quality which people find inviting and pleasing to sing.
Other Collections
Although several of Borghild's other collections
are not necessarily intended for congregational hymn singing,
they do provide further insight into her music and scripture based
texts. In addition, some of the collections include individual
settings suitable for congregational song.
Five Christmas Songs, Set I
This collection, published by Morning Star Music Publishers in 1992, contains five of Borghild's Christmas songs. Included are "Visit the Manger" which she originally titled "Creche," "On This Night," "Oh, Mary, Rock the Word Made Flesh," "Sleep Now, Weary One," and "If We Listen" (also titled "If We Listen Through The Night"). Two of these, "Visit the Manger" and "Oh, Mary, Rock the Word Made Flesh," could be used as congregational hymns. The latter would need a more supportive accompaniment if used as such. The others, by nature of their quickly moving melodies and text, would not in general lend themselves well to congregational song. The collection, which features lyrical melodies and creative poetry, would work well for unison choir or soloist.
Songs of Mary
The inside cover of this work contains a discussion, written by Borghild, concerning Martin Luther's views and changing beliefs about the Virgin Mary. Once again, it is best at this point to let the writer speak for herself:
"That the Virgin Mary was an important person for Martin Luther cannot be doubted, for her name appears almost a thousand times in his collected writings. Mary was the source of Christ's humanity, and therefore was basic to Luther's view of the Person of Christ. He called her the Holy Virgin and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Yet through all Luther's writings runs the theme that Mary is to be honored not for her own virtues, lovely as her humility was, but rather because she received the unmerited goodness of God. She remains, not our intermediary, but our example, indeed the 'foremost example of the grace of God.'" (BSJ)
The collection includes nine settings based on quotations about Mary from Luther's Works. All but one of the songs is for solo voice with keyboard accompaniment. The other is a duet. One of the songs, "If We Listen," is also included in Five Christmas Songs, published by Morning Star Music, mentioned earlier. This song is based on Martin Luther's "Sermons on the Gospel of John." In general, these are solo settings not intended for congregational song. The fifth selection, "Sleep Soundly, Child of Mine," has melodic possibilities for use as a hymn, but would require a more supportive setting of the accompaniment if used as such. See Appendix E for an autograph copy of this hymn.
Songs of Mary's Day
This work is a collection of seven songs which form
the basis for a narrative of the same title. The songs it would
appear could be used independently from the narrative script if
desired. I attended a performance of this work at First English
Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, in February of 1988. In an article from
the Oshkosh Northwestern, Sunday, February 21, 1988, the work
is described as "a sketch about one day in the life of the
Holy Family when Jesus was a boy, as seen through Mary's eyes."
The work was written in 1982 and performed for a Mary Day celebration
at Incarnation Lutheran Church, Reading, PA. The songs, setting
and their focus are as follows:
1. Morning Hymn Three Part In tune with nature
she (Mary) praises God for the morning.
2. Working Day Solo She cleans, scrubs, spins, weaves, grinds,
kneads, bakes and serves.
3. Joseph Solo She gives thanks for the man chosen to be her husband.
4. Now From the Heavens Two Part She remembers the Annunciation.
5. Mary and the Grain Solo She walks at evening through the wheat
and barley fields.
6. Angelus Three Part She ponders the words of Simeon
7. Evening Hymn Three Part She commits herself and her family
to God for the night.
For the most part, the songs in this collection are not intended
for congregational song and have limited liturgical use. One exception
is the last song, "Evening Hymn," which was sung as
a hymn at Borghild's funeral service. The text and tune for this
hymn can be found on the following page.
Evening Hymn
Mercy Songs
This is a collection of eight songs based on texts
about suffering, disease, medical concerns and healing. The title
hymn in this collection, "Mercy Hospital" or "Mercy
on Those Who Cannot Sleep," is dedicated to the patients,
their relatives and the staff of Mercy Hospital, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
where Borghild served as a Red Cross Volunteer. As mentioned previously,
this hymn was used to highlight the observance of St. Luke Day,
the patron saint of healing, in churches in the Washington, D.C.
area in October of 1994. An autograph copy of this hymn can be
found in Appendix F.
"Mercy on Those Who Cannot Sleep" is a song that deals very directly and graphically with illness and healing. The opening phrases of each stanza share the themes of this hymn: "those who cannot sleep through the night," "those who share the hours with their ill," "those who feel their power return," "those whose years of study bring sight." The final verse of each stanza recaptures these themes: "Mercy on those in pain," "Mercy on those who wait," "Mercy on those who mend," "Mercy on those who heal." Borghild is sharing not only her own personal struggle with health and medical issues, but also her compassion for others who are ill. Her recurring fourth verse of each stanza, "Mercy, Lord; Mercy, Lord," is a comforting refrain which serves to unify the hymn with a sense of hope. The minor setting lends a seriousness to the text that reflects the darkness and despair associated with disease. The tune, straightforward with mostly stepwise motion, has a chant quality centered around a "g" reciting tone and a "c" final. This gives the hymn a penitential and liturgical quality. A picardy third for the final cadence seems symbolic of goodness, hope and strength even in the midst of pain.
The collection includes a setting of Psalm 130, "From the Depths." The freely flowing chant-like style of the music, which has no time signature or bar lines, has a strong penitential and liturgical quality very appropriate to Psalm 130 (one of the penitential Psalms). Also, included in the collection is "Where Peter's Shadow Fell," based on Acts 5:15,16; "Depression" which expresses extremely vivid thoughts about this disease; "His Everlasting Arms" based on Deuteronomy 33:24-29; and "A Bruised Reed" based on Isaiah 42:3.
The final two songs require additional consideration. "May Blessed Be" is an extremely powerful hymn. It is a very personal prayer of Borghild Jacobson who herself suffered periods of depression. The sincerity and genuiness of the text overwhelmingly speaks to her great faith and unshaken Christian spirit. No one but she in her own words can truly express the thoughts in this hymn. Church musicians, artists, poets and hymn writers will certainly understand the words of her soul. Verse three summarizes the hymn best:
In the third, and final, stanza the Christian responds to Jesus with stronger, more confident words of obedience and faith. The musical setting of this hymn would be most affective as a solo. The accompaniment, in triple meter, includes some well-placed harmonic accidentals which give emotion and strength to the text.
All of the songs in this collection, with the possible exception of "With Him" as noted above, would work well as congregational hymns. Autograph copies of "May Blessed Be" and "With Him" can be found in Appendix F.
Feminine Insights
Feminine Insights includes eleven songs about New Testament Women. The songs in this collection are primarily intended for solo voice with keyboard. There are four settings, however, which could be used as congregational hymns: "The Wise Watchers" based on Matthew 25: 1-13, "So Shall It Be Done" based on Luke 1:38, "The First Day of the Week" about the resurrection, and "The Woman At The Well" based on John 4:1-42. All of the songs are scripture based and would make excellent selections for proclamation of the Gospel in worship.
Single Songs, Hymns and Semi-Collections
As mentioned throughout this paper, Borghild organized
her compositions into categories prior to her death. The three
main categories include: Completed Collections, Single Songs and
Semi-Collections, and Choral Music. Already discussed in detail
have been her collections and "This My Church Shall Be."
She has divided the second category, Single Songs and Semi-Collections,
into seven sub-groupings: Single Songs, Interspersions, Simple
Rounds, Ten Hymns, Trios, Personal and A Lenten Christmas. The
third category, Choral Music, is not the focus of this paper and
will note be included here.
Ten Hymns
This grouping of songs is an especially important and
useful set of congregational hymns. Although the title indicates
ten hymns in the group, there are actually twelve that have been
included in this set. The first hymn, "This My Church Shall
Be," has already been discussed. The second one, "Jesus,
May I This Christmas Eve," is a hymn for Christmas Communion.
It appears that these two may be additions from earlier works
and not specifically written for this collection. Since Borghild
did not catalog the work, Ten Hymns, as a completed collection
we cannot resolve this discrepancy with any certainty. In any
case, the remaining hymns are well worth considering here.
Borghild enjoyed writing hymns for the communion service. No less than thirty of the hymns she wrote are based on communion texts. Two "hallmark" communion hymns from this collection include: "Jesus, At Your Paschal Table," and "Lord of the Feast." Singable tunes combined with well-crafted liturgical poetry highlight these selections.
The remaining selections include "This I Believe" with words by Paul O. Schoberg and music by Borghild. The text is a well-crafted synopsis of the two pinnacle celebrations in the church year, Christmas and Easter. The 6/8 meter and minor setting provide for a very interesting and supportive accompaniment. "Lord of all Lands" is dedicated to Melissa Jacobson and International Students, Inc. A final "hallmark" selection from this semi-collection, "Servant," discusses the many forms and blessings of servanthood. A theme we see consistently in Borghild's life, music and ministry to others. The "hallmark" hymns from this collection can be found in Appendix G.
More "Hallmark" Hymns
What follows is a final sampling of "hallmark"
hymns by Borghild Jacobson. These have been chosen from both collections
and single songs. Autograph scores for the titles listed below
can be found in Appendix H. They are arranged in the order listed
below.
Around Him (Christmas Collection)
Around Him
Glory, In Excelsis, Gloria
Communion Songs
Can There Be Greater Joy Than This?*
Feminine Insights
Mary Magdalene Sings an Easter Carol*
Personal
My Gift*
Single Songs
Jesus, May I Kneeling (communion emphasis)
I Will Bear You on Wings of Angels*
A Sign Remains from Jonah (teaching hymn)
While All Around Are Sifting Silt (teaching hymn)
Tableaux
Judgement
Via Dolorosa
Wedding
Lord Jesus, May This Marriage Vow
* See Appendix I for solo settings of these hymns by Mark E. Bloedow.
Conclusion
In preparing this paper, Harvey shared with me comments about Borghild's music included in letters from clergy, music directors, choir members, friends and parish members. Some of the notable qualities in her music that these people frequently commented on were: singable melodies, expressive words, impressive music, words and music that intertwine and support each other, an appeal to all age groups, meaningful texts, an ability to crystallize the purpose of the church, personal and emotional impact and music of enduring quality. This is but a sampling of themes supported by many wonderful comments from clergy and lay people throughout the church. Her music and hymns continue to influence the spiritual lives of Christians from many denominations.
To close, Borghild Jacobson was an individual blessed with great talent. She used her talents to serve God, to the serve the church and to serve others. Her music has touched the lives of countless people who have found inspiration, consolation and understanding through her carefully crafted texts and beautiful melodies. One can only imagine what she may have achieved with more healthy years, but that was not to be. For us and countless others, however, her song does not end here. She has left us with a legacy of her creative works to develop and share with others in the name of Christ. It is a personal prayer of mine that this paper will encourage others to share in the gift that God bestowed upon Borghild-the generous gift she shared so freely with others.
+ Blessed be the memory of Borghild Schoberg Jacobson +
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Copyright 1999 by Mark E. Bloedow, All rights reserved.