One of the best performances of a Sacred Harp tune that I've ever heard. Wonderful rhythm and drive, intonation is great, truly "in the spirit" of the tradition.
This isn't actually a "Sacred Harp" tune, per se; it's not in either version of the Sacred Harp (but I really wish it was). There is a similar tune of the same name in the Cooper book, but it's not quite the same (or so I'm told, we sing the Denson book 99% of the time round here). This isn't in the Denson book at all. However, it _is_ in the Shenandoah Harmony, and in the American Vocalist I believe (although you probably aren't familiar with that unless you go to the annual Union, Maine D.H. Mansfield Memorial Sing)
I don't normally post comments on RUclips; however, I have to say this is one of the best arrangements I have come across of this particular song. I got chills just listening to it. Kudos to the Rose Ensemble from St. Paul. You did a spectacular job!
And, "thirded," by another infrequent poster. What a thrilling a cappella arrangement this is! That anticipant descant drone note in the final chorus at 2:20 actually gives me a chill.
Wow, that’s cool that your mom is/was in the choir! What is that like? I think the first time I heard this wonderful group was on the radio where I live in Utah.
I caught this song on New England Classical Christmas on TuneIn. I initially caught the tail end and waited for weeks to catch it again and find the song info and the singers. On one hand the times I can count that I was brought to my knees: this being one of them. God be with you and all that you do. Thank you for all that you do.
You know when first listened to this I remember this song performed by the Rose Ensemble is what really sparked my love for music such as this. Very thankful I came across this. God bless.
Yep. It's my very favorite. Probably would be even if I didn't have fond memories of our father singing it to us, sitting in the darkened parlor by candlelight, with popcorn balls and eggnog to drink...of course, he sang us lots of other songs, and those didn't become my favorite. So this is just a good song.
My children and I are listening to this for our beginning of Advent for school, and my 6 year old son immediately began clapping when it was over. Well done! This is just beautiful, and deserves our compliments!
Good. Like I said, I have fond memories of this song from when I was a kid, although that's partly because my father would sing it aloud to us. Something a lot more parents ought to do for their kids; he'd sing to us at bedtime every night, and/or read us books. I remember it being one of my favorite times of my childhood, and I think it really had a lasting, positive effect. Sorry, getting off track. =P Yes, wonderful song, in the proper Shape Note style of singing. You should look up "Sacred Harp Sherburne 186". Another cool Sacred Harp Christmas song, with a traditional "fugeing" section where the different parts all come in a different times to create an effect like a "round". Sort of.
Just thrilling. Thank you so much for this. I hope you won! I sing Sacred Harp shape note and my church agreed that we would do this song for christmas.
Eden, Edom -- it doesn't matter. Both work. Congratulations to you and your excellent ensemble for this stunning performance. Sung with impeccable musicianship, but also with real spirit and feeling. Your work together is an inspiration.
Almost all of the songs of this sort have a driving rhythm like that, only it's ignored by "modern" style singers. Listen to other shape note singing, i.e. "Sacred Harp singing", in this style, you'll hear what I mean. That's why you usually end up with half of the singers stamping their feet on the floor in time to the music as they sing, because it has a strong rhythmic beat when you accent the first beat of each line like that. (BTW, to be accurate, this only sounds like a modern "sea chanty"; most sea chanties were actually sung at a much lower tempo than you hear them today, one you could actually haul a cable to.)
Beautiful rendition. However, the song is not really anonymous. All but the first verse is documented as having been written by Reginald Heber, Anglican clergyman (and later Bishop of Calcutta) in 1811. The first verse comes from Gardiner Spring's Brick Church hymns. The tune, while of unknown origin (perhaps traditional), was certainly arranged by William Walker.
Yes, but "unknown" refers to the tune. The lyrics were considered secondary and interchangeable. That's why what we call "Amazing Grace" is actually named "New Britain" in the Sacred Harp, because it's the tune that is named. This is only called "Star in the East" because these were the lyrics that were put to the tune.
Shaker music. Gotta love it, and this is one of my all-time favorite performances. Even if you're not religious, you have to respect and revere this music. Every time I listen to it, I am left feeling in awe and empowered.
Hail the bless’d morn, see the great Mediator down from the region of glory descend! Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger, lo, for his guard the bright angels attend. Bright-est and best of the stars of the morning, dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star of the East, the horizon adorning, guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion, fragrance of Edom and off’rings divine, gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine? Bright-est and best of the stars of the morning, dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star of the East, the horizon adorning, guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Vainly we offer each ample oblation, vainly with gifts would his favor secure. Richer by far is the heart’s adoration, dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. Bright-est and best of the stars of the morning, dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star of the East, the horizon adorning, guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
This is great! Thanks for the post. But note that the Southern Harmony was first published in 1835--though maybe this song did not appear in it until 1854.
Hail the blest morn, see the great mediator Down from the regions of glory descend. Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger, Lo! for his guard the bright angels attend. Chorus: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thy aid. Star in the east, our horizon adorning, Guide where our infant redeemer was laid. Cold on his cradle the dew drops are shining, Low lies his bed, with the beasts of the stall. Angels adore him, in slumber reclining, Wise men and shepherds before him do fall. Chorus Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion, Odors of Eden and offerings divine, Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean, Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine? Chorus Vainly we offer each ample oblation, Vainly with gifts we his favor secure; Richer by far is the heart's adoration, Nearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
I found this version because of your comment on the LA choral performance of this song, wishing they would have included the raised 6th. Now I see you say this version doesn't have it, either. Could you point me to a version that does?
STAR IN THE EAST American folk tune from "Southern Harmony", 1835 Reginald Heber, 1783-1826 Hail the blest morn, see the great mediator Down from the regions of glory descend. Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger, Lo! for his guard the bright angels attend. Chorus: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thy aid. Star in the east, our horizon adorning, Guide where our infant redeemer was laid. Cold on his cradle the dew drops are shining, Low lies his bed, with the beasts of the stall. Angels adore him, in slumber reclining, Wise men and shepherds before him do fall. Chorus Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion, Odors of Eden and offerings divine, Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean, Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine? Chorus Vainly we offer each ample oblation, Vainly with gifts we his favor secure; Richer by far is the heart's adoration, Nearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Numbers 24:17 17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come forth from Jacob, A Scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth.
Here it is, five years later, and I gotta know -- how did y'all's performance go? Slow melodies are absolutely the hardest to play on recorder. It's tough to hold the notes that long and stay on pitch, but you end up a much better player for having done it.
First, it looks like there is only a single bass, unless one of the three guys singing tenor switched to bass when that part started. Second, maybe it's just me, but I'd almost swear that they said "odor of _Eden_ and offerings divine" (1:00). That's supposed to be _Edom_ , which is a land neighboring Israel where they tned to find lots of enemies and wickedness. Also called "Idumea" in some translations (speaking of really, really good Sacred Harp songs)
Nope, it is actually Eden. Edom doesn't fit the context. The song asks whether we should yield to the Christ child all good things in costly devotion. Offerings divine, gold from the mountain, pearls from the ocean. The fourth verse then says, "Vainly we offer each ample oblation..."
@@mh605 the original words of the hymn by Reginald Heber are "Odors of Edom." Edom was a mechant city associated with worldly riches. It fits the context just fine, because the whole point is that these things are less favored by God than "the heart's adoration" and "the prayers of the poor."
I look for this performance every Epiphany...riveting...haunting...extraordinarily well done!
I ran into this six years ago or so, and have listened to it many times since. Always goosebumps when the women come in. Amazing performance!
What a spine-chilling rendition of this song! ❤️❤️❤️! Hallelujah! Christus est natus!
One of the best performances of a Sacred Harp tune that I've ever heard. Wonderful rhythm and drive, intonation is great, truly "in the spirit" of the tradition.
This isn't actually a "Sacred Harp" tune, per se; it's not in either version of the Sacred Harp (but I really wish it was). There is a similar tune of the same name in the Cooper book, but it's not quite the same (or so I'm told, we sing the Denson book 99% of the time round here). This isn't in the Denson book at all. However, it _is_ in the Shenandoah Harmony, and in the American Vocalist I believe (although you probably aren't familiar with that unless you go to the annual Union, Maine D.H. Mansfield Memorial Sing)
I don't normally post comments on RUclips; however, I have to say this is one of the best arrangements I have come across of this particular song. I got chills just listening to it. Kudos to the Rose Ensemble from St. Paul. You did a spectacular job!
Seconded
Thank you so much
And, "thirded," by another infrequent poster. What a thrilling a cappella arrangement this is! That anticipant descant drone note in the final chorus at 2:20 actually gives me a chill.
@@larryrobx, your comment is sincerely appreciated.
I just listened twice this morning, to this arrangement of the song. Powerfully given by
Beautiful voices.
Can't stop listening on repeat lol. Is there anything better then men who SING!? :D
Yes, when women also sing!
Men who are singing about Jesus and not their own accomplishments . Nicely weird
@@v.dargain1678
Sad that you can’t see the light.
@@SwtTrisha8 yOU MUST MEAN THE LIGHT WHICH INCLUDES THE WOMEN WHO ARE WORSHIPING IN THIS WONDERFUL GROUP .
Wow...just stunning!
My mother is in this choir I have this song memorized
Wow, that’s cool that your mom is/was in the choir! What is that like? I think the first time I heard this wonderful group was on the radio where I live in Utah.
I caught this song on New England Classical Christmas on TuneIn. I initially caught the tail end and waited for weeks to catch it again and find the song info and the singers. On one hand the times I can count that I was brought to my knees: this being one of them. God be with you and all that you do. Thank you for all that you do.
Gives me chills every time.
A foretaste of when we praise Him in Glory. How lovely dear brothers and sisters in Christ.
You know when first listened to this I remember this song performed by the Rose Ensemble is what really sparked my love for music such as this. Very thankful I came across this. God bless.
Wow. This is the most beautiful Christmas song I have ever heard. Fantastic job!
Yep. It's my very favorite. Probably would be even if I didn't have fond memories of our father singing it to us, sitting in the darkened parlor by candlelight, with popcorn balls and eggnog to drink...of course, he sang us lots of other songs, and those didn't become my favorite. So this is just a good song.
Wonderful song about the Star of Bethlehem....
My children and I are listening to this for our beginning of Advent for school, and my 6 year old son immediately began clapping when it was over. Well done! This is just beautiful, and deserves our compliments!
Good. Like I said, I have fond memories of this song from when I was a kid, although that's partly because my father would sing it aloud to us. Something a lot more parents ought to do for their kids; he'd sing to us at bedtime every night, and/or read us books. I remember it being one of my favorite times of my childhood, and I think it really had a lasting, positive effect. Sorry, getting off track. =P Yes, wonderful song, in the proper Shape Note style of singing. You should look up "Sacred Harp Sherburne 186". Another cool Sacred Harp Christmas song, with a traditional "fugeing" section where the different parts all come in a different times to create an effect like a "round". Sort of.
Just thrilling. Thank you so much for this. I hope you won! I sing Sacred Harp shape note and my church agreed that we would do this song for christmas.
Eden, Edom -- it doesn't matter. Both work. Congratulations to you and your excellent ensemble for this stunning performance. Sung with impeccable musicianship, but also with real spirit and feeling. Your work together is an inspiration.
Outstanding!
This is the version of the song that I always listen to
So very cool. This version sounds like a sea-chantey!
It just might be an old immigrant Christmas song . See the Brian Harris reply to this performance . It might some helpful info .
Almost all of the songs of this sort have a driving rhythm like that, only it's ignored by "modern" style singers. Listen to other shape note singing, i.e. "Sacred Harp singing", in this style, you'll hear what I mean. That's why you usually end up with half of the singers stamping their feet on the floor in time to the music as they sing, because it has a strong rhythmic beat when you accent the first beat of each line like that. (BTW, to be accurate, this only sounds like a modern "sea chanty"; most sea chanties were actually sung at a much lower tempo than you hear them today, one you could actually haul a cable to.)
And this is actually sung with less accent than it might be. The guy stamping his foot kind of gives an exaggerated sense of the beat.
Beautiful rendition. However, the song is not really anonymous. All but the first verse is documented as having been written by Reginald Heber, Anglican clergyman (and later Bishop of Calcutta) in 1811. The first verse comes from Gardiner Spring's Brick Church hymns. The tune, while of unknown origin (perhaps traditional), was certainly arranged by William Walker.
you're the best Brian
-keillor
Yes, but "unknown" refers to the tune. The lyrics were considered secondary and interchangeable. That's why what we call "Amazing Grace" is actually named "New Britain" in the Sacred Harp, because it's the tune that is named. This is only called "Star in the East" because these were the lyrics that were put to the tune.
@@justforever96 g gg gg gcg
@@justforever96 g gg g gggg g gg
Bravo ! how beautifully they build up this beautiful song from an unprepossessing solo entrance to a grand finale !
My favorite Christmas song. =) Great performance, the way it's intended to be sung.
Beautifully done
I can’t stop playing it. Absolutely amazing!
Ditto. The a cappella layers add, verse by verse. Spellbinding!
Pure gold. Gives my goosebumps every time 💛
Just wow..I was looking for a version to figure out for christmas on mandolin..You guys are amazing
ecstatic
no words
This is truly beautiful.
Terrific. Thank you!
This was in my chorus concert good job it sounds beautiful and I sang this song at church on Christmas eve
Shaker music. Gotta love it, and this is one of my all-time favorite performances. Even if you're not religious, you have to respect and revere this music. Every time I listen to it, I am left feeling in awe and empowered.
Vyko Den, thank you for your kind words. Just to be clear, this music is not from the Shaker tradition.
What an absolutely fantastic song, and a fabulous rendition of the same. It's led me to purchase the CD. Superb - thank you so much for uploading!
What CD? I would like one that has this or similar music.
@@hunterhale813 Its called Glory Shone Around. Rose Ensemble.
Stupendous, stirring.
Lindíssimo! Obrigada.
Hail the bless’d morn, see the great Mediator
down from the region of glory descend!
Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
lo, for his guard the bright angels attend.
Bright-est and best of the stars of the morning,
dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid.
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion,
fragrance of Edom and off’rings divine,
gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?
Bright-est and best of the stars of the morning,
dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid.
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
vainly with gifts would his favor secure.
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Bright-est and best of the stars of the morning,
dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid.
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
I love your voice
This is great! Thanks for the post. But note that the Southern Harmony was first published in 1835--though maybe this song did not appear in it until 1854.
Hail the blest morn, see the great mediator Down from the regions of glory descend. Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger, Lo! for his guard the bright angels attend. Chorus: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thy aid. Star in the east, our horizon adorning, Guide where our infant redeemer was laid. Cold on his cradle the dew drops are shining, Low lies his bed, with the beasts of the stall. Angels adore him, in slumber reclining, Wise men and shepherds before him do fall. Chorus Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion, Odors of Eden and offerings divine, Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean, Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine? Chorus Vainly we offer each ample oblation, Vainly with gifts we his favor secure; Richer by far is the heart's adoration, Nearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
hAVING lived among the indigenous and creoles on the east coast of Nicaragua , I learned that the prayers of the poor are nearer to God .
Excellent!!
Awesome. Gotta love the short guy givin' the beat.
Alex Beckett Short? Who are you calling short? You should see how tall the other guys are! :)
Who are you calling short?
Ha, ha, ha , ha ! Just kidding Jordan . Merry Christmas . Happy 2017 .
This is the way it should be performed.
love it😊
Wonderfully done. But I missed the raised sixth in the melody especially.
I found this version because of your comment on the LA choral performance of this song, wishing they would have included the raised 6th. Now I see you say this version doesn't have it, either. Could you point me to a version that does?
love it
Me too .
STAR IN THE EAST
American folk tune from "Southern Harmony", 1835
Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
Hail the blest morn, see the great mediator
Down from the regions of glory descend.
Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
Lo! for his guard the bright angels attend.
Chorus:
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thy aid.
Star in the east, our horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant redeemer was laid.
Cold on his cradle the dew drops are shining,
Low lies his bed, with the beasts of the stall.
Angels adore him, in slumber reclining,
Wise men and shepherds before him do fall.
Chorus
Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Eden and offerings divine,
Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?
Chorus
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts we his favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Nearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Numbers 24:17
17 “I see Him, but not now;
I behold Him, but not near;
A Star shall come forth from Jacob,
A Scepter shall rise from Israel,
And shall crush through the forehead of Moab,
And tear down all the sons of Sheth.
Choral music men are my gig :) :)
THERE ARE WONDERFUL WOMEN SINGING . THEY COMPLETE THE ENSEMBLE .
Shapenotes. Love it.
I’m playing this song in my ensemble. I have to learn part of it on my soprano recorder. I’m still trying to slow down my part as I play it too fast.
Here it is, five years later, and I gotta know -- how did y'all's performance go? Slow melodies are absolutely the hardest to play on recorder. It's tough to hold the notes that long and stay on pitch, but you end up a much better player for having done it.
How do you rate three accents on your name, Jordan? I'm jealous.
I just bought the track on itunes, but I think I prefer this one? I dont know why
We sang this piece up a half step live in Spain. Maybe it's a bit brighter in this key?
2020 November?
First, it looks like there is only a single bass, unless one of the three guys singing tenor switched to bass when that part started. Second, maybe it's just me, but I'd almost swear that they said "odor of _Eden_ and offerings divine" (1:00). That's supposed to be _Edom_ , which is a land neighboring Israel where they tned to find lots of enemies and wickedness. Also called "Idumea" in some translations (speaking of really, really good Sacred Harp songs)
Nope, it is actually Eden. Edom doesn't fit the context. The song asks whether we should yield to the Christ child all good things in costly devotion. Offerings divine, gold from the mountain, pearls from the ocean. The fourth verse then says, "Vainly we offer each ample oblation..."
"Odors of Eden..."
@@mh605 the original words of the hymn by Reginald Heber are "Odors of Edom." Edom was a mechant city associated with worldly riches. It fits the context just fine, because the whole point is that these things are less favored by God than "the heart's adoration" and "the prayers of the poor."
for some reason i thought these people were Scottish
The beat by foot damaged the beauty of this rendition.
I thought it sounded great. You always get plenty of people stamping the time at real shape note sings too, and it doesn't hurt the music.
It's close to the best part of this stunning rendition!
Careful. That's my foot (and voice) you're talking about. ;)
@@jordansramek1514 how can I find this arrangement?
@@ccbc2224 Here you go: graphitepublishing.com/product/star-in-the-east/