First - this choir is outstanding... Absolutly professional. Second - this song is perhaps THE loveliest choral piece that I have ever heard. I have listened to it many times as it has helped me cope with the loss of my brother through suicide. It gives me a sense of profound peace. Thank you for posting this.
" ...not for rookies" -- you're quite right, as, having sung this and other of Lourdsen's beautiful choral compositions, I can attest; though I sometimes have to struggle to keep my emotions in cheque due to the exquisite union of music and word.
This song is beautiful, but many credits to the interpreters as well: what a fantastic sound and phrasing! Congratulations to all: conductor, choir and pianist.
Only a little over fifty words and Lauridsen's simple vocal arrangement can take us to the place where we imagine, feel and see the shadows of the stars. What a performance U. of Utah Singers!!
There is a song Im looking for and if anyone who reads this can help I'd be very thankful. I once found a song online years ago by mistake. I dont even know how I found it but it was the most beautiful song Id ever heard. All I remember is this. The choir sang.. Welcoming the day I will hear you say. Arent you glad that you are walking through this world with me. Walk throuugh this world with me and then youll see. How lovely life can be. How fresh and new. And thats all I heard
The playing with tempos in this rendition is breathtaking! I literally felt myself eagerly awaiting the resolve of every suspension held just a fraction of a beat longer. Wow, what a beautiful performance of a gorgeous tune
Love this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I particularly like the take on the very last note which keeps the singers singing until the piano finishes unlike some other versions.
I have listened to a number of recordings of this piece, and I keep returning to this one. One of my favorite composers, one of my favorite pieces. This interpretation, the tempo, the dynamics, the beautiful expression of the words and music... this exquisite performance has my heart over all the others I've heard.
Ditto, I've heard this performed dozens of times; this is absolutely the best. The youthfulness of the singers, who are wonderfully mature in voice, make a difference. It's stunning. Superior conducting.
What beautiful music! I feel as though I have died and gone to heaven! It is hard to believe that this piece has been posted here for almost 3 years and only has just over 7,000 views. Thank you U of U Singers for posting this.
Beautiful job University of Utah Singers! Bravo!!! Gorgeous! I love this song so much that I decided it would be played at my funeral (but sung by Milliken University's choir, sorry). The text is taken from a poem called "Description of Elysium" (heaven) from James Agee's first book Permit Me Voyage. I believe it is a metaphor for death (the late year lies down the north; all is healed, all is health; high summer holds the earth--hearts all whole). The late year (old age); high summer (youth) holds the earth. Sure on this shining night, kindness must watch for me this side the ground (that is, under ground). Wonderful imagery!
This is the best performance of this song on youtube! Incredible balance, intonation and emotion. I love the diction and the pace as well. So many take this song much too fast or as a dirge. Wonderful job!
This is an amazing performance of an amazing piece of music, set to amazing poetry. Thank you, thank you. You were in the zone. All of you (of course), piano too. I return to this again and again - ah. (signed) a fellow-musician and fellow-human
The U of U Singers can’t be beat (and that includes MoTab.) This group is perfectly balanced and their accompanist is perfectly wonderful. Dr. Allred conducts this group with great sensitivity and makes sure every performance meets his high standards. He has succeeded!!!
If you listen to Lauridsen and don't feel it deep in the marrow, I truly feel sorry for you. Barton and Claire are so right. As a Christian, I think there is enough substance in those 57 words and Morten Lauridsen's music to meditate on and feel epiphany for a lifetime. The poem may be pantheistic but is all about sensing our souls in the NOW!
The poem was written by a WWII fighter pilot (or a pilot from a war) flying over lands where he fought years ago and seeing the lands and people healed. It's quite touching.
I was struggling to find a recording of this that captured the feeling I had when my chorus sang it a number of years ago. I listened to I think four or five before I found this one, and you did it perfectly--the subtlety and nuance and the play with dynamics were all wonderful. Thank you for sharing this; it gives me chills every time, and sometimes brings a tear to my eye.
to Kathy Jones Boulier: The text used in both pieces was published in 1934 by journalist/poet/screenwriter/novelist James Agee -- as a *poem*, *not* as lyrics for a song. Lauridsen had as much "right" to borrow the words/title as did Samuel Barber. Any rights to the text would belong to Agee's estate or publisher, not to Barber. In classical music it is commonplace for multiple composers to write musical settings of the same preexisting text. (And very rare, btw, for a classical composer to write his/her own text, the way pop music or musical theatre composers commonly do.) For example, multiple composers -- Thomas Arne, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Hubert Parry, John Rutter, Ronald Corp and Elsie Bollinger -- have composed musical settings for the poem "When icicles hang by the wall" from Love's Labour's Lost by Shakespeare. Similarly, at least eleven composers have used Goethe's poem "Der Erlkonig," the best known musical setting being that by Franz Schubert.
you guys totally rocked this. Excellent way in which the words dictate the lengths of each quaver. It almost takes on a billy joelesque quality. Awesome. Much better than the other more metronomic versions around
Do you know how good you are? Even the group up/down the road (MoTab) can’t always compare. (Might does not always make right.) You are a very special group of singers! Don’t change a thing! Accolades to your accompanist!!!!
Absolutely beautiful. I bet many musicians who perform this consider it analagous to praying. Exquisite. Well done and think you all who made this You Tube possible. There is a recording of Lausidsen's vocal works done by the Bob Jones University choir. (Yes, THAT Bob Jones U. in Kentucky)
The poster who says "the poem was written by a WWII fighter pilot (or a pilot from a war) flying over lands where he fought years ago and seeing the lands and people healed" is incorrect. Agee, an American, was born in 1909, too late for him to have fought in WWI; & the poem was published in 1934, before the start of WWII. I can find nothing about Agee having been a pilot, or a soldier. But he did visit Europe in the mid 1920's, when he was a teenager. Perhaps he visited lands still healing from the ravages of WWI?
A moment in time when God Almighty spoke to Dr. Lauridsen directly. A sublime partnership was formed. God/Agee/Lauridsen. You want proof? Listen and hear.
Hi UofUtah Singers! Hearing this song for first time by Lauridsen made me cry. The melody is so wonderful. I just very do love it especially sang by Uof Utah Singers. Anyway I have a question about the lyric of this song. Anyone (maybe the singers of Utah Singers) know what this poem talk about? What is sure on the shining night? Is it talk about Christmas? or what kind of night? Sorry i just dont know....thank you very much for the helping.
so what happened to Samuel Barber? I thought the song by this name was his since 1938 when he wrote Sure on this shining night, song for voice & piano (also arr. for voice, orchestra, chorus & piano), Op. 13/3 - the one I learned back in High School as a soloist. Beautiful song, but shouldn't have used same name as another composer. Just saying.
+Kathy Jones Boulier Plenty of composers use the same name for songs of the same setting. Do you know how many different arrangements of "O magnum mysterium" and "Ave Maria" there are of the same name? They're both arranged for the same text there's no reason to choose a different name.
First - this choir is outstanding... Absolutly professional. Second - this song is perhaps THE loveliest choral piece that I have ever heard. I have listened to it many times as it has helped me cope with the loss of my brother through suicide. It gives me a sense of profound peace. Thank you for posting this.
Gives me goosebumps every time I sing it! Beautiful 🎵 🎶 🎵
This performance does EVERYTHING right. You can stop looking now.
agree
I LOVE this song. Lauridsen is awesome. His music is not for rookies.
" ...not for rookies" -- you're quite right, as, having sung this and other of Lourdsen's beautiful choral compositions, I can attest; though I sometimes have to struggle to keep my emotions in cheque due to the exquisite union of music and word.
This song is beautiful, but many credits to the interpreters as well: what a fantastic sound and phrasing! Congratulations to all: conductor, choir and pianist.
Only a little over fifty words and Lauridsen's simple vocal arrangement can take us to the place where we imagine, feel and see the shadows of the stars. What a performance U. of Utah Singers!!
There is a song Im looking for and if anyone who reads this can help I'd be very thankful. I once found a song online years ago by mistake. I dont even know how I found it but it was the most beautiful song Id ever heard. All I remember is this. The choir sang.. Welcoming the day I will hear you say. Arent you glad that you are walking through this world with me. Walk throuugh this world with me and then youll see. How lovely life can be. How fresh and new. And thats all I heard
If this isn't the best version of this song I've ever heard, then I'm missing out! Absolutely beautiful!!
This beautiful performance just makes one want to bow their heads in appreciation of its beauty. Absolutely gorgeous, beautiful work.
The playing with tempos in this rendition is breathtaking! I literally felt myself eagerly awaiting the resolve of every suspension held just a fraction of a beat longer. Wow, what a beautiful performance of a gorgeous tune
Hauntingly beautiful! One of my very, very favorite choral pieces! Superior~
The best recording of this song. I listen to it on a regular basis. It gives me so much peace.
Love this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I particularly like the take on the very last note which keeps the singers singing until the piano finishes unlike some other versions.
I have listened to a number of recordings of this piece, and I keep returning to this one. One of my favorite composers, one of my favorite pieces. This interpretation, the tempo, the dynamics, the beautiful expression of the words and music... this exquisite performance has my heart over all the others I've heard.
Ditto, I've heard this performed dozens of times; this is absolutely the best. The youthfulness of the singers, who are wonderfully mature in voice, make a difference. It's stunning. Superior conducting.
I love the lift right before "hearts all whole", brings back memories.
What beautiful music! I feel as though I have died and gone to heaven! It is hard to believe that this piece has been posted here for almost 3 years and only has just over 7,000 views. Thank you U of U Singers for posting this.
I hope the angels in Heaven sing this lovely anthem as sensitivity as these earthly angels do !
An hour of glory in the history of music - pure magic
Performed this with my school and boy was it beautiful, even more so being its not on speakers but in person. This arrangement can give you chills.
Beautiful job University of Utah Singers! Bravo!!! Gorgeous! I love this song so much that I decided it would be played at my funeral (but sung by Milliken University's choir, sorry). The text is taken from a poem called "Description of Elysium" (heaven) from James Agee's first book Permit Me Voyage. I believe it is a metaphor for death (the late year lies down the north; all is healed, all is health; high summer holds the earth--hearts all whole). The late year (old age); high summer (youth) holds the earth. Sure on this shining night, kindness must watch for me this side the ground (that is, under ground). Wonderful imagery!
This is the best performance of this song on youtube! Incredible balance, intonation and emotion. I love the diction and the pace as well. So many take this song much too fast or as a dirge. Wonderful job!
This is an amazing performance of an amazing piece of music, set to amazing poetry. Thank you, thank you. You were in the zone. All of you (of course), piano too. I return to this again and again - ah. (signed) a fellow-musician and fellow-human
The U of U Singers can’t be beat (and that includes MoTab.) This group is perfectly balanced and their accompanist is perfectly wonderful. Dr. Allred conducts this group with great sensitivity and makes sure every performance meets his high standards. He has succeeded!!!
The sound engineers can take
good share of credit for the excellent fidelity of the U of U presentations. The sound quality has never disappointed.
Thee best recording of this piece.
This performance never gets old.
Sang this last spring with Weber State Choirs! One of the most beautiful pieces I've ever sung.
If this piece of music doesn't touch your soul ??????????
Divinely sweet and beautiful, blessed hymnal, thanks for sharing the music.
this song brings alot of memory...
eine der besten interpretationen der dynamik dieses liedes! Danke!!
Not only is the group singing beautifully, the conductor is mesmerizing to watch. All around masterful performance, one of my favorites on the web
this is beautiful - artistry in composition and true musicality in performance - what a collaboration! In humility, BRAVO!
Again,such beauty in music.
If you listen to Lauridsen and don't feel it deep in the marrow, I truly feel sorry for you. Barton and Claire are so right. As a Christian, I think there is enough substance in those 57 words and Morten Lauridsen's music to meditate on and feel epiphany for a lifetime. The poem may be pantheistic but is all about sensing our souls in the NOW!
Brian Baumgarn Very well said.
Gorgeous. Wonderful sopranos.
One of the best versions right here!
The poem was written by a WWII fighter pilot (or a pilot from a war) flying over lands where he fought years ago and seeing the lands and people healed.
It's quite touching.
I didn't know American writer James Agee was a World War ll pilot. He wrote the poem.
The poem was written in 1934.
I am singing this is my high school choir right now and I am absolutely in love with it!
this is just gorgeous.
i love this song. we have to sing it this year. i absolutely love it!!
The best choral performance ever.
Heavenly. Performance and music.
Wunderbar, bin tief berührt.
im singing this song TOMORROW on monday ahhhhh
I was struggling to find a recording of this that captured the feeling I had when my chorus sang it a number of years ago. I listened to I think four or five before I found this one, and you did it perfectly--the subtlety and nuance and the play with dynamics were all wonderful. Thank you for sharing this; it gives me chills every time, and sometimes brings a tear to my eye.
All of your recordings are wonderful, especially this one!
Really Great Job
to Kathy Jones Boulier: The text used in both pieces was published in 1934 by journalist/poet/screenwriter/novelist James Agee -- as a *poem*, *not* as lyrics for a song. Lauridsen had as much "right" to borrow the words/title as did Samuel Barber. Any rights to the text would belong to Agee's estate or publisher, not to Barber. In classical music it is commonplace for multiple composers to write musical settings of the same preexisting text. (And very rare, btw, for a classical composer to write his/her own text, the way pop music or musical theatre composers commonly do.) For example, multiple composers -- Thomas Arne, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Hubert Parry, John Rutter, Ronald Corp and Elsie Bollinger -- have composed musical settings for the poem "When icicles hang by the wall" from Love's Labour's Lost by Shakespeare. Similarly, at least eleven composers have used Goethe's poem "Der Erlkonig," the best known musical setting being that by Franz Schubert.
you guys totally rocked this. Excellent way in which the words dictate the lengths of each quaver. It almost takes on a billy joelesque quality. Awesome. Much better than the other more metronomic versions around
Lovely comments already,I will just add BEAUTIFUl.
Beautiful!
Perfrct!
Do you know how good you are? Even the group up/down the road (MoTab) can’t always compare. (Might does not always make right.) You are a very special group of singers! Don’t change a thing! Accolades to your accompanist!!!!
Absolutely beautiful. I bet many musicians who perform this consider it analagous to praying. Exquisite. Well done and think you all who made this You Tube possible. There is a recording of Lausidsen's vocal works done by the Bob Jones University choir. (Yes, THAT Bob Jones U. in Kentucky)
Bob Jones University is in South Carolina.
Beautiful
esecuzione fantastica, bravissimi !!!
The poster who says "the poem was written by a WWII fighter pilot (or a pilot from a war) flying over lands where he fought years ago and seeing the lands and people healed" is incorrect. Agee, an American, was born in 1909, too late for him to have fought in WWI; & the poem was published in 1934, before the start of WWII. I can find nothing about Agee having been a pilot, or a soldier. But he did visit Europe in the mid 1920's, when he was a teenager. Perhaps he visited lands still healing from the ravages of WWI?
There is a reason why there are no dislikes.
A moment in time when God Almighty spoke to Dr. Lauridsen directly. A sublime partnership was formed. God/Agee/Lauridsen. You want proof? Listen and hear.
Might get shot for this, but I actually prefer this performance over the Polyphony recording.
You could always e-mail the University!
Hi UofUtah Singers!
Hearing this song for first time by Lauridsen made me cry. The melody is so wonderful. I just very do love it especially sang by Uof Utah Singers. Anyway I have a question about the lyric of this song. Anyone (maybe the singers of Utah Singers) know what this poem talk about? What is sure on the shining night? Is it talk about Christmas? or what kind of night? Sorry i just dont know....thank you very much for the helping.
Gorgeous performance of a very beautiful piece. Though I was still disappointed that it wasn't the Barber.
How am I missing it?
1:52 TH
so what happened to Samuel Barber? I thought the song by this name was his since 1938 when he wrote Sure on this shining night, song for voice & piano (also arr. for voice, orchestra, chorus & piano), Op. 13/3 - the one I learned back in High School as a soloist. Beautiful song, but shouldn't have used same name as another composer. Just saying.
+Kathy Jones Boulier Plenty of composers use the same name for songs of the same setting. Do you know how many different arrangements of "O magnum mysterium" and "Ave Maria" there are of the same name? They're both arranged for the same text there's no reason to choose a different name.
+Warwick van Ede rude
+ van Ede -- I myself was looking for the Barber. This is not bad. But, really, Barber is a master.
@@BillSalem Just looked it up...wow.
Warwick van Ede Your post bears witness to the words "all is healed". I hope that you will be included in the word "all."
Musical rapture.
The pause before the last word of the sentence (0:56) has always bothered me.