Reminds me when I sang this anthem in Europe in the cathederals with Mr Grotenhuis directing our choir. What fond memories. Excellently done by this professional choir.
I just sang this song a few days ago at the LLMEA Choral Fesivaln here in Pennsylvania, and it was our opener. It's such a beautiful piece, and our guest conductor, Dr. Matthew Erpelding from Lebanon Valley College told us the most inspiring story about this piece. From the words and the way the song sounds, this seems like it was written by Mr. Grotenhuis about a joyous event in his life, but it's actually the contrary. This song was written about his son's tragic death in an automotive accident. Our whole program was about triumph, and this was such a great way to open it. I feel truly blessed to have been able to preform such a wonderful piece under his direction.
I just wish I could hear a bit more of the first tenor in this performance. Probably just because I sang this song this past year in our university choir as a first tenor...but other than that...absolutely flawless.
I just sang this song under Dr. Theimer's direction today at the OKMEA Choral Festival in Tulsa. Once he told us of the story behind the music, I think it really resonated with everyone in the choir. On the "Alleluia"s, he only gave us one instruction; cry. It was honestly one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever had the pleasure of singing and I was nearly brought to tears on stage because of it. I am forever grateful that I had the privilege of singing this song under his direction today. I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Listening to this song on the eve of Mr. Grotenhuis's death and remembering singing it under his direction in Europe. You have done this piece VERY well. He'd have been pleased.
very beautiful...i sang this in high school in the early 90's....i know...im old. LOL. we did a GREAT job! this is so wonderful to hear. such a good job! thank you for postin this...this is my favorite choral song ever!
I got the opportunity to perform this song under the direction of Axel at Montana's All State choir. Its the most i've been moved by a single choral piece, and I think a lot of it has to do with Axel's passion and intensity. What a great piece :')
@sandswillis It certainly is a great one! Do you know the history of the work? The composer's son, hiselft a promising composer, was tragically killed in a auto accident at a young age. Prior to the memorial service the pastor read this text to the family, and Mr. Grotenhuis' wife whispered to him, "This needs to be your next anthem!" With that in mind, listen again! The work will have an even greater power!
Reminds me when I sang this anthem in Europe in the cathederals with Mr Grotenhuis directing our choir. What fond memories. Excellently done by this professional choir.
I just sang this song a few days ago at the LLMEA Choral Fesivaln here in Pennsylvania, and it was our opener. It's such a beautiful piece, and our guest conductor, Dr. Matthew Erpelding from Lebanon Valley College told us the most inspiring story about this piece. From the words and the way the song sounds, this seems like it was written by Mr. Grotenhuis about a joyous event in his life, but it's actually the contrary. This song was written about his son's tragic death in an automotive accident. Our whole program was about triumph, and this was such a great way to open it. I feel truly blessed to have been able to preform such a wonderful piece under his direction.
I just wish I could hear a bit more of the first tenor in this performance. Probably just because I sang this song this past year in our university choir as a first tenor...but other than that...absolutely flawless.
I just sang this song under Dr. Theimer's direction today at the OKMEA Choral Festival in Tulsa. Once he told us of the story behind the music, I think it really resonated with everyone in the choir. On the "Alleluia"s, he only gave us one instruction; cry. It was honestly one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever had the pleasure of singing and I was nearly brought to tears on stage because of it. I am forever grateful that I had the privilege of singing this song under his direction today. I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Listening to this song on the eve of Mr. Grotenhuis's death and remembering singing it under his direction in Europe. You have done this piece VERY well. He'd have been pleased.
very beautiful...i sang this in high school in the early 90's....i know...im old. LOL. we did a GREAT job! this is so wonderful to hear. such a good job! thank you for postin this...this is my favorite choral song ever!
I got the opportunity to perform this song under the direction of Axel at Montana's All State choir. Its the most i've been moved by a single choral piece, and I think a lot of it has to do with Axel's passion and intensity. What a great piece :')
yes..it is a great story...I love this song. bless him and his family.
Stellar performance. I love this song. I sang this in high school and we were pretty amazing if I can say so myself. You all were phenomenal!
Beautiful presentation
Thanks for putting this up. It's just wonderful, especially so, I suppose, if you know the Grotenhuises and the story.
@sandswillis It certainly is a great one! Do you know the history of the work? The composer's son, hiselft a promising composer, was tragically killed in a auto accident at a young age. Prior to the memorial service the pastor read this text to the family, and Mr. Grotenhuis' wife whispered to him, "This needs to be your next anthem!" With that in mind, listen again! The work will have an even greater power!