I've been revisiting this video for more than a decade and I have never come across a more profound example of the 4-part vocal harmony. This rendition of the song has reduced me to tears many times - not because of the subject matter, but because it thrills my soul to know human beings are capable of achieving something so beautiful.
I miss hearing my father singing, he was a baritone. I think having these videos allows people to enjoy barbershop and promotes the whole concept. There is nothing like hearing a quartet live on stage.
So many singers and performers can learn so much from the Barbershop world. Look at their posturing, their movements. All synchronized. It's like a dance. This is why they are champions and still going strong...minus Jeff Oxley though. Awesome song! I've sang this one in many quartets during rehearsal breaks!
i hate it when people like some of those below say such things about beautiful things. i know the lullaby and i think acoustix made it all the move lovely adding that amazing harmony. we all need to just relax and enjoy those chords :)
sweetielenie, my favourite lullaby is 'everything possible' by fred small. I'm just glad it's posted on youtube in anyone's interpretation, and that the lyrics are out there for other people to reinterpret. Formal training kinda sucks if what it teaches you is 'diss people who don't do it the way you like it - regardless of hours spent, and tears shed'. Would you ask a class 'who's the best musician of all time' and mark down anyone who said 'mozart' instead of 'beethoven'? Surely not!
Fantastic sound, great quartet, if I could be as half as good as a Bass, I'd be doing very well and my quartet members would love me even more, Here's hoping !!!
Awesome. Love the arrangement. This sounds awesome on their CD too (minus the hum). I especially enjoy the self-satisfied look on the face of the bass when he hits the really low notes. lol
My dad sang with the barbershoppers back when they were the SPEBSQSA. (Society for the preservation and encouragement of barbershop quartet singing in America). He was the lead in a barbershop chorus.
there is a different kind of "buzz" between the bass and bari than in other quartets. are they singing it a certain way? like not just in just intonation, but like their vowel sounds?
@recquilt I agree. I heard this song sung by this group around 10 years ago and never knew the name of the group. I thought about the song today and decided to try and find it online. I would have never found this quartet if it wasn't for TH-cam.
@Nasarota dude, your grandpa is a BOSS. some friends of mine are singing this song (and arrangement) for fun, and i'm singing lead. fact: i cannot sing it like he can. kudos to you and your lineage.
As someone who is as well formally trained in music, then you were taught that your personal opinion of the way a piece is performed really doesn't count in the scheme of music. Though you may diagree with their interpretation of the piece, thier version was sung flawlessly and with heart. I am quite sure they were trying to honor heritage, not disgrace it.
I just joined the BHS (SPEBSQSA), and think that there needs to be a LOT more videos up. I can understand copyright, but sometimes it is taken a bit too far. Attracting new members should be a priority, but removing some of the great videos that could actually get people interested is counterproductive.
You mean that BBS society that one was known as SPEBSQSA? What seems to be missing is "quartet" and "encouragement". Acoustix is an exceptional exception!
@TempestTenor for a video like that is out of print (and in most other cases), BHS holds the rights. They just want to post them at their own discretion which they have every right to do, although I wish they would put some older stuff on here.
The Barbershop Harmony Society made me take down about 20 competition video clips claiming copyright infringement even though these videos are out of print. You would think that presenting good barbershop quartet singing on youtube would be advantageous to the organization.
@PuYanHui Anyone who refers to the King's Singers as a barbershop group obviously isn't a barbershop person. King's Singers can't be beaten, but they most definitely aren't barbershop.
yea, BHS, really needs to reconsider the fact that not enough people really get to hear "good"-"amazing" singers because of their policies. They need to bite their pride and let it go cause more people will see it and join (raising due numbers). I also don't think quartets who want to sell CDS would mind. Otherwise we only have 10 good videos vs. 1,000 meh vids
@recquilt Dammit, stop making BHS out to be the bad guy. The Society gets in trouble if the rights holders find these videos. These videos are great for perpetuation of the hobby...don't you think that the Society would want them posted if they had a choice?
Not to sound rude, but who do you think you are. It's a song, and all songs are open to interpretation. Notice when they sing the part of the song that represents the lullaby, they sing it quite soft. If you find a reason to be offended at this, then you are looking to be offended by anything. Get over yourself, and just enjoy a song well sung.
Welcome to the new Society, pal. It's all about money and what they are entitled to. If there was ever a time in their history that they need exposure and to get the word out about 4-part harmony. Better get a good lawyer! LOL Try to find the 1952 Champs'(The 4 Teens) version of this. Not only will you hear it sung the way it should be, but also the correct words. Play this for an Irishman in Ireland and watch their expression! Hardy har har.
Firstly, commercialized barbershop is an oxymoron. Secondly, there is no "right way" to perform a piece of music. If your "formal training" hasn't taught you that, you need to ask for your money back. Get over yourself. As a proud musician, you've successfully butchered the music profession.
I've been revisiting this video for more than a decade and I have never come across a more profound example of the 4-part vocal harmony. This rendition of the song has reduced me to tears many times - not because of the subject matter, but because it thrills my soul to know human beings are capable of achieving something so beautiful.
Jeffs bass went darker and darker over the six years in Acoustix.
And in MaxQ he sings completley lightly. What an awesome musician!
Even copied from a VHS tape, even after all this time, the Acoustix singing this song brings tears to my eyes.
I miss hearing my father singing, he was a baritone. I think having these videos allows people to enjoy barbershop and promotes the whole concept. There is nothing like hearing a quartet live on stage.
That 15 second note is insane!! I love this group. They definitely compliment each other's voices perfectly.
Rick (lead) absolutely killed it in this performance!
this is a great song and a great arrangement sung by great singers. this video gives me goosebumps everytime i watch it lol
TOTALLY GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS!!! have you notice the tenor part got lower on the last chord...AMAZING THOUGH!!!
So many singers and performers can learn so much from the Barbershop world. Look at their posturing, their movements. All synchronized. It's like a dance. This is why they are champions and still going strong...minus Jeff Oxley though.
Awesome song! I've sang this one in many quartets during rehearsal breaks!
The confidence on his face when he knows he's about to nail the low note...
i hate it when people like some of those below say such things about beautiful things. i know the lullaby and i think acoustix made it all the move lovely adding that amazing harmony. we all need to just relax and enjoy those chords :)
I still get goose bumps wathcing this. Amazing!
LOVE LOVE LOVE my momma sang me this all my life, I wish she still could (,:
Saw these guys at the Convention in Harrogate a number of years ago, they are amazing!!
sweetielenie, my favourite lullaby is 'everything possible' by fred small. I'm just glad it's posted on youtube in anyone's interpretation, and that the lyrics are out there for other people to reinterpret.
Formal training kinda sucks if what it teaches you is 'diss people who don't do it the way you like it - regardless of hours spent, and tears shed'.
Would you ask a class 'who's the best musician of all time' and mark down anyone who said 'mozart' instead of 'beethoven'? Surely not!
Fantastic sound, great quartet, if I could be as half as good as a Bass, I'd be doing very well and my quartet members would love me even more, Here's hoping !!!
Awesome. Love the arrangement. This sounds awesome on their CD too (minus the hum). I especially enjoy the self-satisfied look on the face of the bass when he hits the really low notes. lol
This has such a great tag.
Wow! Naturally I love the bass, but the lead...awesome! Especially the final dipthong
It doesn't get much better than this!!!
wow. incredible. actually held my breathe towards the end it was so intense!
My dad sang with the barbershoppers back when they were the SPEBSQSA. (Society for the preservation and encouragement of barbershop quartet singing in America). He was the lead in a barbershop chorus.
Beautiful stuff. But do they need to look like they are forcing a bowel movement when tehy sing?
there is a different kind of "buzz" between the bass and bari than in other quartets. are they singing it a certain way? like not just in just intonation, but like their vowel sounds?
2:27, the low Note of Oxley. Fantastix!
@recquilt I agree. I heard this song sung by this group around 10 years ago and never knew the name of the group. I thought about the song today and decided to try and find it online. I would have never found this quartet if it wasn't for TH-cam.
@Nasarota dude, your grandpa is a BOSS. some friends of mine are singing this song (and arrangement) for fun, and i'm singing lead.
fact: i cannot sing it like he can. kudos to you and your lineage.
totally amazing! great job!
this is the best of both worlds: an Irish lullaby being sung by a barbershop quartet
Isn't the guy to the left the tenor?
Because his note is higher than the little guy with the glasses(he is the lead right?)
hmm.. i love it, so intense!
@MJkate yeah, its Jeff Oxley, he is also the co-director of Vocal Majority, in Dallas, Tx. Very talented.
Didn't the original song end with "that's an Irish Lullaby"? Never heard "until the day I die" before. Another problem with modern barbershop.
Some mighty fine singing! Now if you can add a 60 cycle filter to get rid of the hum......
I have a copy, but can't copy it. The arrangement is by Ed Waesche.
Irish make the best occidental folk music.
I Love this redition...and isn't it interesting that people who are negative dont even have a video on here...hmmmm.
@recquilt what would happen if you re-tried to upload them?
Is Acoustix still together even though Rick and Joel are in Glory Days? Or is this new quartet just a little something on the side?
As someone who is as well formally trained in music, then you were taught that your personal opinion of the way a piece is performed really doesn't count in the scheme of music. Though you may diagree with their interpretation of the piece, thier version was sung flawlessly and with heart. I am quite sure they were trying to honor heritage, not disgrace it.
I just joined the BHS (SPEBSQSA), and think that there needs to be a LOT more videos up. I can understand copyright, but sometimes it is taken a bit too far. Attracting new members should be a priority, but removing some of the great videos that could actually get people interested is counterproductive.
do you know how i can get the music to this?
You mean that BBS society that one was known as SPEBSQSA? What seems to be missing is "quartet" and "encouragement". Acoustix is an exceptional exception!
Any one knows how long this was ago?
@TempestTenor for a video like that is out of print (and in most other cases), BHS holds the rights. They just want to post them at their own discretion which they have every right to do, although I wish they would put some older stuff on here.
are they really?
@recquilt They probably were hoping try to sell all 7 of the DVD's they made. lol
@recquilt NO its not... He has been with Acoustix since they 1st started seeing...
The Barbershop Harmony Society made me take down about 20 competition video clips claiming copyright infringement even though these videos are out of print. You would think that presenting good barbershop quartet singing on youtube would be advantageous to the organization.
What a bunch!
@MJkate NO its not... He has been with Acoustix since they 1st started seeing...
Lol, they sang in the key of the background noice
Who have you heard that is much better? No I'm serious, I want to hear it! :)
This isn't their best recording but damn, these guys have it down!
Is there a women's barbershop arrangement of this?
Probably so Karen. Check with your society
Probably so Karen. Check with your society
Too bad there is an "old recording" hum in the video..
I love this song.
@PuYanHui Anyone who refers to the King's Singers as a barbershop group obviously isn't a barbershop person. King's Singers can't be beaten, but they most definitely aren't barbershop.
yea, BHS, really needs to reconsider the fact that not enough people really get to hear "good"-"amazing" singers because of their policies. They need to bite their pride and let it go cause more people will see it and join (raising due numbers). I also don't think quartets who want to sell CDS would mind. Otherwise we only have 10 good videos vs. 1,000 meh vids
Sweet!
When was this recorded?
Some time in the 90's. Acoustix won the quartet contest in 1990 on their first time competing.
I'd say the Kings Singers were better. Also Tallis Scholars. But these guys are awesome especially in this genre
1992
@recquilt Dammit, stop making BHS out to be the bad guy. The Society gets in trouble if the rights holders find these videos. These videos are great for perpetuation of the hobby...don't you think that the Society would want them posted if they had a choice?
my grandpa is the lead Rick Middaugh im Matt Middaugh
Not to sound rude, but who do you think you are. It's a song, and all songs are open to interpretation. Notice when they sing the part of the song that represents the lullaby, they sing it quite soft. If you find a reason to be offended at this, then you are looking to be offended by anything.
Get over yourself, and just enjoy a song well sung.
YES IT IS
@Shnuz: PuYanHui named a few already. It's ok
Anyone else think the lead looks like Rick Moranis?
Welcome to the new Society, pal. It's all about money and what they are entitled to. If there was ever a time in their history that they need exposure and to get the word out about 4-part harmony. Better get a good lawyer! LOL Try to find the 1952 Champs'(The 4 Teens) version of this. Not only will you hear it sung the way it should be, but also the correct words. Play this for an Irishman in Ireland and watch their expression! Hardy har har.
I've heard much better. but this is still nice
Firstly, commercialized barbershop is an oxymoron.
Secondly, there is no "right way" to perform a piece of music. If your "formal training" hasn't taught you that, you need to ask for your money back. Get over yourself. As a proud musician, you've successfully butchered the music profession.