This was recorded February 21, 2020, on the spur of the moment after walking into the basilica for the first time in preparation for a concert that evening. I attended the concert that evening, and it was beyond glorious. While they did not perform the Tchesnokoff that evening, the concert had several moments that gave the same vibe. They opened with a processional, starting in the back of the sanctuary, then processed to the middle (about where the camera was set up in the video), sang, then moved onto the chancel area. Divine way to start a performance. They are going to be back there October 20, 2023, but sadly cannot attend.
How absolutely beautiful that was😌💜. Incredible voices again! And ofcourse the acoustic and beautiful surroundings in the Cathedral Basilica of St Louis …. wauw! I really appreciate these Sunday Classicals - thank you so much 💜🤗.
Thanks! I love the range of music you react to. I'm a Band-Maid fan in rock, but also a huge fan of classical. VOCES8 is one of the best choral ensembles in the world IMO. They do work extremely hard on vocal technique and blend. They're very involved in choral education in the UK, but also abroad. There has been some turnover, but not a whole lot. They formed in 2005, so still relatively fresh in the choral world.
Stunning performance and soundscape!! VOCES8 deliver bliss, yet again. The compliment of singers has changed over the years since 2005. Of course there has been overlapping of 'residency'. Thank you for this loveliness on a Sunday morning. Your reaction video seems to have you sitting in one of the first row of pews in the cathedral.
I do watch some of the Sunday classical videos you put out, but don't usually comment because it's so far out of what I normally listen to that I don't have anything to say about it other than it's beautiful music and sounds great.
I love your reactions to their singing. I first heard them about three years ago and the soprano voices 'hit me between the eyes'. I've followed them ever since, even comparing them to other groups, never finding better.
Thank you so much Richard “Voces1” Todd! I am very excited that someone else is putting in classical music that everyone should have the opportunity to hear. I had not heard that Voces8 performance before, and it blew me away! I hope you share more with us soon. Kindest regards, Brian (The Conductor)
Just spent a whole week with this glorious bunch in Milton Abbey, and Barney explained that they work A LOT on equalizing their timbre, BUT they sometimes use various other „blend patterns“, depending on what‘s needed. E.g., in a Bach chorale they would use more of their soloist colors, which would intentionally mark the singers apart. It‘s the only acappella group worldwide (that I know of) that can actually do such switches in sound pattern on the spur of the moment. Absolutely mindblowing 🤯
Voces 8 was founded in 2005 by brothers Barnaby and Paul Smith. Barnaby still sings with the group, counter tenor, and Paul is the leader of the VOCES8 Foundation, encouraging singers everywhere. This video was done in 2020. 2 of the performers in the video have left the group. Singers come and go, but the beautiful sound of VOCES8 continues.
Appreciate your insight and reaction to this Jeff. You should check out the more contemporary Eric Whitacre stuff by Voces8, "A Boy and a Girl" and "Sleep" . And their version of "Finlandia" too, you'll enjoy that immensely. Keep going, you'll be happy you did!!😀
"This is such a haunting melody and marvelously performed. As for the sadness in this song: Pavel Chesnokov wrote this hymn shortly before the 1917 Communist Revolution in Russia. Immediately afterwards, the communist government banned the production of sacred music and forced religious composers such as Chesnokov to compose purely secular music. In 1931, the communist government dynamited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (whose last choir master was Chesnokov), an event that so traumatized him that he stopped writing music all together. In 1944, Pavel Chesnokov would die of starvation while standing in a bread line, 30 years denied the Eucharist and having never heard his own hymn sung." I have copied this from a comment on the Voces 8 web site as i could not have said it better. It explains so much about this music. There are several things I wish to mention; this recording is from a rehearsal, not a performance. That explains the performers casual dress. I believe the microphones are behind the singers. Please note that this, as are most of Voces 8 performances, is being done from memory. One seldom mentioned point about Voces 8 is their incredible volume of work. If you go to TH-cam and search Voces 8, the list goes on and on
There is a larger group (reservoir) from where they can draw replacements if necessary. There are a 'solid' 8 singers, and a few changes have been made. A replacement soprano, tenor, and lately a bass. The first soprano, countertenor, and alto remain (the alto was missing from this recording.) They are worthy of your comments. Tony Watson.
I mean there aren't many songs they do that fail to completely wreck me into slobbering mush .... simply because, as you've said ... they do pitch and harmonic tones correctly on so many levels at once it really changes a performance into a musical experience ..... yes if you watch some of their practice sessions they work intensely on the fine tuning of harmonics The only thing about this recording that sounded weird was the contra tenor started ringing (a recording distortion) on some high notes ..... They have rotated a few of their members but for a half that are the core group .....
@theironherder: naah, I think you got something quite wrong actually..😅. In the real “a capella business”, e.g. in the sector of classical music, the absence of microphones absolutely does NOT mean lip-synching, but means that those guys perfoming just “got it”. They are professionals, incredibly well trained and skilful, and they are in fact able to fill a big place like a cathedral or an opera house with about 2.000 seats just with their throats. A thing, many people today are no longer used to, as they might not be going to classical music performances. Most likely, there had been just one (of course high class) stereo-microphone placed at about 20-30 metres away from them to record it. No post production, no auto tune, no nothing. Of course the acoustics of such venues does also help. Having been to several concerts of voces8, I can assure you, they DO sound like that live in concert - even better. Just their mouths, bodies and an incredible amount of brains involved… 😅
that was nice. if you are looking for some phenomenal artist in a live setting like an opera house, probably stripped down to a very very minimalistic setting of a marimba and a voice, you could listen to anna von hausswolff singing "they hoped for a name/delta sleep". the music is written by mikael karlsson for the royal swedish ballet, a midsummernights dream. she is one of my top favourit artists because her work is all so different. she is influenced by bands like black sabbath, but growing a whole different branch of post metal music. in this setting here you can hear her classical side. if a nine-minute-track is too long, "how many more of these?" would do it as well. th-cam.com/video/ye5UBJ8iVFM/w-d-xo.html
There has beem some turnover, 2, maybe 3 people. I do have a question about the recording, in that I didn't see any microphones. In the a capella business, the absence of microphoones usually means that the singers are lip-synching. But if that were true that would perhaps indicate that they recorded in the basilica once with all the requisite equipment to capture the acoustics, then removed the equipment for the lip-synched video. Or ???
naah, I think you got something quite wrong actually..😅. In the real “a capella business”, e.g. in the sector of classical music, the absence of microphones absolutely does NOT mean lip-synching, but means that those guys perfoming just “got it”. They are professionals, incredibly well trained and skilful, and they are in fact able to fill a big place like a cathedral or an opera house with about 2.000 seats just with their throats. A thing, many people today are no longer used to, as they might not be going to classical music performances. Most likely, there had been just one (of course high class) stereo-microphone placed at about 20-30 metres away from them to record it. No post production, no auto tune, no nothing. Of course the acoustics of such venues does also help. Having been to several concerts of voces8, I can assure you, they DO sound like that live in concert - even better. Just their mouths, bodies and an incredible amount of brains involved… 😅
This was recorded February 21, 2020, on the spur of the moment after walking into the basilica for the first time in preparation for a concert that evening. I attended the concert that evening, and it was beyond glorious. While they did not perform the Tchesnokoff that evening, the concert had several moments that gave the same vibe. They opened with a processional, starting in the back of the sanctuary, then processed to the middle (about where the camera was set up in the video), sang, then moved onto the chancel area. Divine way to start a performance. They are going to be back there October 20, 2023, but sadly cannot attend.
That you for sharing that Robert! 😊😊😊
Wow, just incredible. Thanks for sharing!
How absolutely beautiful that was😌💜. Incredible voices again! And ofcourse the acoustic and beautiful surroundings in the Cathedral Basilica of St Louis …. wauw! I really appreciate these Sunday Classicals - thank you so much 💜🤗.
Thanks! I love the range of music you react to. I'm a Band-Maid fan in rock, but also a huge fan of classical. VOCES8 is one of the best choral ensembles in the world IMO. They do work extremely hard on vocal technique and blend. They're very involved in choral education in the UK, but also abroad. There has been some turnover, but not a whole lot. They formed in 2005, so still relatively fresh in the choral world.
Stunning performance and soundscape!! VOCES8 deliver bliss, yet again. The compliment of singers has changed over the years since 2005. Of course there has been overlapping of 'residency'. Thank you for this loveliness on a Sunday morning. Your reaction video seems to have you sitting in one of the first row of pews in the cathedral.
Amazing performance. Awe-inspiring and you enhanced the experience!
Lovely stuff mate, absolutely stunning! ✨👌🏼
Heavenly bro!
One of the most beautiful pieces sung by my favourite choir. I’m in heaven. (glissando!)
🥹so good
Love it! What I didn’t know I needed ❤
I do watch some of the Sunday classical videos you put out, but don't usually comment because it's so far out of what I normally listen to that I don't have anything to say about it other than it's beautiful music and sounds great.
Totally understandable. I love exposing people to music they wouldn’t normally listen too!
I love your reactions to their singing. I first heard them about three years ago and the soprano voices 'hit me between the eyes'. I've followed them ever since, even comparing them to other groups, never finding better.
Thank you so much Richard “Voces1” Todd! I am very excited that someone else is putting in classical music that everyone should have the opportunity to hear. I had not heard that Voces8 performance before, and it blew me away! I hope you share more with us soon.
Kindest regards,
Brian (The Conductor)
👏👏👏🫶
Just spent a whole week with this glorious bunch in Milton Abbey, and Barney explained that they work A LOT on equalizing their timbre, BUT they sometimes use various other „blend patterns“, depending on what‘s needed. E.g., in a Bach chorale they would use more of their soloist colors, which would intentionally mark the singers apart. It‘s the only acappella group worldwide (that I know of) that can actually do such switches in sound pattern on the spur of the moment. Absolutely mindblowing 🤯
Voces 8 was founded in 2005 by brothers Barnaby and Paul Smith. Barnaby still sings with the group, counter tenor, and Paul is the leader of the VOCES8 Foundation, encouraging singers everywhere. This video was done in 2020. 2 of the performers in the video have left the group. Singers come and go, but the beautiful sound of VOCES8 continues.
Breathtakingly beautiful! Wow ❤
Appreciate your insight and reaction to this Jeff. You should check out the more contemporary Eric Whitacre stuff by Voces8, "A Boy and a Girl" and "Sleep" . And their version of "Finlandia" too, you'll enjoy that immensely. Keep going, you'll be happy you did!!😀
Listening almost makes us feel like we have wings. If I didn't know me any better, I'd say it almost makes me feel like an angel!... Thanks
Added to my last comment is a two-track recording. The first is "Ne Irascaris Domine" followed by "Civitas Fanti Tui". Tony Watson.
"This is such a haunting melody and marvelously performed. As for the sadness in this song: Pavel Chesnokov wrote this hymn shortly before the 1917 Communist Revolution in Russia. Immediately afterwards, the communist government banned the production of sacred music and forced religious composers such as Chesnokov to compose purely secular music. In 1931, the communist government dynamited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (whose last choir master was Chesnokov), an event that so traumatized him that he stopped writing music all together.
In 1944, Pavel Chesnokov would die of starvation while standing in a bread line, 30 years denied the Eucharist and having never heard his own hymn sung."
I have copied this from a comment on the Voces 8 web site as i could not have said it better. It explains so much about this music. There are several things I wish to mention; this recording is from a rehearsal, not a performance. That explains the performers casual dress. I believe the microphones are behind the singers. Please note that this, as are most of Voces 8 performances, is being done from memory. One seldom mentioned point about Voces 8 is their incredible volume of work. If you go to TH-cam and search Voces 8, the list goes on and on
There is a larger group (reservoir) from where they can draw replacements if necessary. There are a 'solid' 8 singers, and a few changes have been made. A replacement soprano, tenor, and lately a bass. The first soprano, countertenor, and alto remain (the alto was missing from this recording.) They are worthy of your comments. Tony Watson.
Just as beautiful is "Bogoroditse Devo" performed by Voces 8. High soprano. Spellbinding.
Musician/Producer Reacts to "Bogoroditse Devo" by Rachmaninoff performed by VOCES8
th-cam.com/video/YuRkAwqkCT0/w-d-xo.html
Voces8 is also incredible at fast pace songs such as 'Buccinate in Neomenia Tuba', that would be an great video to review.
8:05 I too have another Voces8 one for ya dude 😂
Oh ya man got it! I have gotten 3 from 3 different viewers hahaha. Love it!
@@StrateleStudios Oh wow, they’re really getting their foot in, aren’t they?! 😂👀
@@wilksy2008 🤣
I mean there aren't many songs they do that fail to completely wreck me into slobbering mush .... simply because, as you've said ... they do pitch and harmonic tones correctly on so many levels at once it really changes a performance into a musical experience ..... yes if you watch some of their practice sessions they work intensely on the fine tuning of harmonics
The only thing about this recording that sounded weird was the contra tenor started ringing (a recording distortion) on some high notes .....
They have rotated a few of their members but for a half that are the core group .....
Barber: Agnus Dei is also a must listen but bring your Kleenex for that one
@theironherder:
naah, I think you got something quite wrong actually..😅. In the real “a capella business”, e.g. in the sector of classical music, the absence of microphones absolutely does NOT mean lip-synching, but means that those guys perfoming just “got it”. They are professionals, incredibly well trained and skilful, and they are in fact able to fill a big place like a cathedral or an opera house with about 2.000 seats just with their throats.
A thing, many people today are no longer used to, as they might not be going to classical music performances.
Most likely, there had been just one (of course high class) stereo-microphone placed at about 20-30 metres away from them to record it. No post production, no auto tune, no nothing. Of course the acoustics of such venues does also help.
Having been to several concerts of voces8, I can assure you, they DO sound like that live in concert - even better.
Just their mouths, bodies and an incredible amount of brains involved… 😅
that was nice.
if you are looking for some phenomenal artist in a live setting like an opera house, probably stripped down to a very very minimalistic setting of a marimba and a voice, you could listen to anna von hausswolff singing "they hoped for a name/delta sleep". the music is written by mikael karlsson for the royal swedish ballet, a midsummernights dream. she is one of my top favourit artists because her work is all so different. she is influenced by bands like black sabbath, but growing a whole different branch of post metal music. in this setting here you can hear her classical side. if a nine-minute-track is too long, "how many more of these?" would do it as well.
th-cam.com/video/ye5UBJ8iVFM/w-d-xo.html
There has beem some turnover, 2, maybe 3 people. I do have a question about the recording, in that I didn't see any microphones. In the a capella business, the absence of microphoones usually means that the singers are lip-synching. But if that were true that would perhaps indicate that they recorded in the basilica once with all the requisite equipment to capture the acoustics, then removed the equipment for the lip-synched video. Or ???
naah, I think you got something quite wrong actually..😅. In the real “a capella business”, e.g. in the sector of classical music, the absence of microphones absolutely does NOT mean lip-synching, but means that those guys perfoming just “got it”.
They are professionals, incredibly well trained and skilful, and they are in fact able to fill a big place like a cathedral or an opera house with about 2.000 seats just with their throats. A thing, many people today are no longer used to, as they might not be going to classical music performances.
Most likely, there had been just one (of course high class) stereo-microphone placed at about 20-30 metres away from them to record it. No post production, no auto tune, no nothing. Of course the acoustics of such venues does also help. Having been to several concerts of voces8, I can assure you, they DO sound like that live in concert - even better. Just their mouths, bodies and an incredible amount of brains involved… 😅