It was singing this hymn arrangement in Chapel Choir at Westminster Choir College in 1971 that culminated in my coming to faith in Jesus Christ. I was born again, born anew, born from above. The Wondrous Cross is indeed Wondrous.
While this composition starts quietly, there's nothing solemn in its arc. It morphs like an insect through life's changes, as its own key changes. It's a fun piece but needs an organ that has a Busby Berkeley / waterworks/ confetti stop, for the Coda. The text is , I don't want to know what Christian sect inspired it, but it's very infused with joyous blood and thorns.
This presentation was amazing. I was in tears by the end. This is an anthem with a lot of nuance. It may sound simple but it is not. The way the conductor moved the choir in each musical segment was perfect. I've conducted this piece many times and heard many bad interpretations. This one was right on. Those who want it faster will not bring out the deep emotion and feeling of the text. And for those of you who feel the conductor distracted, well, all I can say about that is that he gave his all in bringing this piece to its climatic finish. I would have held the final chord a bit longer to drive home the point piece. We must give our all to the creator of the universe and the maker of this gift of music. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Great performance. We have sung this in our excellent church choir a number of times over the years. One year we had two terrific young sopranos from the University. Our director quietly arranged for them to take the high C# on the final chord. It was stunning. I managed to lock in my E before my emotions made it impossible (I was helping the 2nd tenors). After a tiny moment of silence, our normally staid Presbyterians went sacredly bonkers.
I am inclined to disagree with the comments who stated that they thought the director was too theatrical. He is conducting a very large group of singers in a huge space. It is so hard to see the motions of the director if you aren’t real close, and the directions are too subtle. I am not good enough to sing in any group like this, and can only offer my experiences from the perspective of a church choir member. This is one of our congregation’s favorite anthems.
There is an even more beautiful version of this hymn, usually sung, although not always, by welsh male voice choirs, regrettably I do not know the name of the tune.
It is also known as "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" also, but the tune is "O Waly Waly", but it other song you can sing with "O Waly Waly" was titled "The Water is Wide".
Agreed, re speed, but I didn't see what you were referring to about theatrics. He was telling the organist when to come in, the various voices, etc. unless of course you are one of those directors whom I am just fascinated with who directs all from in front of their body and the audience can't see a single movement of his hands. That kind of directing just fascinates me. Marvin Webster Canyon Lake CA
This the slowest I’ve ever heard it. Almost tempted to watch the video at a faster speed. Not too keen on the organist’s registrations either. (and yes, I’m an organist and have done this numerous times)
It's a big piece. The tempo markings admit a wide variety of attack. Is the hall small? big? dry? echoey? How many 'voice-watts' in your ensemble, including the organ? Try to make music of this piece in St. Paul's, London? Might take more time.
We sing this to Jesus forever..."my life, my all".
It was singing this hymn arrangement in Chapel Choir at Westminster Choir College in 1971 that culminated in my coming to faith in Jesus Christ. I was born again, born anew, born from above. The Wondrous Cross is indeed Wondrous.
Omg- my Brother went to a Summer Workshop at that time there- Never forgot the impact of this beautiful piece!
Do you happen to know or remember Marvin Burke from Westminster CC?
Very beautiful and tribute to ALMIGHTY GOD AND JESUS CHRIST
Praise the Lord God Almighty who reigns forevermore. Thank you Jesus fort the cross.
GOD BLESS ALL HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT CULTURE.
We used to perform this at Howard University Chapel. I had to look up who this choir is!!! they made me cry! Wow...Shawnee Mission...incredible!!!
I love the solemnity ......The beauty of praising God remains unequalled.
While this composition starts quietly, there's nothing solemn in its arc.
It morphs like an insect through life's changes, as its own key changes.
It's a fun piece but needs an organ that has a
Busby Berkeley / waterworks/ confetti stop, for the Coda.
The text is , I don't want to know what Christian sect inspired it,
but it's very infused with joyous
blood and thorns.
Stiĺl in my memory , while learning classic organ from an organ teacher in cim , I was encouraged to play this hymn o n sunday worship on organ ....
Wow! Just wow!!! ❤
Flawless! Beautiful!
The most powerful arrangements of this hymn I have ever heard...both vocal and instrumental. Bravo!
God bless you guys for this good music, wonderful arrangement. Shalom
This presentation was amazing. I was in tears by the end. This is an anthem with a lot of nuance. It may sound simple but it is not. The way the conductor moved the choir in each musical segment was perfect. I've conducted this piece many times and heard many bad interpretations. This one was right on. Those who want it faster will not bring out the deep emotion and feeling of the text. And for those of you who feel the conductor distracted, well, all I can say about that is that he gave his all in bringing this piece to its climatic finish. I would have held the final chord a bit longer to drive home the point piece. We must give our all to the creator of the universe and the maker of this gift of music. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Great performance. We have sung this in our excellent church choir a number of times over the years. One year we had two terrific young sopranos from the University. Our director quietly arranged for them to take the high C# on the final chord. It was stunning. I managed to lock in my E before my emotions made it impossible (I was helping the 2nd tenors). After a tiny moment of silence, our normally staid Presbyterians went sacredly bonkers.
I agree. I've also conducted (and sang) this piece numerous times. Love his interpretation. Of course, the choir ain't bad either.
Stupendous! Wonderful performance!! xoxo
Muito lindo , Deus está presente e seus anjos da para sentir na melodia a forte adoração a Deus todo poderoso.
Amen et Amen !
I am inclined to disagree with the comments who stated that they thought the director was too theatrical. He is conducting a very large group of singers in a huge space. It is so hard to see the motions of the director if you aren’t real close, and the directions are too subtle. I am not good enough to sing in any group like this, and can only offer my experiences from the perspective of a church choir member. This is one of our congregation’s favorite anthems.
Such a beautiful and Truthful hymn demands my "all" . This includes my ecstatic joy from this TRUTH of Christ's victory for us!!!
Now, that's how to sing a hymn! My God!
AND, that's how to arrange a hymn. THANK YOU, Gilbert M. Martin!
Amen!
The diction is wonderfully clear.
I hope the original posters of this will put the lyrics/text "up top",
for absolute clarity.
Absolutely wonderful presentation. Thank you for sharing this.
Brilliant every word expressed well done conductor Thankyou
Beautiful !
Amen!
I’m in this vid!! Loved this experience 👍🏼
Wow, I was a part of this and it sounded so good!
Hey can I get the score for this?
❤🎉❤
Who is it on the Pipe Organ? Beautiful...lovely!!!
Traditional tune to this song.
There is an even more beautiful version of this hymn, usually sung, although not always, by welsh male voice choirs, regrettably I do not know the name of the tune.
It is also known as "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" also, but the tune is "O Waly Waly", but it other song you can sing with "O Waly Waly" was titled "The Water is Wide".
@@74Spirit1 The tune is HAMBURG - not O Waly Waly
@@GoBlue79 tell that to my hymnal
5:37
0:34
Someone always coughs...
I do it faster, but that's just personal taste. However, the theatrics of the conductor were a bit over the top.
Agreed, re speed, but I didn't see what you were referring to about theatrics. He was telling the organist when to come in, the various voices, etc. unless of course you are one of those directors whom I am just fascinated with who directs all from in front of their body and the audience can't see a single movement of his hands. That kind of directing just fascinates me. Marvin Webster Canyon Lake CA
Agreed.
@@62102mwret knygguh lover!
This the slowest I’ve ever heard it. Almost tempted to watch the video at a faster speed. Not too keen on the organist’s registrations either. (and yes, I’m an organist and have done this numerous times)
@@anb740 i agree on the organ.....way too much at beginning and likely too much 2'... wonder if it was necessary for the size of the group?
You can’t say the conductor didn’t try to pick up the tempo. Organist was in her own little world…
The conductor is ridiculous.
Too slow. Shouldn’t take more than 4 minutes, 50 seconds at most.
It's a big piece. The tempo markings admit a wide variety of attack.
Is the hall small? big? dry? echoey? How many 'voice-watts' in your ensemble, including the organ?
Try to make music of this piece in St. Paul's, London? Might take more time.
2:24
1:45
2:49
3:21