VOCES8: This Is My Song (Finlandia) - Jean Sibelius arr. Blake Morgan
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 เม.ย. 2021
- VOCES8 performs 'This Is My Song' to the tune of Finlandia by Jean Sibelius, arranged here by VOCES8 tenor, Blake Morgan.
TEXT
Vv1&2 by Lloyd Stone, v.3 Blake Morgan
This is my song, O God of all the nations,
A song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is,
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine.
But other hearts in other lands are beating,
With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean,
And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too, and clover,
And skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
*This is my song, O God of all the nations,
A song of peace for their land and for mine.
So let us raise this melody together,
Beneath the stars that guide us through the night;
If we choose love, each storm we’ll learn to weather,
Until true peace and harmony we find,
This is our song, a hymn we raise together;
A dream of peace, uniting humankind.
*modified from Stone’s original poetry - บันเทิง
Some of my favorite harmonies
Everything these guys touch is top of the line. Remarkable, one end to the other.
Voces8 - the most beautiful choir I’ve ever heard.
I am the grandson of a Finnish fisherman who emigrated to America with his family. I am in years of honor as I hear this.
I am the grandson of a Finnish fisherman. I just heard this. ❤️
You're great
❤
Absolutely beautifully done…another goosebump moment from VOCES 8! My late husband was born 6/26/1945 in Helsinki, Finland. He & his parents immigrated to (eventually) Windsor, Ontario. He was very proud of his roots in Finland. My father was a vocal music teacher in Royal Oak (just outside Detroit), Michigan. I remember as a child hearing his high school choir sing this song at their Spring Concert & thinking (as quite a young child) what an absolutely gorgeous song Sibelius had written. Well, many years later, on 6/26/2009 (the day after Michael Jackson had died) I had arranged to have this song played by the pianist as we left the Chapel on our Wedding Day. 2 weeks later my husband would go into surgery to have part of one kidney removed. We thought we had made it through “the difficult part”. But then on 3/8/2020 (at the very beginning of Covid) “they” found the Cancer had had time to spread to both lungs & his brain. So began our very slow downward spiral to his death date-08/29/2022. And we thought that “we had beaten it” only to find out that “we” indeed hadn’t beaten “it”.
So this song will forever remind me of my Finlandian love 💕.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you and he had such a strong relationship to this song.
I am sorry for your loss. This song pays such a tribute on so many levels. Peace be with you.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful story and feelings.
That's so sad, I'm so sorry for your loss ❤
A great Irish choir singing for love of the world . Peace is what we desperately need.
English , actually plus one American and one Scottsman.
For those that don’t know, the song is a Finnish patriotic hymn that was commonly censored by the Russian government. It was performed under aliases or embedded in other works. Often times when the melody of this tune would appear in orchestra settings, Finnish citizens in the audience would stand up and sing the words together, in defiance of their occupation.
I knew it was beautiful, and have loved it and felt the sentiment, but I did not know this history. Thank you. I am glad your beautiful country has its independence.
Composed by Jean Sibeius, one of my favorite composers of all time
Thanks for this interesting background information
Thank you for that information; I have always thought of Finlandia as the national anthem of Finland, and also as the tune for a hymn in my Lutheran Church ("We would be building, temples still undone, or crumbling walls.........") And I first remember playing Sibelius' Suite in high school band in the late 50's or early 60's.
An interesting story, thank you! One small correction: Finland was not occupated by the Russian Empire back then. Even vice-versa, Finns got autonomy and basis for future State.
When the Russian Empire faught with Sweden, Finland did not exist as a separate state at all. And when Russia won, it took part of Swedish terrority according to the peace agreement - this part was where Finns lived. And under Russian Empire, Finns got so much autonomy that they have never had under Swedes, they were the most autonomous part of the Russian Empire back then), called the Grand Duchy of Finland. And this was the predecessor of an independent Finland nowadays.
The above said doesn't cancel what you've told about some repressive actions at early 1900-s, this was a wrong intention from the Russian Government back then... But, as an upside, it raised the sense of Finnish identity, eventually.
I'm not the most eloquent of a person, but this all is well-described in Wikipedia for those who are interested :)
And it is really great to see what a beautiful, peaceful and prosperous countly Finland has become!
I'm glad it's now independent :)
The hundredth time listening to this will be the best.
Nur mit 8 Stimmen solch eine wohltuende Vibration zu erzeugen, DAS ist wahre Kunst! Gleichzusetzen mit den großartigen Pentatonix! DANKE!
These voices are the perfection of the human voices in song…….they bring tears to my eyes……and goosebumps to my skin.
Fun Fact: After the 9/11 attacks, a service was soon held in the National Cathedral. This song was the centerpiece.
Which nation?
As a Swede, a neighbour to Finland, I just can welcome and love this interpretation. In our times, when all is changing, I also remember old times, when all was changing. This changing is not a new thing. When Sibelius wrote this, Finland also had difficult times. So music perhaps make us remember our history, and our long journey to democracy.
PS This theme we can also hear in Sibelius Finlandia. DS
@@EpicElephant111 Ja du har rätt! Och vi svenskar har inte alltid behandlat er som ett broderfolk. Men det faktum att vi i dag betraktar Sibelius som nordens största kompositör kan kanske i viss mån sona vår skuld. Den att vi inte ställde upp i vinterkriget, inte heller i fortsättningskriget. Finland har gått igenom en historia som präglat er, och som vi svenskar har varit förskonade från.
Beauty and truth never change.
Perfekcyjne wykonanie !!!Nie wiem ,ktorego glosu sluchac,bo kazdy z nich ma fenomenalną barwę !!!Cudownie zgrane ze sobą ,wszystko dobrze współbrzmi,jest idealnie dopasowane.Dla mnie Fantastyczne !!!Dziękuję 💚
Finlandia is used for the one of the greatest hymns - Be still my soul! I am a Finn/Swede and so love my heritage. Sibelius composed Finlandia and my great Grandfather is in the Sibelius museum "Bagg - Matt" Matts Lindbäck for playing the violin.
This is a hymn for the whole world. The heartfelt praise for the own country and at the same time recognition that other peoples feel that way too.
"... and we don't want to be above or below other peoples ..."
Is this song suitable as a hymn for the UN?
@@gehe8929 Please, let it be so. But at least, it is sung in Unitarian-Universalist churches--and probably in other congregations, too : )
I agree! Especially now, with Ukraine's courageous resistance against an invaider.
As I read your words, I felt chills as strong as what I felt listening to the music. ❤
A real blessing in these troubled times; and such simple prayer of moving lyrics
Thank you, so very much.
Hearing this, knowing that people I love are stuck in the Ukraine while russian bombs fall, fearing for their lives and losing everything they have, feels different. The lyrics song say it all: We all may be different, living in different places and countries, but we share so much - the same blue sky, the need for safety and a home, we are one as humankind and share beliefs, hopes and the feeling of love.
Such a beautiful song and such a beautiful message.
I first heard this song 20 years ago and cried from the beauty of it.
I hope your loved ones are safe.
We have one thing in common . We are precious human life. Love to you and your family .
God bless us all!
UN resolution on "COMBATing glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of #racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related #intolerance"
130 votes in favor
51 abstentions
2 against
(USA n UKRAINE
Vote *Against* UN Adopted Anti-Nazi Resolution,
While ALL NATO MEMBERS *Abstain* )
TIME's report th-cam.com/video/fy910FG46C4/w-d-xo.html
BBC's report th-cam.com/video/5SBo0akeDMY/w-d-xo.html
What a beautiful way to blend patriotism with respect for other nations!
thats what i like, we sang this in church today, and its love of homeland without the disrespect and chest thumping. you can love your home without putting down others homes.
Yes, I agree. This is what stays with me the most from this piece. Singing the praises of the beauty of one's homeland, and then in the next phrase reminding us that "other lands have sunlight too, and clover, and skies are everywhere as blue as mine." When I encountered this, I wept. I long for this humility and grace in the country I live in. We are so far from it.
Exactly!
I just researched these lyrics and learned they are a wonderful adaptation by Lloyd Stone. I apologize for not mentioning him before.
Wonderful voices, wonderful Finlandia!
Upeita aania, mahtava Finlandia! Greetings from Oulu, North-Finland. 🇫🇮🇫🇮
SLAVA UKRAINI! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
This is pure musicality! Free from everything that is unimportant. It goes right into the center of my body.
Thank you for making me happy for a while.
Thanks thanks thanks
Beautifully said Peter. Remember that many of us are there at the centre, with you. Thank you.
I literally have not been able to stop listening to this -
the tune; incredible.
The arrangement; exquisite.
The performance; captivating.
You can certainly feel the emotion behind everything about this piece - it's impossible not to.
Bravo VOCE8!
Brilliantly executed and cleverly produced. Thank you. With world news growing more disquieting, “This is My Song” sung to the melody of Finlandia, with lyrics by Lloyd Stone, offers more than hints of calming perspective: “This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine. But other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine. My country's skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine. But other lands have sunlight too and clover. And skies are everywhere as blue as mine. Oh, hear my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine.” Again, my gratitude for your supreme effort.
Thank you John for those words .
When I was a child, my father played the symphonic version often. It is therefore bound up with those memories. I am flabbergasted at the beauty and skill with which you sing this piece. A little humour: my father quoted Sibeliius: "I have been all around the world. But in all my travels, I have never seen a statue to a music critic."
That reminds me of this from G.K. Chesterton: "I’ve searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees."
@@kelliatlarge Thanks for sharing. Aren't VOCES8 wonderful!
My Alma Mater, Capital University in Columbus, OH, uses this beautiful melody for our school's song. I sing along with the words of the song every time I hear the melody. It brings back fond memories of my college days many years ago now. Thanks for a beautiful rendition!
I have always loved "Finlandia" and this coral version is beautiful!
Beautifully and Brilliantly arranged and performed. I love VOCES8 and am honored to know them in person. Phenomenal artists!
Totally homesick hearing this, and I'm not Finish.
I played this piece in my youth orchestra. It was Mr Piipo's last concert after 20 years of conducting the orchestra. He is 100% Finnish, so this was basically his send-off. It is one of my favorite pieces that I've played and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Vidunderlig vakkert.❤❤❤
Jeg elsker denne, og hører den gjerne når jeg går til ro om kvelden.
✨Thank you so much!✨
🇫🇮 Greetings from Finland!
Just when I think Voces8 can't possibly get better they out do themselves with this and I'm left crying.
Wow, watching this now from my home in Finnish Lapland and SOOOOO impressed! Something to simply marvel at during our long isolation during Corona times.
Thank God that everyone is doing healthy and productive, even during this pandemic. I cannot wait to listen to more of VOCES8 music.
Every note I hear from VOCES8 makes me feel closer to God. How beautiful the music these gifted artists make! God bless them all, as they truly bless us.🎶
God bless you too Judith.
Okay, since I feel they destroy Finlandia, I've belatedly looked for another song they're known for. And I agree that "Sleep" is beautifully done! But Finlandia has an entirely different message, and VOCES8 is misguided on this one.
Wonderful celestial voices. Thank you! Love from Poland.
It is an absolutely gorgeous piece of music! It is one of my favorites and they sang it beautifully! Thank you!
I'm old. This song rocked me (inside) when I first heard it years ago. Just wow. Thank you so much for this glorious performance - as I deconstruct...
On September 11, 2001, I was asked to sing this song at a community prayer service. Most appropriate song for such a sad day.
An extra large BRAVO to you.
It was just right then, and it's just right now, with Ukraine in mind (and heart).
Had to take a deep breath after 4:23. This is so incredibly beautiful. Voces8 must be something between Heaven and Earth.
It's obvious that God exists and Voces8 is one of his voices
Thanks from Argentina
@@josecanale7055 Amen 🙏🏼
VOCES8's virtuosity attempts to heighten the beauty, but instead only weakens this anthem. Mr. Meier and Mr. Canale, if the words and melody bring an ache in your throat and heart, then YOU are the ones to sing this song, not the tricked-out VOCES8.
@@sonjalewis3047 nope this version is superior
This is one of the most beautiful melodies ever (along with “Shenandoah”), and they sure sing it to perfection.
Goosebumps - from the first beat to the end. The - chords/lines/harmonies (not to mention voices!?!?!) - otherworldly. Thank you VOCES8
But this piece is totally WORLDLY. The message is not ethereal; the singing must not be, either. Find a few other caring folks, and just SING IT, pouring your heart out.
2:37 the exact moment I hit the like button. Wow. A feast for the ears.
I find myself compelled to listen to this by candlelight - about 67 more times..... tonight...
I learned this song in primary school. This was over six decades ago, and I still think it's the best national anthem in the word -- the ONlY one with nice lyrics, in fact.
Except this isn't a national anthem 😉. I wish it was
Nearest to the voices of angels that any mortals could ever attain! Simply breathtaking...
This has long been one of my all-time favourite songs, but the arrangement and execution of this version is absolutely outstanding! Thank you.
This is a breathtakingly beautiful setting and performance. I had trouble holding back the tears.
This song has just risen to a level of perfection and beauty! Thanks Blake & Voces8.
Gorgeous harmonies by Blake and Spectacular Harmony by this sensational ensemble! You guys give us "mortals" a nearly impossible goal to pursue! please continue...
What a comment!
This gives me goose bumps every time I hear this. Great arrangement, so beautiful voices.
2:30 and beyond! Precision-singing extraordinaire! The reharmonization is brilliant. Thank you, Voces8. If you ever were to perform it in Helsinki, I figure the entire concert-hall would levitate.
It's hard to think that they wouldn't be enthusiastic, I'd like to be there to witness it!
I'm really musical, and it's not often that I come across a piece so extraordinarily beautiful that I couldn't possibly put it into words how majestic and awe-inspiring it is, even if I tried for the rest of my life. This piece definitely holds the majesty, pride, and absolute passion that I'm sure Jean Sibelius wanted in a performance of his song. One of the most beautiful arrangements of any song I've ever heard. Thanks for making my day! Lots of love from the US :)
This has been one of my favorite pieces of music ever since I first heard it many years ago.
Yes, yes, YES! And it is sung best by each and everyone whose throat aches and whose heart beats faster. It is NOT a melody to add fussy harmonies to!!
Sibelius + Voces8 = perfection
Exquisite harmonies from this group, as usual. It is very uplifting to hear such such talent and musicality.
The tune of this hymn is also the Alma Mater of my high school, Miami Norland Senior High, Miami Gardens, Florida. The words are different, but the emotion is the same.
It will never cease to amaze just how beautiful the Human voice can be.
Jean Sibelius was The greatest composer ever!
My high school choir performed Finlandia and I have absolutely loved it ever since. Your arrangement and performance are breath-taking! I just discovered you from Jen's reaction. Playing your songs now and subscribing. Thank you so much!!
Es ist immer wieder ein Hochgenuss, euch zu hören und zu sehen. 👍😊
A perfectly woven tapestry of sound. ❣
I hear this marvellous arrange every time as first, and it's a sort of balsam for my mind and spirit.
From Argentina, thank to Voces8, really Angels in Earth.
Fantastici straordinari musica meravigliosa coro nell'.. olimpo degli dei grazieereee
A moment of rare joy finding this...
Stunningly beautiful, these voices are heavenly. A wonderful song they perform...
I think Voces8 hit the jackpot by recruiting Blake
BEAUTY will save the world.
Didn't think this needed to be updated, then Voces8 arranges it and we're all the better for it. Brilliantly done. And such a needed sentiment now, in the midst of all that is unhealthy in our world. Thanks!!
Stunning!
Possibly the best arrangement of this moving piece and sung beautifully.
I didn’t know that I needed to cry today, but now I do
Same.
@@nataliebasaraba1700 me too.
Same here....3 bars in....( "Gulp"....gush)
Your best cry will come as you, yourself are singing it. This is not a song to daintily sing with dissonance.
Thank you for including these lyrics in the text above, and thank you to Blake Morgan for the addition of beautiful Verse 3 uniting humankind. ♥
Thank you! I love this
Have you ever ever ever heard a more beautiful modulation ... 2.30. I could dream into this forever
I know this as “Be Still, My Soul”
Ugh, that's where I know this song from!
That song would be gorgeous using the same harmony
The theme is originally written by Jean Sibelius for orchestra and it was written around the time when Finland was trying to gain it's independence from Russia.
@@Scriabinfan593 Yep, much of Sibelius' work reflects the same stylistic theme.
@@thedancingbardess Yeah i love Sibelius, the melodies he comes up with are just so beautiful. I'd have to disagree with you on the harmony part though, i love that the arranger reharmonized this. Or are you saying that "Be still my soul" would be gorgeous using the harmony from this arrangement?
Kudos to the arrangeur! He gave a brilliant composition new century touch! Sibelius would probably have liked it. The singers are incredibly precise and touching. Thank you so much for this outsanding peace of performance 👏❤️
I wish all the nations in the world were as peaceful as Finland . Being content to live within their own borders. Respecting other nations right to exist.
Amazing.. so beautiful. well done Blake for a fantastic arrangement which has been treated with respect and given the VOCES8 sparkle
Thefirst time i heard this song was 30 years ago by Joan Baez. I only found out much later the history of the song. It is in my heart and always stay there ❤
Be still my soul...be still my heart. Stunning, colorful arrangement! ❤️
We sing Be Still My Soul in my LDS church. It is my favorite hymn.
That is so wonderfull, to hear Sibelius with your voices ;-)
really like Katie's smile while singing
Mr. Fordnite is not correct regarding the words that are being sung.
The words of the first two verses that are sung are “This Is My Song,” also known as “Song of Peace,” and were authored by the poet Lloyd Stone.
The music is from the hymn-like portion of Finlandia composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899-1900. Finlandia had no words.
Lloyd Stone’s poem was first set to the music in 1934 and published as a choral anthem by the Lorenz Publishing Company.
The author of the words, Lloyd Stone, was a poet who was born in California and whose parents were from Missouri.
The Finnish composer Johan Julius Christian [Jean] Sibelius (08 Dec 1865 - 20 Sep 1957) composed Finlandia in 1899-1900.
Some people have posted “This Is My Song” but called it the “Finlandia Hymn.” Finns then protest that the words (Lloyd Stone’s words) aren’t the words of the “Finlandia Hymn.”
The words sung in Finland, which weren’t written until 1941 (long after Lloyd Stone’s words were set to the tune!) are by the Finnish poet Veikko Koskenniemi. The “Finlandia Hymn” quickly became a popular anthem for Finland.
There is no relationship between the words of Lloyd Stone's poem and the words by the Finnish poet Veikko Koskenniemi, except for having been set to the same music.
[There are other words sung to the hymn-part of Finlandia; “Be Still, My Soul,” for example. The old hymn “Stille mein Wille (Be Still, My Soul)” by Catharina von Schlegel (1752)-translated by Miss Jane Borthwick in 1855-was set to Finlandia for the 1941 Lutheran Hymnal. One source claims a setting of “Be Still, My Soul” to Finlandia appeared in 1927, but I haven’t found it.]
Lloyd Stone was also an illustrator and composer.
Lloyd Shelbourne Stone was born 29 Jun 1912 in Fresno, California. His parents, Lowends Columbus Stone and Gurtha Emalaine Marr were born in Missouri. They had married in Texas County, Missouri, in February 1910, then moved to California.
Lloyd’s father, Lowends Stone was from a very large family (brothers: Virgil, Frederick, Russell, Oscar, and Curtis; sisters: Mildred, Grace, Mary, and Ruth). In California he got a job as a “well puller” and worked for the Associated Oil Co. of Coalinga, California, on the Shawmut Lease.
His mother was a seamstress.
Lloyd Stone attended Lindsay High School, Lindsay, California, graduating in 1930. He was president of his class in his Junior year. He then attended the University of Southern California.
He wrote “This Is My Song” before, or at about the time of, his graduation from USC.
In October 1936, at age 24, his name appears on the passenger list of the S. S. Lurline on its voyage from Los Angeles Harbor to Honolulu in the Territory of Hawaii.
From a Hawaiian newspaper, The Islander,
"Mr. Stone is probably among the most versatile contributors to the arts of whom Hawaii can boast. His poetry reflects Hawaii. He does not sing of the palms and the surf, but of the earthy human beauty which is the heritage of the islands. He finds his niche as an interpreter of that which lies beneath the lovely outward shell of Hawaii. He has made Hawaii his home. And Hawaii is fortunate."
The Legislature of the Territory of Hawaii passed a concurrent resolution in 1951 “bestowing the honor and title of poet laureate of Hawaii (Ka Haku-Mele O Hawaii) on Lloyd Stone.
After spending many years in Hawaii, he returned to California. He served as state president of the California Federation of Chaparral Poets in 1982.
His father died in Lindsay on 30 Jan 1978. His mother lived to be 100, dying on 03 Dec 1987.
Lloyd Stone died, age 80, in Visalia, Tulare County, California, on 09 Mar 1993.
His two-line obituary in the Fresno Bee described him as “a retired teacher,” and made no mention of his poems, his being the poet laureate of Hawaii, or his well-known “A Song of Peace" (aka "This Is My Song").
transformative and mind-stilling - a hymn for all the Earth's people
Here in Finland we stand for freedom and our peaceful little country, allways!
I'm a proud American Finnish woman who spoke the Finnish language first and still try to keep it up. I didn't know but by chance a relative sa g this beautiful song at my husband's funeral. I couldn't have been more proud.
Sibelius used this as part of his Finlandia suite, an expression of his deepest love for his country and his people.
Cet arrangement blesse les oreilles, l'harmonie est là en tension, proche d'une dissonance sans résolution
I scrolled and didn't find anyone mentioning the modern-day hymn "Be Still My Soul." As a member of an a cappella group, we have sung this melody to the words of be still my soul. In any case though, VOCES8 performs this with incredible sensitivity and glorious harmonies. Thank you for singing VOCES8!
If it helps, I think Morgan was inspired by an SATB setting of "Be Still My Soul" (written by C. Rand Matheson, then a high school student) that Voces8 were asked to sing for a publisher.
This is breathtaking, beautiful, perfect!
Something about the "mi sol, re re fa" of the melody captures my imagination. So beautiful.
What an inspiring arrangement!
I love this rendition. I have a copy of it as part of a choral subscription package written and arranged for piano, string quartet and SATB voices. It's my favourite piece of music. It starts off with just the vocals and then the piano and strings join in afterwards. Heavenly.
My favorite group singing my favorite song
Had the original video of Blake singing all 8 parts saved in my Instagram for the longest time. So cool to see it come to life!
Any chance you could share that link?
Perfect. A side note to Blake Morgan-if you meet anyone named "Delilah", just walk away.
Hilarious
Me encantan todos los videos. Un cordial saludo desde Madrid (España) y FELIZ 2023.
This is the true national anthem of Finland... well with Finnish lyrics it would be. Nothing more, nothing else.
Thank goodness somebody on my Facebook feed directed me here. This is stunning!
As a Finn, having sung this N times... Hard to hear new arrangements. But this was really sweet, touching -- thank you!
Beautiful arrangement Blake mastered by all the singers...... a listening experience that has you wondering with anticipation what was coming next.
This was soul stirring. Thank you for this gift.