To those below who deny Leonard loved this version of k.d.’s above all others, you’re both right and wrong. He wasn’t present for this particular show, but she sang it again, one year later at the 2006 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards. We attended the show together and sat in the front row, next to Helen Reddy (another recipient of honors). Leonard and I- and the rest of the audience- were brought to tears by k.d.’s performance, and he whispered to me, “I think we can lay that song to rest now.” I nodded in agreement. He repeated that to her, when she stepped off stage afterward to bow before him directly…it was a gorgeous mutual acknowledgment of musical artistry…and rightly so.
Thank you for this. Of the hundreds of times I've watched this performance in awe ... I've always wondered if KD was nodding to Leonard at the end. I immediately looked up her performance at the 2006 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards after reading your post here ... and cry every time when I watch the interaction of mutual acknowledgment in musical artistry. Many, many thanks. God Bless.
not "one of the best"... the best... it stands alone... above and beyond any other version... Cohen himself said as much... he was there that night... it moved him deeply
I check in on k.d. lang's version of this song every once in a while just to reassure myself I'm still alive.....Yep, I am. God, this is beautiful and powerful! What a treasure she is!
Same! I saw her 7 years ago perform this song live and I had tears rolling down my cheeks from the emotion she put into it and simultaneously had goosebumps all over my body. If she comes to Australia again, I will definitely be going again!
I agree! I put her in the Top covers w Disturbed’s rendition of Sound of Silence. Very few covers are better than the original. KD Lang and Disturbeds, David Draiman Are the only 2 that nailed it and hit it out of the park.
So delighted that so many people are enjoying this performance. We're the orchestra that performs with K.D. in this video. Would you mind crediting us in some way?
I would love to know who you are or were. I have asked who was conducting, without achieving an answer. Lang could not have done this without you or him. I think I have said as much several times in the course of this thread. I think this is her pinnacle performance of this song, and it could not have happened without the accompaniment. I would love to credit you, not that it will accomplish a hill of beans, but for my own satisfaction, I'd like to know who were instrumental to her success.
@@mohmoony3918 I still lived in Toronto in the 90s, she was *huge* in the small venues there. The western aesthetic was considered campy, but there was also a big rockabilly resurgence in the west end, she built a faithful following
Oh Yes, We are Blessed to Live during a Time of K D Lang.. I play this Song every time, I want to feel Sad, Or Happy, or Uplifted, I played this, this Time when I found out about The Passing, of another Gem in Our Lives ,, Vale' Celine Dion, Rest and Sing in Peace,,
About 10 days before my big brother died, he insisted I listen to this before I left that day. Said it might be the best ever song. Realized he was also telling me what music to play at his service. Listen to I at least 2x each year... on his birthday and the date of his passing. This song is so moving.
K.D. Lang is by far the greatest singer of this song..my heart literally is filled with love each time I hear it, and it is often that I hear it! I have a couple things on my bucket list..seeing and hearing K.D.Lang live singing this song is number 1!
how can you sing one word.... more than 30 or so times in a few minutes.....and give it a different emotion, a different colour, a different meaning and most importantly a different "feeling" every single time. she gives us a plea, a prayer, a cry, a shout, a scream and everything in between in just a small slither of time. This is just stunning musicianship, right the way through and cuts through to the heart. Thank you thank you KD for explaining this song like nobody before. Amazing, just amazing.
Of all of the various renditions by so many other artists I've heard, no one and I mean absolutely no one sings this ballad with such complete perfection. It brings me to tears, sends shivers down my spine and gives me goosebumps every single time I listen to it. I LOVE this rendition.
Every time I hear this I still get goose bumps 😄😄 K. D. takes this song to a whole new level. She reached down to the very depths of her soul for this performance. Absolutely amazing ❤❤👏👏👏👏👏👏
I listen to this every few days. I also think it’s the best version. This was the first time I ever heard kd sing, and it is what hooked me forever. When I die, I hope to hear her singing this in my head! 😘
K. D.'s phrasing of the musical line is stunning. She colors each note with just the right amount of subtle shading, never allowing her voice to overpower the poetic beauty of the lyrics. Truly magnificent!
You can tell when musicians know that something special is happening. Every member of the orchestra is focused on giving k.d. the best possible support. Thanks for helping to create a performance for the ages.
I saw her when she played in Anchorage back in the mid 2000's. I went SPECIFICALLY to hear this song and I was not disappointed. Many of us cried and she got a standing ovation.
I've been on this planet for a very long time and heard way too many renditions of this song but there will never be one with as much soul as this one. She IS the one meant to sing this!
you had to be there to really appreciate her singing this song. My daughter and i were here to see the Junos front row seats. front stage. We had tears running down our faces,. Totally awesome. I will never forget her singing this Rick Moisio Kd is a very humble person. she sure should it when she go a standing ovation i think about 3 times just amaizing.
Well said. Her humility always gets me somehow. Since I heard her first live rendition I still haven't found anyone who I think comes close. I never run out of comparisons but it's fun trying.
The orchestra accompaniment to this phenomenal piece is quite remarkable. They didn’t overshadow the beauty of the song in any way, but had the mastery & the finesse to complement every emotion that was expressed through KD’s version of it.
I am right there with you! I’ve seen her 3 times live and her voice and the orchestra is AMAZING!! My partner bought us tickets for her last US concert in Akron, Ohio. My partner decided to take her life on 1-18-2018. So, we never made it to Akron. My life will never, EVER be the same.
@@kimperry835 wow, lucky you! I love love love KD Lang as well. Now I’m far away from Canada, in FL. Years ago I was live close to Montreal, where a fantastic jazz festival and fireworks competition was held.
Actually, no. When he heard K.D. Lang's interpretation he discovered much more in the song than the usual versions. He said he was "honored" by her performance of his greatest song.
KD Lang has a voice of velvet. The tone is hauntingly stunning and her emotional commitment to the song is unparalleled. The orchestra is excellent as it accompanies her beautifully without upstaging her voice or her performance.
Well said…..at the Olympics in 2010, no one, no one, has ever done a performance like that! She is clear, controls her voice, amazingly beautiful. Awesome.
Congratulations to the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra for being a part of history in the making. A beautiful rendition of a song that brings tears to our eyes. KD, an Albertan, Canadian, an icon, unmatched and never to be replaced. You make us proud.
brainwash much?? at least be real. or is that not possible these days?? or ever..who can say. not you. love you kd lang. the world around those talents like you and the bands with you has always been corrupt. 2019 and its still proven right..cannot trust the media ever. even if they say they agree with you.
I said nothing bad about K.D Lang or her performance. Everyone can verify that. Internet stores EVERYTHING. was simply referring to the corporation that owns the camera she (they) are in front of that you watch.
This is my favorite rendition of this song. I think I read that even Leonard Cohen loved the way K.D. Lang sang this song, almost as if he wrote it with her in mind to sing it. RIP to a great poet
KD first sang this song for Leonard. When she finished he had a lump in his throat and tears down his face. He was in awe. For the 2010 Vancouver winter Olympics he was originally asked to sing this song, he told them to get KD to sing it as it was her song now. Beautiful man, beautiful song.
Ruth Rapp, I'm pretty sure I saw that video of KD singing that with Leonard in the audience. If you search for it, I believe she was at the Lodges, in Austrlia, and she was dressed in white. She was well loved there too. I've heard many sing this song but none can do it the justice it deserves except KD. 💞
I was a camera assistant, positioned onstage to k.d.’s left, thrilled again to be so near such an incredible moment in music. I say "again" because I was in the same place the day before when she arrived on a cold day, straight from the airport, wrapped in a big, down-filled coat which she kept on while she rehearsed this song and Neil Young’s “Helpless”, the live performance of which is as good as this. (She was replacing Young who had to cancel his Juno appearance due to illness.) Everyone in the broadcast crew and the few spectators who were there gave her a standing ovation then, too.
Hi Cass and Martin... You’re welcome! Nice of you to comment. I’ve seen a lot of performers through my occupation as a camera operator and camera assistant and just on my own. k.d.’s breathtaking performances on those two days are certainly amongst the most memorable.
I never heard of KD lang before today. I will always rate the maestro Leonard Cohen as no.1 but this has to be the best rendition I heard yet. What a gorgeous voice KD lang ❤️🎶
Where there is darkness, there is always light - if you just want to see it. I love you KD - your voice is a ray of feelings that not many artists manage to convey.
I must admit that I'm not religious but geeeeze this rendition of Leonard Cohens classic gets my throat choking up. The power and intensity of KDs voice with the emotion is hard to find these days. A beautiful woman inside and out. You're really amazing KD!. 🔟🔟🔟🔟🔟
In my humble opinion and I'm just a simple guitarist, KD sang her heart out here and produced one of the best versions of this wonderful number we shall ever hear. What a night that must have been.
One of? This is the immortal version of this song as far as I'm concerned, never to be bettered. I tear up Every. Single. Time. at "But I saw your flag on the marble arch / Our love is not a victory march / It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah!"
Leonard Cohen was in the audience once when she sang this and he commented that this song can now be put away. No one will ever sing it better than that.
+Durchlacht Yes he was in the audience of one of her versions, I think around 2006. I think his comment about Lang's mastery of the song came later, when he was invited to sing at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. When he heard that Lang had already signed, he said something along the line of (keep in mind this is all anecdotal) "If you've got Lang, what do you need me for? She owns this song."
When my only grandchild was about two months old, I introduced him to this video. He lay on my big bed and watched it on my laptop. He never took his eyes off the screen. We have watched it together at least once a week since then. He will be a year old next month, and I have my own videos of him in front of the laptop. Nothing else captures his attention in the same way. When he was small, he watched and listened. At eleven months, his mouth moves in a careful attempt to sing. As I sat this Easter morning, the baby lying quietly against my chest, watching the video again, it suddenly came to me that, whatever my religious beliefs, on this first Easter of his life, this small boy is my Hallelujah. March 2015. Dean Robertson
It’s a beautiful thing that you did for your grandchild , to bring about an awareness of something so beautiful at such an early age and may stand hi. In good stead when he is a man. Thankyou for sharing
Leonard Cohen was in the audience for this recording at the Juno awards. After hearing KD Lang, he reportedly said he never needed to hear another cover of the song, and that the song should be retired for he had heard PERFECTION. We all have our favorite versions of Hallelujah, but "I", well I wouldn't argue with Leonard Cohen. This is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard.
Love your name !!!!! I wish I could of seen Leonard Cohen's face as KD sang the song. It's amazing how music can move you right to your very soul ! Where Can I find that piece or Juno award?
I saw the video version showing Mr. Cohen in the front row. As KD Lang finished the song, her hand motion was directed at Leonard and her bow was to his authorship. I often compare this version to Mr. Cohen singing the song. Not sure if true, but I think I read that he wrote over 700 lines for a 'pick and choose' your version of this song.
(Bows in humility) For most of my life, I was straight-laced, unforgiving, uncompromising and very specific in my views. KD Lang started the transition with this unbelievable performance. I knew she was lesbian and I hated her for that. To my great shame, I called her "Ugly" and "Dyke". This incredible performance rocked me to the core; it opened my eyes to the stupidity and narrow-mindedness of my life. At 50 years of age, I'm finally starting to learn about the wonderful complexity and love of people not exactly like myself - and I'm learning how wrong I've been for half a century. To learn that I have, in fact, been the thing I hated most: a bigot - shamed me so completely I've had to relearn and reconsider everything I've held "true". Who cares about gender? Who cares about type? Those are categories, nothing more. What matters - as I learned at this moment (which I saw live) is love; and love is more powerful than any self-appointed false beliefs. True love blasts through stereotypes, ignorance and prejudice like a tidal wave; love sweeps away all false notions of gender-specified sex. I'm totally straight, I will never experience interest an any male companion but at last I at least understand why another man might - in emotional terms at least. I'll never understand the alternate orientations, but I do understand they are as powerful, loving and true as the biblically-determined love between man and woman.I may not be a new man, nor a well-educated one, but I must admit I'm having a lot more fun. :)
KD did this to you? I'm 70, but I think had a more open mind from the get-go. My first wife was gay. I knew this. It was a marriage of convenience by which I would become her guardian. We did have sex a couple of times, desultory, I thought I could cure her. I was very young. She wanted me to sleep with her and her girlfriend, but at the time I didn't like her girlfriend. A couple of years later I changed my mind, but she was long gone to France and never came back. You have made one of the most powerful statements I have ever seen re changing sexual perceptions. KD is a dyke, and is proud of being so. And stripping away sexuality, what have you got? You've got a woman with an amazing voice who would enjoy mostly hanging out with other women. [I've been in love with her for at least 20 years.]
Well, to be clear this performance didn't complete the journey, it STARTED it. At the time, all I was was a person rocked by an astounding, emotional performance. It took a lot more exposure, which CBC gave, to not only open my eyes but educate me. It gave me the impetus to open my eyes and actually look around at what was around me. I'm glad of it.
Dave-- what a pleasure to read your post. Your humility and receptivity is moving. You nailed it on the head so beautifully-- as simplistic as it sounds, it does boil down to love. Music often transforms me in the same way-- I'll be wound up in my thoughts and sometimes, in negativity; then I will hear/see a performance that taps into this universal energy and the next thing i know, I'm weeping, and my heart has opened up. Thanks for putting it out there so courageously.
STUNNING what a wonderful singer nobody in the world can sing like K. D. Lang my favourite artists of all time. The orchestra were magical loved every note and every moment. 🙋🙋🙋🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
@@exgaming9337, I sure hate to say it but I would lay bets that “she’s” a castrato. That would explain “her” vocal range (including a woman’s) and “her” lung volume - which allows “her” to sing so long without running out of breath.. (Men have larger rib cages.) “Her” big hands and feet and broad shoulders too. Now I know why people did that to boys hundreds of years ago. Wicked. But it explains her “lesbianism” too. Whitney Houston as well. 😞
I found this today. Never heard of her before, but won’t forget. Listened at least 30x. Her voice literally dances up and down and all about like a powerful ballerina and the orchestra was her equally talented partner. This is a work of art.
She sang it at the Juno Awards at the MTS centre at the time. We were running the Budweiser Lounge, we all left to watch , some staff were crying.... about 30 seconds in it seemed as the entire building stopped, we knew we were witnesses to incredible moment in time... Between the clapping you could here a pin drop. Thank you Ms Lang..... your humility and talent was unmatched that night, God Bless you
As a matter of fact, it was played at the last funeral I attended, and it was very comforting and uplifting, definitely a departure from the usual funeral dirge. Might I suggest also, if you are not familiar with it, Faure's Requiem which is full of light and hope. Hope you find what you're looking for, sorry for your loss, if such is the case.
Still say in my humble opinion, this without a doubt, along with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, would have to be 1 of KD Lang’s most beautiful performances. Literally gave me goosebumps. Absolutely just Love her💝💓💓💓
As one of my last remaining heroes, I'm kinda hoping and assuming she will outlast me (I'm 50) and therefore has maaaany years to come. If I had a penny in this world, I would *so* book her to sing this at the funeral I can't afford to pay for or insure against. Meanwhile, this lifts me often.❤️
@@jadezee6316 A great song speaks to the heart in the profound and expressive tone, personalizing and validating our humanity. Feelings and emotions beyond words live infinitely. Enjoy your life fully, Jade Zee.
You said a mouthful, my friend. If she was dainty and performed in a sparkly dress and a face full of makeup, people would be falling all over themselves. But if you are perfection personified with the kind of voice that comes along maybe once every millenium, and just happen to not fit the social norms of femininity, you get bubkes. For me, ms. lang is gorgeous and no one touches my soul like she does. Actually, she reminded me that I actually HAVE a soul.
You're right. KD is one of the best interpreters of our generation. She was one of my husband's all time favorites, and mine too. I still adore her. Her voice is beyond awesome.
The orchestra is MAGNIFICENT!! It is not easy to provide the music where it allows the performer to shine like this. Genuinely talented group. ❤KD sings with heart and soul and this performance is a masterpiece with how the music is played and sang. Terrific musicians and all together Fantastic. ❤
K.D.'s version of Cohen's classic song accompanied by the talented Manitoba Chamber Orchestra is without doubt the best version ever of this hauntingly beautiful piece of music.
It’s almost as if she’s both singing this song and living it at the same time. As if she’s telling you her life story while performing a song written by someone else. Christ almighty what a performance...
@@angelawilliams4239 the 1st time that I heard this was by a very dear friend of mine--it made me cry & the fellow that sang it Observed my emotions and sang it every time I was around to hear it. K.d.lang makes it her own & it continues to cause me to become very emotional each time that I hear it.....
This has to be my most favourite song performed by KD Lang! She just does it so beautifully! The audience’s reaction at the end is just beyond words! ❤️🎶🎹 I love your music KD, you have an incredible voice ! 🫶🏼
I've watched this so many times that I can't even count. This is her absolute best performance of this song. It gives me chills every single time. I always end up listening to it at least twice before I move on. The orchestra plays it perfectly, doesn't overpower the words or her voice. Perfection! ❤
I really knew almost nothing about k.d. lang, maybe remembered the magazine covers with Cindy Crawford, had I even heard her sing? I don't know. But I was a Leonard Cohen groupie since the 1960's. Then one day a friend sent this video in an email--sometime between 2000-2005. I turned it on. And again. And again. I couldn't move and believe I watched it 20+ times before I could get up from the chair. I'm sure by now I have seen nearly all her performances of it. This is still my favorite but the one at the MAX awards is a close second. There are so many but close your eyes and there is always the voice.
@@MsCullimore ..the audience appreciation at the end is a wonderful part of it. She is just so graceful in accepting it. ..but I will have a listen to it though.
When she sang this at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, she was all dressed in white and when she sang I cried because it was all just so beautiful. You could almost feel it coming from her soul.
This song and K D's rendition of it gives me goosebumps every time I listen to her. She is amazing and I love her. Just look at her beaming smile when she gets a very well deserved standing ovation. God bless her. ❤
From what I understand, her 6 minute standing ovation continues on after, which brings k d to tears! I know she was pleased that the audience liked it, but she did not expect such an unforgettable applause and appreciation!
How many times she has sung this song and still manages to make it sound like it is the first time performing it. THAT is a professional!!! One of Canada's greatest singers by far!!!
THAT is genuine talent and sincere emotion:) There are few who have that ability. Her cover of "Helpless" by my favorite, Mr.Neil Young, is simply incredible. I'm not a big fan of covers, but she is one of a handful that I've seen who can add her own personality to a song without taking anything out of it. She honors it.
Yes, and I want to hear every single version she does. Gives me chills every time. She is without question the greatest female vocalist of our generation.
Melanie Deysenroth Music is so subjective, but I agree with you. She is the greatest of our generation. She has such command and control of her voice. That in itself is a most difficult thing. And her voice is simply beautiful but those things are only part of what makes her the best. No matter what she sings, she puts her entire self into it. She could sing the phone book and it would probably sell millions. It's the emotion, the feeling and the love she allows us to share with her that makes her the best. She is who she is and doesn't try to be anyone or anything she isn't. We see the true person she is and we love her. We as the audience, are not easy to fool. KD Lang is Sincerely genuine and humble. These are character traits which are hard to fake. She is the real deal and ALL of these things reflect in her music. We know her and we love her. Of course this is just my opinion but I think it's a good one:) :) It's not too humble, but it's good:)
I am back once more to listen to THIS version. IMO, even better than for the 2010 Olympics - though THAT VERSION - WHAT A FEAT, LIVE, for not only thousands live, but vritually for an audience of billions... What a voice... LOVE IT/ THIS, and I have listened to as many versions as I can find. Kudos, KD. Respect. ❤
KD Lang’s performance at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, was so stirring. An Alberta girl singing the great Leonard Cohens song that he wrote and preformed. All Canadian. Just sooo proud of them all.🇨🇦
