Would definitely recommend headphones/ear buds for this; you hear every part so clearly. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.
I've found that in "casting" choirs for broadly-split pieces like Lauridsen's (or Whitacre's), it's advantageous to have many more men women (if possible). Generally, the lower the pitch, the more singers needed to project it. As few top sopranos as possible, on down. The most successful grouping I've had with this particular piece (without having to take it up a half-step): 8 B3, 8 B2, 7 B1, 6 T2, 5 T1, 4 A2, 4A1, 3S2, 2S1. Sometimes I would have the A2 sing with the T1s and vice versa...but this division allowed for each pitch to resonate at generally the same volume. Another helpful hint: when auditioning voices, if people insist on always singing a certain part (because they always sang that before), I'd advise not working with them at all. You need people who are flexible.
Something about 6:54 is making me tear up😭 This arrangement is so so so beautiful. The best O Magnum Mysterium arrangement I’ve seen. But this is filled with emotion and depth. The chords are magnificent. All 4 Vocal Parts sounded great. But I’ll like to point out how the Tenor Tone was one of the best I’ve heard in while.
Hello Nordic! We used to compete against you and LDS, back in the 1978-80, as LTHS Treble Choir. It was an honor, to be in both of your presence then. Great job!
Goodness gracious this piece is georgeous! This is exactly what i was looking for in a piece of music today. it has a wide dynamic rance, and lots of suspension intervals that resolve to these beautiful chords and a very large ambitus. 10/10 will haunt me for days.
Vienna Boys Choir. When I was little my mom used choir music to calm the house down at night. I absolutely assisted my sister & I to fall asleep. She had a very specific Vienna boys choir Christmas Album that she would put on at night during the Fall & Winter here in Oregon that merged beautifully with the Rains. Yes I said record, this took place from 1974 to around 1984. Hopefully I can find that Album again.
The final chord has the sopranos on an A3, the basses on a D2. That must be difficult for your average choir, but it does create this sense of profound rest. I suppose the sopranos and basses have to take a deep breath and really go low!
