I heard the University of York chamber choir perform this in the octagonal York Minster Chapterhouse, positioned around the audience in the centre in their eight choirs. The effect was astounding. You can really hear the music being tossed back and forth and actually moving around you, and when the 40 voices come together in complete harmony for the first time it felt as if the heavens had opened and we were being physically lifted up by the sound. Amazing. Unforgettable.
"The ending was perfect!" Yes. Yes, it was. Just like every other note in this peerless performance of one of the greatest pieces of English sacred music ever written.
I suddenly have the urge to play this recording on the largest pair of speakers I can find, and just revel in the utter glory of this particular piece for the rest of my life. I wish I were forty people so that I could sing this by my self. I absolutely love this song. So much. I think it's safe to say that I've been struck dumb by it. It certainly has turned me into a bumbling idiot. I'm hoping it's only for a short time but if it was permanent, what a way to go.
This is by far the clearest, most precise rendition I've heard. Also the fastest. Choirs tend to go for a big, slow, resonant sound, which is impressive, but I prefer this clarity.
God I would get lost and turned around so fast if I had to play something like this, you gentlemen are absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for letting the world hear your music on RU-vid!
Now when I got my hands on this song, I was speechless. I am addicted to this song. I have listened to it about 2000 times and I still find new parts in the piece. You get the full effect with headphones. To the Kings Singers, you gentlemen are truly blessed with a gift from God. May you continue to make holy music with your vocal gifts. Thanks.
Yes, what's scary is pretty much everything they do, IS. I've had the opportunity to hear them twice in concert, from about 20 feet away, at church (First Pres., Orlando) which actually has decent acoustics, at least did then. They were un-mic'd, no accompaniment (obviously) and sounded EXACTLY like they do on their disks (sans the AMAZING reverb at some of their cathedral settings ;-( ). In four hours of music, I heard not ONE mistake. And they have a repertoire of about 2000 songs!
I used this recording to help me prepare for a live performance. Definitly a highlight of my choral career and a thrill and honour to sing live. The acoustics of a church do necessitate a somewhat slower pace. The physical and mental challenge of finding and keeping my place in the glorious wall of sound was a real joy and we all felt a sense of wonder and accomplishment throughout.
After listening to this a countless number of times I feel the urge to comment but find myself speechless. The musicality, the perfection, both technically and vocally. One of the best interpretations I've ever heard of this motet. Thank you King's Singers for giving us this magnificent gift! I think I'm in love with you! :0)
this is magnificent! and to see them sing while recording, so focused and expressive, is just fantastic! I believe this is the best quintet in the history of the king singers! thank you!
I don't know about the ending was perfect .... that whole performance blew me away, as the saying goes. Just an AWESOME performance from these wonderful singers!! My only regret is that I'll never get to see this 'set' performing live. I'd give anything for that right now.
I HAVE JUST LISTENED TO THIS PIECE AGAIN AND COULD LISTEN TO IT ALL DAY LONG. I LOVE DAVID'S TOP PART AND STEPHEN'S BASS PART. THE WHOLE PRODUCTION IS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!
This is just magnificent, if not heavenly. I can watch this music piece day by day, hour by hour. I've got the 'from Byrd to Beatles' dvd whereon it appears, and I have to play it regularly. The more I listen to it, the better it starts to sound. And all that just sung by six men. Bloody marvelous. I could continue trying to explain all this, but there would simply be not enough room to write it. And the end of the song. Great great great chord.
Such a joy to once more pass the time away with the King's Singers and such an enjoyable performance. And isn't it lovely to see their facial expressions right at the end frame as they all conclude their individual parts. A fine performance of an exceptionally difficult work!
OMG!!! I didn't think it was possible, but I have a whole new appreciation for this musical masterpiece...what a 'magnificent' rendition and 'perfect' accomplishment as only the King's Singers can do! After this, is there anything they can't do? Geez, I LOVE these guys!
Bravo, bravissimo! Kings Singers! So good to hear, how you are attuned to each other! ... and your brilliant voices! The first time, I close to always hear the text. A good peace of brilliant music! Thanks!
No doubt, only technical tricks can turn 5 voices into 40 ! But, the voices, here, are human in the best sense of the term, they are true, moving, near perfection (meaning : talent and hard work)... Amazing performance and result.
Soy Chilena, vivo en Santiago, es un deleite para el alma poder escuchar la perfección en voces tan preciosas como las de ustedes, muchas gracias por compartir este maravilloso talento!!!
This is my favorite rendition of this piece. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for you guys, and I hope to become even half as good a singer.
Oh this is just sublime. Perfection, absolutely glorious. Enough superlatives now, I have heard many recordings of Spem and a true 40 part rendition will naturally have its imperfections - and this is part of its appeal. The King's Singers have used technology to a magnificent effect to wipe out any blemishes- 5 double choirs of eight and all their own voices. I guess this was doomed to success! The final chord is just an orgasm of sound! Truely wonderful.
It's fabulous ! I've just discovered The King's Singers yesterday evening, fortuitously, and I 'd like to listen to them the whole day ! I'm going to share this video with all my friends. I have no words for saying what I feel. Thank you very much, King's Singers. I hope I'll be able to see you in France one day.
WOW this is absolutely stunning... Vocal perfection I think in my humble opinion and sublime harmonies... Well sung Gentlemen.. well sung indeed... *sighs deeply and closes eyes* :0)x
Heavenly. This is an excellent version, very well balanced compared to other versions where the upper part registers completely drown out the lower bari-tone and basse. It is always amazing when the melody carried by alternating the soprano and counter-tenor ( alto ) is surrounded by a rich warm basse and completed by the tenor and baritone completing the chord. this is the style of the great tallis. The music of heaven.
Simplesmente sensacional!!!! Fones no ouvido com o volume máximo, quase chorando! kkk Mais uma vez admirado com o trabalho de vocês! ALfenas/MG - BRASIL
"Spem in alium", for all of you : I have never had hoped in anyone but Thee, God of Israel. Thou who art growing angry and will hear prayer, Thou eliminate all the sins of men in tribulation. Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth, look down upon our humility. Spem in alium nunquam habui, praeter in te, Deus Israel : qui irasceris et propitius eris. Et omnia peccata hominum in tribulatione dimittis. Domine Deus, Creator caeli et terrae, respice humilitatem nostram.
Are those the latin words being sung in this piece, Kay? I've been trying to find a recording with lyrics so I'll have to listen again. Not that I need an excuse. :)
Javier Fajardo You must not overlook the Tallis Scholars' truly wonderful rendition either..equally good / better / best.. l leave the evaluation to yourself.
@@PadmeP Some trebles elect to train as countertenors when there voices change. Many countertenors are naturally bass baritones. My choirmaster could sing all four parts. He just couldn't figure out how to sing all of them at the same time!!😎
