VOCES8: 'Ave Verum' by William Byrd 

It's music like this that makes this life worth living.

The combination of Byrd with Voces8 is just other-worldly. The human voice has not changed much in the 400 years since Byrd lived, and it will have sounded much like this when Elizabeth 1 was on the thone and protected Byrd from persecution - except Voces8 bring him to even higher heights here. He would be pleased I am sure.

I always think that I am an atheist. But everytime I listen to this, my heart cries "Please have a mercy on me".

Voces8 is the best vocal ensemble in the world and they prove it with every piece they record. Flawless work.

This is my favorite piece of music ever written, and is single-handedly responsible for my love of choral music. It is the standard to which I judge all "Amens" - it may not be technically wondrous, but it is perfection. From the moment I heard of Voces8, this has been at the top of my wish list. What a version. Thank you so much.

Quelle splendeur. William Byrd, merveilleux compositeur et VOCES8, ensemble enchanteur. J'aime infiniment cette musique angélique. Merci à ces artistes talentueux.

One of the most beautiful things ever created and when sung with this level of perfection utterly exquisite.

I’ve sung this many a time and it really gets under your skin. Perhaps the ultimate piece of polyphony that projects powerfully rich but wholly English understated emotion. A masterpiece that says everything whilst apparently not saying much at all. Beautiful rendition.

It is one thing to be a trained musician, but to have the sensitive heart and spirit to bring to life so many treasures which would have remained on the page, should bring delight as performers and listeners unite spirits in a place indescribable. Once again, thank each of you for what you do ever so well. God bless you and those you love, and Thank You immensely for what you share with those of us far flung as your audience. DJ in Knoxville TN

What blend! What line! Superb control of dynamics. Ensemble singing doesn't get better than this.

I love the idea of them singing with very little vibrato, which helps their pitch stay in place. Also, they have the amazing ability to sing into each other’s voice.

I will be greatly disappointed, if! when I get to heaven, the angels do not sound as sublime as VOCES8. The first time I heard VOCES8, I fell in love with their beautiful sound and harmony they produce. That’s why I am listening to everything I see they have. That’s why I subscribed to them.

Such a great feeling singing this beautiful masterpiece immediately after receiving Our Lord in Holy Communion.

My old friend Billy Byrd asked me to thank you for this lovely rendition.

Just perfect timing..... Just what I need to calm my stormy mind after a hectic day. Thank you.....

"Humans." When my best friend and I encounter something so ineffably beautiful or impressive we humans have created, he and I speak this single-word sentence.

Finally! I’ve been waiting of the VOCES8 interpretation of this piece. Absolutely beautiful!

My go to group when life gets stressful. Their voices are enchanting!

A moment of the eternal has just kissed my mortal ears..absolutely beautiful, well done and thank you 🙌🏻 ❤

The harmony of these incredibly gifted singers never fails to amaze and move me. My ears are so happy now. God bless you all. 🎶

As a Middle and High school choral and band teacher this is everything about just intonation and the harmonic series that I want my students to understand.

Sublime. It is exceptionally hard to nail Byrd's Ave Verum dynamically and yet here is such a thing.

Thank you again; Voces 8. You've moved me to tears once more! I, too, have waited for you to publish this Byrd repertoire favourite that, like many other choristers, I've sung hundreds of times, having learned it as a teenager more than half a century ago. Even back then, I was in awe of its impact on my own heart and soul, on those singing it with me, and on those in the congregation. Several seconds of total silence always seem to follow the last chord's fading away to nothing... In its liturgical context, it is a masterful work as it is a relatively simple piece, but as in all things, complexity is easy, whereas simplicity is mastery. IMO, it's an ultimate prayer, and you guys are the ultimate expression of St Augustine's words from the 5th century, "Qui bene cantat bis orat", being "whoever sings well, prays twice". Thanks again.

Gorgeous!! Never heard it in F# minor before...

Having listened to quite a few variations of this song, this one ranks very high for one of the best! Beautifully done!

I don't know if I have suitable words to describe my feelings for hearing this masterpiece, wonderful performance like usual 👏 💜

What a beautiful performance of a beautiful arrangement. When I was in 8th grade, my 7th and 8th grade boys choir performed a shorter and simpler arrangement of this piece (SSA). As I recall we performed it In the spring of 1966. So, as I write this, it’s been 56 years since that performance. Yet, I still remember most of it. I cherish this music to this day.

I was raised on The King's Singers interpretation. What can I say. It is different. It doesn't mean that it is worse! It shows different aspect of this piece an THIS is good! Well done!

A wonderful hommage as we approach the 400th anniversary of the master's death. Thank you Will and Voces8.

Absolutely angelic! Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us. May God bless you all!

I smile and shake my head everytime I hear you folks. Cheers to the Human Instrument. Beautiful.

This piece contains my favorite Alto line of all time (the miserere mei section). As always, superbly done!

I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time! Thanks for doing this! Sounds beautiful!

My favorite choral piece of all time.

Ahhhh, I've been waiting for their version of this wonderful piece. Marvelous, as always!!!

Magnificent! As always... Thank you very much Voces8!!

Thank you!! I've always wanted to hear this by Voces8 😄

All of your voices are beautiful! Thank you for sharing Byrd's music with us today. You're appreciated very much!

Gorgeous, thank you.

It's not just that they sing with their hearts, souls and voices, but with their faces also. Total immersion.

Wonderful, thank you!

One of my favorites ever by my fave composer. So glad you made this video

Thank you that was lovely

Beautiful, like always, I can hear you all the time

It really cannot be done better than this.

Beautiful!

Lovely - Many thanks

Always so beautiful

Thank you Voces8 for this !

Oh God it's wonderful 🙏

so beautiful...

Beautiful balance, very calming. Thank you!

Thank you!

Simply Amazing!!

Thank you.

Beautiful.

It makes you wonder if the voices when this was written were as good. I bet the composers would be very happy to hear these people

The miserere in this piece is one of my favorite things I've ever sung. Beautifully written, beautifully performed.

this is BEAUTIFUL

Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

Sublime. Absolutely sublime.

Can't be done better. Thank you for this beauty.

Stunning.

This piece brings back fond memories of my early singing days. Again (as always), VOCES8, this was superbly performed.

This is such a wonderful piece of polyphony... one of my absolute favorites, and... of course... a beautiful performance/interpretation from VOCES8! Thank you!!!

I am entranced by Voces8. Their precision, balance, and production of their videos is enthralling - I give a lot of credit to Barnaby, the artistic director, who focuses their extraordinary talent with others I’m sure. Beyond their singing, they offer education - the bringing forth of music in others. I am pretty certain that each member of Voces8 knows their importance in radiating this wonderful energy in the world, because they sing like it.

So calming and full of great memories of choir experiences

Belíssimo! Bravo! Brought tears to my eyes.

très beau, merci

Marvellous ! Thank to Voces 8. ! (france)

I've waited years!!

Beautiful performance of THE best setting of this text, thank you

I have no words! Except thank you, Voces8, for sharing your artistry with us.

my fave choral piece ever. lovely. how they stand drives me cray

Thank you for posting this just before Corpus Christi.

This is an exquisite performance by the very talented Voces 8. Bravo! I loved it. One of the best! I must admit though, that my gold standard for this piece is the Kings Singers on their "English Renaissance" CD with the stunning voices of Countertenor David Hurley and Bass Stephen Connolly "bookending" the group.

Another beautiful presentation by Voces8. I start every morning with their voices.

Great job Voces8! Whenever I see a new video, I immediately have to play and immediately hit like! I had the joy of singing in this college. Brings back fond memories of all the choral music we sang. Then I remembered we sang Charles Ives and not fond memories of that! :) Bass/Baritone section solid as usual! Love it guys!

Magnifique ❤️🙏

Beautiful Piece of work

Wonderful rendition of an amazing piece of music. Thanks guys.

De toute beauté, comme toujours avec VOCES8.

Absolutely stunning. Favourite by far

I absolutely adore you guys, I literally fall asleep to your songs and this one really made me cry, thank you

Muchas gracias por vuestra música. Acerca mi alma a lo divino y aporta paz y serenidad. Mil gracias otra vez!

Brillant! a standard that keeps moving up and up for you folks.

🕊🌟🕊 This is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL 🙏💜🙏 💜🎵💜

Vollendet. Perfekt. Danke 🙏 🎼🎵🎶🐺

Zdumiewająca Precyzja i Piękno, w odtworzeniu tej Mistrzowskiej Klasyki. Gratuluję. PL

Breathingtakingly moving, 💜❤️💜

Simply beautiful!

Altogether ravishing in its simplicity and profound delivery. Thank you.

Stunning. This is my favorite location that you guys sing.

Meraviglioso 😍❤️

May God bless you all!

Music such as this immortal and lifts you to spiritual plane way beyond .......

I really appreciate the well- judged phrases, and particularly the final subdued ones. Of course, this piece is so well known, but with your insight it feels new and fresh. Thankyou for a consummate performance.

La perfezione. 🩷 Grazie! 🙏

Totally gorgeous! Bravo!

Can’t get enough of that Amen. Stunning beauty in both composition and performance. God kiss.