A very beautiful performance of this most exquisite piece. Arguably the finest Amen ever written. Like a slow motion shot of a beautiful flower opening and then again. Thank you so much
I regret that I can not speak English and can not express in words what I feel. It really has no words. The skin is wrinkling. Crescendo in amen is the peak, the Himalayas. I wish you many successes and continued joy of singing, because you can see it. Greetings from Poland.
WOW!!!! Have no better word for it... Can't stop listening to this. The "Amen" part from 4,19, may well be the best piece of music ever written!! And this choir!! WOW!!
I am nearly certain there is no better performance of the closing Amen section of this piece in existence - all come, all do well, some quite well - none compare.
oh - you're most kind - and listen - (if you're one of the singers) - listen to me - If ya'll don't already know this - you must get to a point in your performance where... you aren't necessarily... "performing" the music - you must be open to the MOLDING of the sound amoungst you-all - as you sing. Be so aware of how your notes are inserted into all the other notes around you - and don't be afraid to.. "mix it up" just a bit periodically - I think that's what I heard some of you doing already, which is one reason I was so impressed. But anyway - Don't listen to my idiocy going on and on - Ya'll are fantastic - just fantastic.
You sing that "Amen" better than them all! I just played it 6 times straight and might have to play it daily on my long commute to work. Excellent job altos...that's not easy!
Hi Adam, we were thrilled to read your comment! It means a huge amount to us to know our singing is being enjoyed by you (on your commute!). We hope to have some new videos to share soon.
It’s the most atmospheric six/five cadence I have ever heard at the end! Patrick, your concept of the whole work- phrasing , dynamic shading is masterly- a true triumph! 😀
Everything about this performance is stunning. I particularly loved how you start the Amen with such gentleness, reverence and restraint, which makes the subsequent increase in intensity that much more powerful.
This is really exquisite. There are no words. I welled up big time in the Amen. You build that up so beautifully. I absolutely prefer that slower tempo. It makes it magical and mesmerising. Our choir is singing this at the moment too and I hope we can also do it justice. Think I’ll have to listen to this everyday now 😊. It’s like heavenly angels 👼🏻 👼🏻 singing.
You ever hear one of those pieces that before you can breathe, you are crying, seeing yourself mentally prostrate in the aisle asking for forgiveness? Your performance of this Parsons piece did that for me. Thanks for helping a honorable man, brother, father and grandfather put down his armor safely, even if just for 6+ minutes.
Magnificent sound you all make, the sops are outstanding there top notes are crystal clear, it's so soothing to listen to, such beauty is hard to find. 💙♥️💙♥️💙♥️
no words - I have no words - that was one of the most moving performances of that piece I have ever heard. It was a bit slow, but you pulled it off with your incredible grace and skill. And the closing Amen section - ... ... wow, ... no words - so very moving - the Holy Spirit was definitely with you.
That was superb, and I agree with all the comments about the Amen which is one of my most beloved musical moments that I have never heard sung more movingly.
Thanks so much for your comment Kenneth! It is wonderful to know you are able to keep returning to this video for repeat viewing. It's one of our favourites. Hopefully we'll sing it in person before too long!
I'm not religious. But I listen to this recording almost every day. And especially on today's date (9/11) it provides such comfort. Thank you for creating this exquisite work of art.
Thank you so much for your kind comment Eric! It means such a lot to know that you find comfort in this music. We have to admit, it's Robert Parsons who really deserves the credit. But we're happy to be the messengers! Wishing you all the best.
What a beautiful interpretation of this masterpiece. Exquisitely performed. My compliments to the singers and the Artistic Director. As a choral singer I can tell you this is a difficult piece to sing and you did it beautifully. Much respect from Canada.
I love many close harmony groups, your group is brilliant! And must add that I am gladden with so many groups are being formed in England and the United States; but actually all over the world.
A choir of mine in Cleveland OH sang and recorded this piece 30 years ago. And I have conducted it many times since, mostly in NYC. My only quibble is that I wish that the conductor had held the last, beautiful, chord for 3 more seconds. Why not enjoy the sound a bit more?
Wikipedia reports Robert Parsons was born around 1530-35, but no details of his birth survive and little is known about his life, although it is likely that he was a choir boy, as until 1561 he was an assistant to Richard Bower, Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal. His musical skills were clearly recognised as he was appointed Gentleman of the Chapel Royal on 17 October 1563. Parsons worked with other composers of his day and it is thought that he collaborated with Richard Farrant on dramatic productions during the early 1560s. Similarities have been demonstrated between John Sheppard's 1558 Second Service and Parsons's First Service, suggesting that Parsons was greatly influenced by Sheppard's compositional style. Parsons was also closely connected with William Byrd, and Parsons's influences can be traced in Byrd's instrumental works and choral motets. The two musicians both lived and worked in the county of Lincolnshire; in 1567, Parsons was granted a Crown lease on a rectory at Stainton in Lincolnshire, 4 miles (6.4 km) from Hainton, where Byrd resided and it is thought that Parsons may have taught Byrd at Lincoln Cathedral. Robert Parsons is believed to have died in January 1571/2 when he fell into the swollen River Trent at Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire and was drowned. However it is not known whether his body was ever recovered. His sudden accidental death was rightly marked with great sadness as he had gained a considerable reputation as a composer. He was later succeeded by William Byrd as Gentleman of the Chapel Royal in 1572.
I've sung and heard many Ave Maria's in my time as a member of the Toronto Oratory Choir, Sacred Music Society and the award-winning Victoria Scholars. If there is a more sublime setting of the Ave Maria, I do not know it. Schubert? Bach- Gounod? They can't touch this. Victoria? Yes, comes close, but this is by far, the best! The execution and tempo of this is superb. Absolutely superb. At our solemn Latin Nuptial Mass, this was the Offertory!
Das ist ein wundervolles Stück und eine genau so großartige Interpretation Gratulation !!! Ich möchte euch einmal in einem Konzert erleben - wann kommt ihr endlich nach Deutschland?
It's in a church, for they are singing in Latin, the Ave Maria, the verse from Luke that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary... "And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”” Luke 1:28 NKJV bible.com/114/luk.1.28.nkjv
a little too slow for my taste; the sound is wonderful however. the balance between parts is perfection and I wonder if mixing up the placement of the voices has anything to do with this. traditionally each voice would be grouped together but they are mixed up here. just a little increase in tempo to make it flow as it becomes a little to stodgy / treacly (is that a word?!). otherwise, glorious!
brianwilson49 I disagree completely re the tempo. It’s perfect building up in this slow way. Doing it faster takes away the magical climactic effect completely. It absolutely ruins it. Becomes perfunctory. It’s not stodgy at all. Our choir often mixes the voices up like that, people listen better like that and the result is very different. It’s also very good practice too so as not to become too reliant on the person singing next to you.
A very beautiful performance of this most exquisite piece. Arguably the finest Amen ever written. Like a slow motion shot of a beautiful flower opening and then again. Thank you so much
Thanks so much!
Klasse.... Traum....
Gänsehaut Super Chor
Danke!
Thanks for this, most apt I hear it today with sublime singing it's most moving and gives much comfort.God bless
A pleasure, thank you for your kind comment!
Heavenly! Bravo!
Thank you!
Certainly the best performance I've ever heard. Sung with tremendous feeling and sensitivity. Unforgettable.
Wow - thanks so much Philip. We're very grateful for your kind words.
True brilliant close harmony group. The choral tradition of England is enormously wonderful.
Thanks so much!
That decrescendo before the final phrase of the ‘amen’ is mind-blowing.
Genius!
unbelievable. speechless
Thanks so much Kevin! That means a lot.
I regret that I can not speak English and can not express in words what I feel. It really has no words. The skin is wrinkling. Crescendo in amen is the peak, the Himalayas. I wish you many successes and continued joy of singing, because you can see it.
Greetings from Poland.
Beautiful words! Thank you so much!
Your English is excellent.
Bellísimo
Gracias!
WOW!!!! Have no better word for it...
Can't stop listening to this.
The "Amen" part from 4,19, may well be the best piece of music ever written!!
And this choir!! WOW!!
totally agree... the AMEN section is stunning.. listening to this on loop here at work..
Hermosamente celestial!!!
Gracias!
This is polyphonic perfection. I am moved every time I listen, and I listen frequently. Keep up the great work!
Wow that's high praise, thank you Derek!
Sublime
The most beauty and best performed Ave Maria for me, I hope to sing once this master piece with my choir,
+Karl Devreese thanks Karl - we love singing it, and hope you get the chance to do so!
So beautiful!!!
Thank you!
I am nearly certain there is no better performance of the closing Amen section of this piece in existence - all come, all do well, some quite well - none compare.
What a compliment - thank you!
oh - you're most kind - and listen - (if you're one of the singers) - listen to me - If ya'll don't already know this - you must get to a point in your performance where... you aren't necessarily... "performing" the music - you must be open to the MOLDING of the sound amoungst you-all - as you sing. Be so aware of how your notes are inserted into all the other notes around you - and don't be afraid to.. "mix it up" just a bit periodically - I think that's what I heard some of you doing already, which is one reason I was so impressed.
But anyway - Don't listen to my idiocy going on and on - Ya'll are fantastic - just fantastic.
Sublimely sensitive !
Thank you!
You sing that "Amen" better than them all! I just played it 6 times straight and might have to play it daily on my long commute to work. Excellent job altos...that's not easy!
Hi Adam, we were thrilled to read your comment! It means a huge amount to us to know our singing is being enjoyed by you (on your commute!). We hope to have some new videos to share soon.
And its Countertenor isn't it?
It’s the most atmospheric six/five cadence I have ever heard at the end!
Patrick, your concept of the whole work- phrasing , dynamic shading is masterly- a true triumph! 😀
Everything about this performance is stunning. I particularly loved how you start the Amen with such gentleness, reverence and restraint, which makes the subsequent increase in intensity that much more powerful.
That's very kind, thank you!
This is really exquisite. There are no words. I welled up big time in the Amen. You build that up so beautifully. I absolutely prefer that slower tempo. It makes it magical and mesmerising. Our choir is singing this at the moment too and I hope we can also do it justice. Think I’ll have to listen to this everyday now 😊. It’s like heavenly angels 👼🏻 👼🏻 singing.
Thanks so much Mitzy, that's very kind of you to say!
The "AMEN" is always powerful in this setting. But this, this is incredible. I sang along but had to stop for the emotion.
There are many words in this anthem!
You ever hear one of those pieces that before you can breathe, you are crying, seeing yourself mentally prostrate in the aisle asking for forgiveness? Your performance of this Parsons piece did that for me. Thanks for helping a honorable man, brother, father and grandfather put down his armor safely, even if just for 6+ minutes.
Wow! What amazing comment. Thanks for sharing, Gerry!
Magnificent sound you all make, the sops are outstanding there top notes are crystal clear, it's so soothing to listen to, such beauty is hard to find. 💙♥️💙♥️💙♥️
Exquisite! Beautiful piece, and the performance was lovely.
Thanks so much!
no words - I have no words - that was one of the most moving performances of that piece I have ever heard.
It was a bit slow, but you pulled it off with your incredible grace and skill.
And the closing Amen section - ... ... wow, ... no words - so very moving - the Holy Spirit was definitely with you.
Thank you! We're very pleased you enjoyed it.
oh - no question. no question.
This piece aches to be performed at this slow tempo! Good for them. The unending polyphonic strands are delicious at this tempo.
That was superb, and I agree with all the comments about the Amen which is one of my most beloved musical moments that I have never heard sung more movingly.
Thanks ever so much! That's very kind of you to say.
Just flawless.
Thanks so much Derek!
All around, just fantastic. But...the altos.....wow. So good!
Thanks for your kind words Derek! Very much appreciated.
You guys are fantastic! Breathtaking final Amen. I'm just discovering your group.
Thanks so much!
Beautifully sung... and deeply moving. Congratulations from Brazil!
absolutely beautiful
I have listened to this so many times. And today it brought me to tears once again, it is so beautiful! Thank you.
Thanks so much for your comment Kenneth! It is wonderful to know you are able to keep returning to this video for repeat viewing. It's one of our favourites. Hopefully we'll sing it in person before too long!
Wonderfully timed final climax, great line! Cheers guys x
+Ollie Hooper thanks much Ollie! So glad you enjoyed it!
I'm not religious. But I listen to this recording almost every day. And especially on today's date (9/11) it provides such comfort. Thank you for creating this exquisite work of art.
Thank you so much for your kind comment Eric! It means such a lot to know that you find comfort in this music. We have to admit, it's Robert Parsons who really deserves the credit. But we're happy to be the messengers! Wishing you all the best.
What a beautiful interpretation of this masterpiece. Exquisitely performed. My compliments to the singers and the Artistic Director. As a choral singer I can tell you this is a difficult piece to sing and you did it beautifully. Much respect from Canada.
+Brian Hemeryck thank you so much!
And here I am one year later on this Feast of the Annunciation once again to state what I did below.
It's just wonderful. Thank you for sharing with all.
Our pleasure. Thank you Jacob!
🙏❤️
I love many close harmony groups, your group is brilliant!
And must add that I am gladden with so many groups are being formed in England and the United States; but actually all over the world.
Thanks ever so much! That's extremely kind of you to say!
Where can I find more of your recordings? I read across a beautiful piece by Sir Henry Harris..beautiful!!!
@@dleimkuehler Thanks! Lots of info on our recordings on our website: www.siglodeoro.co.uk
Gorgeous.
Thank you!
Wonderful! Thank you!
Our pleasure! So glad you like it!
Amazing! Wonderful! Thank you for posting!
Flawless performance. Bravi!
Thanks so much Alexander!
Beautiful
Love it!
Come tour in the USA...Michigan! You guys are awesome; very similar sound to stile antico.
Matt Pesavento thanks so much Matt! Hopefully we can make our first trip across the pond before too long!
The best!
Love the dolce or dolcissimo in the Amen.
Thank you Eduardo!
A choir of mine in Cleveland OH sang and recorded this piece 30 years ago. And I have conducted it many times since, mostly in NYC.
My only quibble is that I wish that the conductor had held the last, beautiful, chord for 3 more seconds. Why not enjoy the sound a bit more?
Wow.
"Magnificent" is a word which wouldn't do justice to this rendition.Count me in as one of your newest subscribers..
Thank you Gregory!
Wikipedia reports Robert Parsons was born around 1530-35, but no details of his birth survive and little is known about his life, although it is likely that he was a choir boy, as until 1561 he was an assistant to Richard Bower, Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal.
His musical skills were clearly recognised as he was appointed Gentleman of the Chapel Royal on 17 October 1563.
Parsons worked with other composers of his day and it is thought that he collaborated with Richard Farrant on dramatic productions during the early 1560s. Similarities have been demonstrated between John Sheppard's 1558 Second Service and Parsons's First Service, suggesting that Parsons was greatly influenced by Sheppard's compositional style. Parsons was also closely connected with William Byrd, and Parsons's influences can be traced in Byrd's instrumental works and choral motets. The two musicians both lived and worked in the county of Lincolnshire; in 1567, Parsons was granted a Crown lease on a rectory at Stainton in Lincolnshire, 4 miles (6.4 km) from Hainton, where Byrd resided and it is thought that Parsons may have taught Byrd at Lincoln Cathedral.
Robert Parsons is believed to have died in January 1571/2 when he fell into the swollen River Trent at Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire and was drowned. However it is not known whether his body was ever recovered. His sudden accidental death was rightly marked with great sadness as he had gained a considerable reputation as a composer. He was later succeeded by William Byrd as Gentleman of the Chapel Royal in 1572.
What a beautiful performance en lovely singing, can I follow you and your choir somewhere? Www?
Hi Albert! We're so pleased you liked it. You can find out more about us at Siglodeoro.co.uk, or Facebook.com/siglodeoro.
I've sung and heard many Ave Maria's in my time as a member of the Toronto Oratory Choir, Sacred Music Society and the award-winning Victoria Scholars. If there is a more sublime setting of the Ave Maria, I do not know it. Schubert? Bach- Gounod? They can't touch this. Victoria? Yes, comes close, but this is by far, the best! The execution and tempo of this is superb. Absolutely superb. At our solemn Latin Nuptial Mass, this was the Offertory!
Thanks very much! We love this piece, too.
Incredibly beautiful and inspiring! Truly breathtaking. How and where can I purchase your CDs?
Thanks so much Richard! More information is on our website: www.siglodeoro.co.uk/
Patrick. Have you considered Tallis’s Miserere Nostri ,Domine? ( You probably have)
Richard.
TheJamaicajoe Thanks very much, we're so pleased you like it! Our conductor is Patrick Allies.
Who is the fantastic conductor? Wahnsinn's stuff
exquisite. where is this church?
Thank you very much! It's St James Church, Sussex Gardens, London
Das ist ein wundervolles Stück und eine genau so großartige Interpretation
Gratulation !!!
Ich möchte euch einmal in einem Konzert erleben - wann kommt ihr endlich nach Deutschland?
Vielen Dank Wolfgang! Wir würden uns freuen, Deutschland zu besuchen. Können Sie alle Veranstaltungsorte oder Festivals der Chormusik empfehlen?
I don't know how to contact the organizers, but this is an outstanding summer festival: www.rheingau-musik-festival.de/rmf,de,home.html
Is this pre-recorded and lip-synced?
Beautiful singing but the camera operator didn't know the music well enough to pick up the individual voice part leads which was a shame
Who is David Trendell and what happened to him?
Hi - here is David's biography: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Trendell. Many of the group studied with him at King's College London.
What a great loss. May he rest in peace.
slow motion polyphony ;-)
Why the creepy cathedral location?
Yeah! They are singing "Ave Maria" in a church. What kind of crazy people does that???
It's got good accoustics . . .?
If you have ever sung "in the round" in an acoustically glorious space like that, you know why.
It's in a church, for they are singing in Latin, the Ave Maria,
the verse from Luke that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary... "And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!””
Luke 1:28 NKJV
bible.com/114/luk.1.28.nkjv
Ignorant comment. The setting is perfect and the voices are too.
a little too slow for my taste; the sound is wonderful however. the balance between parts is perfection and I wonder if mixing up the placement of the voices has anything to do with this. traditionally each voice would be grouped together but they are mixed up here. just a little increase in tempo to make it flow as it becomes a little to stodgy / treacly (is that a word?!). otherwise, glorious!
brianwilson49 I disagree completely re the tempo. It’s perfect building up in this slow way. Doing it faster takes away the magical climactic effect completely. It absolutely ruins it. Becomes perfunctory. It’s not stodgy at all. Our choir often mixes the voices up like that, people listen better like that and the result is very different. It’s also very good practice too so as not to become too reliant on the person singing next to you.
Beautiful