II omitted verse- O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And Praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth; For Christ is born of Mary; And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.
IV omitted verse- Where children pure and happy Pray to the blessed Child, Where misery cries out to thee, Son of the mother mild; Where charity stands watching And faith holds wide the door, The Dark night wakes, the glory breaks, And Christmas comes once more.
I don't know what in the heavens you all are complaining about. Dame Kiri is a soprano soloist with tremendous musicality. I don't think she's out of place in singing with this choir in the least. She does a remarkably beautiful job. Such a shame that people have to post mean comments on a Christmas video.
@Waldo99-This poem was written by Phillips Brooks in 1867, after his visit to Bethlehem. It was debuted as a carol in 1868 by Episcopal Church in Boston, Massachusetts by its Sunday school children's choir. The music for this Christmas carol was titled St. Louis by the organist of the same church, Lewis Henry Redner; who composed it. This tune here is an English traditional melody named Forest Green and is more beautiful & much better than the original tune- St. Louis.
I care & you are correct. Most of us would be needing our passport to heaven when the time comes. Dame Kiri would be waved straight through, as she is already perfectly credentialed with that angel's voice.
What special about this performance is how the tune and the words have inspired the choristers! Kiri and Krew are radiant! If you will, just freeze that frame at 1:54 , copy , paste, and cc to heaven!
@ Waldo99- My apologies for my error, Brooks was the pastor and Render was his organist at the Holy Trinity Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is also sung on the tune Ephratah by Uzziah C. Burnap(in 1895) & here on Forest Green arranged by Sir Ralph Vaughan Williams(in 1906). I agree with you, this tune is not the original for this hymn but this tune is not incorrect as Forest Green (in melody, meter & tempo).Its also used for the hymn All beautiful the march of days.
@slashtiger1 Actually the second and the fourth verses have been omitted. In all old English hymnals like the Ancient & Modern Of 1899, Salisbury hymnal of 1901 & The English Hymnal of 1906 you will find those two verses on this very traditional English Melody- Forest green.
@kirinphoebe -- One thing that affects my hearing of this version (I'm American) is that I am very familiar with Forest Green as the melody to another (non-Christmas) hymn, "I sing the almighty power of God."
Personally, I prefer the version of the last verse that ends "Where Charity stands watching and Faith holds wide the door: The dark night wakes, the Glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more."
That verse isn't the last verse -- it's the original (yep, original -- I'm referring to the lyrics here) third verse. However, it's omitted in most hymn books, probably because there is some kind of sarcastic charge to it. It was never meant to be the last verse, though. That said, I'd LOVE to hear a recording that DOES have this verse on it...
snakeskin2in2 is totally at odds with any knowledge at all of choral music. The female voice is quite correctly identified as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, one of the finest opera singers of the 20th century.
@ Waldo99 - I did not say that the Church of England is affiliated to Rome or is under the see of Rome. I wrote that the Church of England is a Catholic Church. Which means that it is an independent church belonging to England having Traditional Episcopal Catholic Liturgy and Supreme Governor(ness) as the Monarch/Monarchess of England.
@felixrex20021 I agree with you. Having seen KTK in opera and recital, her voice fits right in. As for the others, after reading these comments, I can humbly say that if they did check out the other KTK vids here, they wouldnt understand.
Which Cathedral in Britain was this filmed? I love this song - takes me back to the school nativity plays we used to do every year at Primary School and always gets me in the spirit of Christmas when it's sung when I attend Midnight Mass at my local church. Christmas in England is great.
@S20JLM -- I am. [Symphony chorus] But as a matter of personal taste I've never liked operatic singing. Even in actual operas, all the style and vibrato gets in the way of the music for me. That said, I do fancy she's toned it down as befits the occasion, though it still may be a tad, I don't know, *rococo* to go with a boys' choir, IMO the purest sound in vocal music.
If the intent of the church was purely worship then why would they have bothered to invite a top performer & entertainer to sing wth their choir? Could it not just be that her presence enhanced the commercial value of their choral DVD? If the purpose was worship then I would suggest that it was worship of Mammon rather than JC.
There is no such thing as "The original" in this case -- just this one and the American one. To be honest, I prefer this one if it is sang in a choir setting. The american one beats 'em all if it comes to a soloist performance...
snakeskin makes a vallid point, gazza. Furthermore, yes Dame Kiri may well be one of the finest opera singers in the 20th Century; this ISN'T opera. It's about time people understood that worship is not about *performance*... nor entertainment.
I have to agree, Kiri Te Kanawa doesn't quite fit the aesthetic of this piece. I do genuinely like her singing and think she is a fine vocalist (she's probably one of top operatic sopranos of the 20th century in my opinion) but I don't think her voice shines in this rendition of the hymn tune "Forest Green." Her joining on the treble descant at the end sounds nice because it allows her powerful, operatic voice to soar above the foundation of the choir but her solo verse didn't move me.
Lovely, the harmonies stood out so nicely with the tune except the soloist didn't stay in time with the choir and overdid it a bit. Otherwise really really nice
@snakeskin2u2 totally disagree. I see no clash and think a powerful soprano is entirely legitimate as a rearrangement. but i appear to be in a minority.
Upon having read again, I feel you are right to disagree... However, you could at least have an ounce of respect for your fellow users - no-one is to be meant in particular... Surely, that's what faith (and, indeed, Christmas) all revolves about, isn't it?
@walkerth58 I am very sorry if my commentaries hurt you in any manner. I respect your right of thought and expression and you are free to express it. I just gave my opinion on this matter. Have nice time and enjoy life.
@walkerth58 Dear walk., I think it is important to take all people seriously; if it is a problem to do so, then that reflects a shortcoming in one's own self. Fixable with therapy. Cheers. from, del-boy.
@cobalt100 When you stand before the Child of Bethlehem as your judge, then you'll find out just how "fictional" He is. If we as believers in Christ are wrong, we've lost nothing. If you are wrong , friend, then you've lost everything.
@walker58 - I do not know from where you people get your information and contradict me, I am an Anglican and I know that my church is a CATHOLIC church. How come it is not Catholic but Christian? Does your comment makes any sense? First go and read the Anglican Church history and the present statutes of Anglicanism and its liturgy & then debate with me.
@snakeskin2u2 I have an email from youtube saying you invited me but whatever. WRONG! I have lived my entire life in Britain and im not sure that it matters to an academic debate. my point was an odd one but i was driving at the development of our cultures. This song shows no culture clash. You could maybe argue tonality, timbre or stylistic clash but she's wearing christmas red and everything. All the lyrics are the same, what's so different from any 'original' concept which you hold so dear?
@S20JLM of course we know who she is... and the soprano and treble don't mix here. It is just poor taste. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is an excellent singer, and nobody would question that. This however, is chock ice and chips. The traditional boys and men rendering of this carol and the operatic solo voice are.... well, if you eat your Mars Bar with chicken and cabbage.... well perhaps you don't see my point.
Because their intent was not purely worship. Because many - like you - do not know what Holy Church is supposed to be about. You may well disagree with me; that's your right, but that is where the line is drawn here. Notwithstanding our philosophical opinions, musically the music of the church is something quite removed from Opera. Hence my agreement with snakeskin. It does not belong here, and what is right there is not so here.
@philipcheong it's not my birthday. Secondly, stop patronizing us please. Don't presume to know how I shall react in order to maintain aloof. As for it not having anything to do with you, it became something to do with you, Sir, when you yourself chose to submit your opinion - to which of course you are entitled just as much as those you condemn for being critical to it. So, yes, on the contrary it does. Methinks the lady protesteth too much.
@snakeskin2u2 oddly bipolar behaviour to say all that and then add me as a friend. First the culture point, both american singers and an english spoken carol come from liberal western democracies and the modes of state which preceded the UK and US. Im not sure where the cultural clash is. Irrespective of that, one recording or instance of a rendition is not going to kill off the original unless it is phenomenally good in which case it ought to, to insist on adherence to past scores is dogmatic.
@philipcheong Yes. I will sing with the Spirit *AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO*. There is nothing wrong with being critical, whether in likes or dislikes. The woman soprano was misplaced. You remind me of what my late mother used to say. Some people are so spiritual that they're of no earthly use. So stop the shame on you Lord have mercy act. It won't work.
@snakeskin2u2 Given you feel the need to consistently reply in three parts it's clear you are 'on one.' "Trash" clearly you're not truly British either. Incidentally you have you to clearly identify either the significance of local birth to understanding of traditional song, why said tradition matters or where the point of cultural clash is. Soloists take over from the choir in the finale of mahler's 8th - doesnt make it any less ethereal and compelling. perhaps less dogmatic arguments?
Then perhaps you should have realised that hogi22 was actually referring to the 'piece's 'pace'... Anyway, do you ever read on the internet at all? people cannot seem to write without making mistakes these days. Horrible.
Of course Dame Kiri is a wonderful singer, but on this occasion her role is totally at odds with that of the choir. They sing the carol straight; she can't resist adding"interpretation" which in this case means tempo fluctuations, imprecise diction and the occasional slide. This is just a matter of two musical delivery styles clashing!
That's so lovely , thank u ut singing wonderfully,hi my name is George I'm from Cramlington Norton and
II omitted verse-
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth,
And Praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth;
For Christ is born of Mary;
And, gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
IV omitted verse-
Where children pure and happy
Pray to the blessed Child,
Where misery cries out to thee,
Son of the mother mild;
Where charity stands watching
And faith holds wide the door,
The Dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
And Christmas comes once more.
My all time favourite Xmas carol brings back the childhood memories
Found this 💎 gem today x
i know it off by heart its a beautiful song ^ ^
I don't know what in the heavens you all are complaining about. Dame Kiri is a soprano soloist with tremendous musicality. I don't think she's out of place in singing with this choir in the least. She does a remarkably beautiful job. Such a shame that people have to post mean comments on a Christmas video.
@Waldo99-This poem was written by Phillips Brooks in 1867, after his visit to Bethlehem. It was debuted as a carol in 1868 by Episcopal Church in Boston, Massachusetts by its Sunday school children's choir. The music for this Christmas carol was titled St. Louis by the organist of the same church, Lewis Henry Redner; who composed it. This tune here is an English traditional melody named Forest Green and is more beautiful & much better than the original tune- St. Louis.
LUV this MELODY of O Litttle Town of Bethlehem
Nice rendition. I love both the British and American versions. Hope both versions may be commonly used in Canada.
St Paul's in London, England. You should listen to Hark the Herald recorded there. It is beautiful.
favourite christmas carol by far!
I never heard this version before, probably because I live in America. I like it though.
I care & you are correct. Most of us would be needing our passport to heaven when the time comes. Dame Kiri would be waved straight through, as she is already perfectly credentialed with that angel's voice.
i remember singin
ths in primary
wow brings back memorys!!lol
What special about this performance is how the tune and the words have inspired the choristers! Kiri and Krew are radiant! If you will, just freeze that frame at 1:54 , copy , paste, and cc to heaven!
Pozdrawiam serdecznie was wszystkich kochani moi drodzy państwo Piter Artist from Poland LOVE SONG 🌟
Awesome!!! Thanks for this! Kiri is a champ.
That Choir was gorgeous, as was Dame Kiri Te Kanawa- an absolutely wonderful rendition!
The singers voice is beautiful and controlled. Only an untrained ear would not appreciate this.
I LOve this song. :)
Must say, I really like this version better than the original. Much sweeter to my ears.
Jane Fonda nailed it !
@ Waldo99- My apologies for my error, Brooks was the pastor and Render was his organist at the Holy Trinity Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is also sung on the tune Ephratah by Uzziah C. Burnap(in 1895) & here on Forest Green arranged by Sir Ralph Vaughan Williams(in 1906). I agree with you, this tune is not the original for this hymn but this tune is not incorrect as Forest Green (in melody, meter & tempo).Its also used for the hymn All beautiful the march of days.
This was beautiful. Thank you.
It's an english catholic cathedral choir.
Uh, don't know if anyone cares, but I believe the woman is Kiri te Kanawa, the famous opera star.
@slashtiger1 Actually the second and the fourth verses have been omitted. In all old English hymnals like the Ancient & Modern Of 1899, Salisbury hymnal of 1901 & The English Hymnal of 1906 you will find those two verses on this very traditional English Melody- Forest green.
@kirinphoebe -- One thing that affects my hearing of this version (I'm American) is that I am very familiar with Forest Green as the melody to another (non-Christmas) hymn, "I sing the almighty power of God."
The little boy next to the solo singer looks so much like an old painting.
Personally, I prefer the version of the last verse that ends "Where Charity stands watching and Faith holds wide the door: The dark night wakes, the Glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more."
Gracias por publicar este video!
I honestly think the clash makes a wonderful sound, but thats just my opinion
It does sound mismatched, but it also sounds like it should be there
Not to bash the woman who has a fine voice, but the choir should have sung the entire song.
They were excellent.
George Vreeland Hill
Stuart Broad brought me here.
I prefer the other melody of O little town of Bethehem! But the English version is so much better, no question!
Does nobody get who Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is?! How many of you are professional singers exactly?!
I love Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's rendition, and further commend her for not donning that clown suit she wore for Charles' and Diana's wedding.
Dame Kiri the wrecking ball.
same here
That verse isn't the last verse -- it's the original (yep, original -- I'm referring to the lyrics here) third verse. However, it's omitted in most hymn books, probably because there is some kind of sarcastic charge to it. It was never meant to be the last verse, though. That said, I'd LOVE to hear a recording that DOES have this verse on it...
@clashdrifter
Totally agree with you!
I think the solo by Kiri is great.
@brasspitoon Yes, indeed it is an Anglican Cathedral and the Anglican Church (Church of England) is a Catholic Church.
of course it is in St Pauls Cathedral.
Ali Ali Cook, Ali Cook, Ali Ali Cook, Na na na na na na na na na
@Hillezz The difference is that the "woman" is Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the kids are nobody.
CORRECT!
snakeskin2in2 is totally at odds with any knowledge at all of choral music. The female voice is quite correctly identified as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, one of the finest opera singers of the 20th century.
"an ounce of...." is a common saying in English-speaking countries - it's an expression.
@ Waldo99 - I did not say that the Church of England is affiliated to Rome or is under the see of Rome. I wrote that the Church of England is a Catholic Church. Which means that it is an independent church belonging to England having Traditional Episcopal Catholic Liturgy and Supreme Governor(ness) as the Monarch/Monarchess of England.
@felixrex20021
I agree with you. Having seen KTK in opera and recital, her voice fits right in. As for the others, after reading these comments, I can humbly say that if they did check out the other KTK vids here, they wouldnt understand.
Which Cathedral in Britain was this filmed? I love this song - takes me back to the school nativity plays we used to do every year at Primary School and always gets me in the spirit of Christmas when it's sung when I attend Midnight Mass at my local church.
Christmas in England is great.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's to everyone...I just put up a Christmas Medley for the fun of it if anyone wants to check it ou...God Bless!
No, silly, that's the New Zeland-born Kiri Te Kanawa.
who cares, Kiri and Hillary are both excellent
What country does this choir represent?
Does anyone know where to get the score of this song? Thanks.
@RusiaCanal - It is if you live in the UK
@S20JLM -- I am. [Symphony chorus] But as a matter of personal taste I've never liked operatic singing. Even in actual operas, all the style and vibrato gets in the way of the music for me.
That said, I do fancy she's toned it down as befits the occasion, though it still may be a tad, I don't know, *rococo* to go with a boys' choir, IMO the purest sound in vocal music.
If the intent of the church was purely worship then why would they have bothered to invite a top performer & entertainer to sing wth their choir? Could it not just be that her presence enhanced the commercial value of their choral DVD? If the purpose was worship then I would suggest that it was worship of Mammon rather than JC.
@Waldo99 & Myself- I mistakenly wrote Redner as Render. My apologies for the spelling mistake.
There is no such thing as "The original" in this case -- just this one and the American one. To be honest, I prefer this one if it is sang in a choir setting. The american one beats 'em all if it comes to a soloist performance...
snakeskin makes a vallid point, gazza. Furthermore, yes Dame Kiri may well be one of the finest opera singers in the 20th Century; this ISN'T opera. It's about time people understood that worship is not about *performance*... nor entertainment.
I have to agree, Kiri Te Kanawa doesn't quite fit the aesthetic of this piece. I do genuinely like her singing and think she is a fine vocalist (she's probably one of top operatic sopranos of the 20th century in my opinion) but I don't think her voice shines in this rendition of the hymn tune "Forest Green." Her joining on the treble descant at the end sounds nice because it allows her powerful, operatic voice to soar above the foundation of the choir but her solo verse didn't move me.
Lovely, the harmonies stood out so nicely with the tune except the soloist didn't stay in time with the choir and overdid it a bit. Otherwise really really nice
@cobalt100 is that right
@snakeskin2u2 totally disagree. I see no clash and think a powerful soprano is entirely legitimate as a rearrangement. but i appear to be in a minority.
oh dear, what happened here with her?!
the poor boys... ;-)
Upon having read again, I feel you are right to disagree... However, you could at least have an ounce of respect for your fellow users - no-one is to be meant in particular... Surely, that's what faith (and, indeed, Christmas) all revolves about, isn't it?
@walkerth58 I am very sorry if my commentaries hurt you in any manner. I respect your right of thought and expression and you are free to express it. I just gave my opinion on this matter. Have nice time and enjoy life.
@walkerth58 Dear walk.,
I think it is important to take all people seriously; if it is a problem to do so, then that reflects a shortcoming in one's own self.
Fixable with therapy.
Cheers.
from,
del-boy.
haha alastair cook, bless...
@cobalt100
When you stand before the Child of Bethlehem as your judge, then you'll find out just how "fictional" He is. If we as believers in Christ are wrong, we've lost nothing. If you are wrong , friend, then you've lost everything.
@walker58 - I do not know from where you people get your information and contradict me, I am an Anglican and I know that my church is a CATHOLIC church. How come it is not Catholic but Christian? Does your comment makes any sense? First go and read the Anglican Church history and the present statutes of Anglicanism and its liturgy & then debate with me.
I prefer the original
Ditch the chick lads, she's meesin' up yer act lol
Chicken and chips for tea! RESULT :-)
@snakeskin2u2 I have an email from youtube saying you invited me but whatever. WRONG! I have lived my entire life in Britain and im not sure that it matters to an academic debate. my point was an odd one but i was driving at the development of our cultures. This song shows no culture clash. You could maybe argue tonality, timbre or stylistic clash but she's wearing christmas red and everything. All the lyrics are the same, what's so different from any 'original' concept which you hold so dear?
@S20JLM of course we know who she is... and the soprano and treble don't mix here. It is just poor taste. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is an excellent singer, and nobody would question that. This however, is chock ice and chips. The traditional boys and men rendering of this carol and the operatic solo voice are.... well, if you eat your Mars Bar with chicken and cabbage.... well perhaps you don't see my point.
I love this song, and the choir did it justice but they're so hushed in singing it. The soloist did very well, though.
Well they know the words .. but need to do it learn how the tune goes
Oh....it's just I didn't see the humour in your joke.
Because their intent was not purely worship. Because many - like you - do not know what Holy Church is supposed to be about. You may well disagree with me; that's your right, but that is where the line is drawn here. Notwithstanding our philosophical opinions, musically the music of the church is something quite removed from Opera. Hence my agreement with snakeskin. It does not belong here, and what is right there is not so here.
@thewanderingkiwi1 Nonsense
@philipcheong it's not my birthday. Secondly, stop patronizing us please. Don't presume to know how I shall react in order to maintain aloof. As for it not having anything to do with you, it became something to do with you, Sir, when you yourself chose to submit your opinion - to which of course you are entitled just as much as those you condemn for being critical to it. So, yes, on the contrary it does. Methinks the lady protesteth too much.
@snakeskin2u2 oddly bipolar behaviour to say all that and then add me as a friend. First the culture point, both american singers and an english spoken carol come from liberal western democracies and the modes of state which preceded the UK and US. Im not sure where the cultural clash is. Irrespective of that, one recording or instance of a rendition is not going to kill off the original unless it is phenomenally good in which case it ought to, to insist on adherence to past scores is dogmatic.
@philipcheong Yes. I will sing with the Spirit *AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO*. There is nothing wrong with being critical, whether in likes or dislikes. The woman soprano was misplaced. You remind me of what my late mother used to say. Some people are so spiritual that they're of no earthly use. So stop the shame on you Lord have mercy act. It won't work.
@Querzeo no, she is just so out of place. She is a fantastic opera/classical singer. But here.... no, it just doesn't work.
@thewanderingkiwi1 It's not that she can't sing, it is that she is totally out of place in this arrangement and far too over the top.
I'm sorry, but that womans voice is SO mismatched to this song its unbelievable. I thought the recording had gone wrong when she started to sing.
@snakeskin2u2 Given you feel the need to consistently reply in three parts it's clear you are 'on one.' "Trash" clearly you're not truly British either. Incidentally you have you to clearly identify either the significance of local birth to understanding of traditional song, why said tradition matters or where the point of cultural clash is. Soloists take over from the choir in the finale of mahler's 8th - doesnt make it any less ethereal and compelling. perhaps less dogmatic arguments?
Too much vibrato in solo lady
Then perhaps you should have realised that hogi22 was actually referring to the 'piece's 'pace'... Anyway, do you ever read on the internet at all? people cannot seem to write without making mistakes these days. Horrible.
Jesus, Te Kwnawa was so out of mood, here...!
So bad sung... :-S
what an awful voice, that woman ruined a beautiful Christmas carol
Rubbish solo, go home Kiri
I care - thanks.
And...Merry Christmas (in advance).
Of course Dame Kiri is a wonderful singer, but on this occasion her role is totally at odds with that of the choir. They sing the carol straight; she can't resist adding"interpretation" which in this case means tempo fluctuations, imprecise diction and the occasional slide. This is just a matter of two musical delivery styles clashing!
Dame Kiri the wrecking ball.