Árstíðir - Heyr himna smiður (Icelandic hymn) in train station

Great news, everyone! This year, 2024, we will be releasing a full album with only Icelandic hymns and choir pieces like this one! The album will be released in November. Follow us on our socials for more information!
arstidir.com
/ arstidir
/ arstidir
Video description:
The hymn "Heyr, himna smiður" was written by the Icelandic viking Kolbeinn Tumason in 1208. The music was composed in the 1970s by Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson (1938-2013), one of Iceland's foremost contemporary composers.
We performed this impromptu at the train station in Wuppertal, Germany, on September 15, 2013. We had just finished playing a regular concert in an adjacent music venue and we're hanging out with our listeners after the show when we discovered the amazing acoustics inside the train station hall. Our friend Linda Iliste spontaneously recorded this on her camera, and we're very happy she did!
To buy the sheet music: goo.gl/mZRSti
Lyrics:
Heyr, himna smiður,
hvers skáldið biður.
Komi mjúk til mín
miskunnin þín.
Því heit eg á þig,
þú hefur skaptan mig.
Eg er þrællinn þinn,
þú ert drottinn minn.
Guð, heit eg á þig,
að þú græðir mig.
Minnst þú, mildingur, mín,
mest þurfum þín.
Ryð þú, röðla gramur,
ríklyndur og framur,
hölds hverri sorg
úr hjartaborg.
Gæt þú, mildingur, mín,
mest þurfum þín,
helzt hverja stund
á hölda grund.
Send þú, meyjar mögur,
málsefnin fögur,
öll er hjálp af þér,
í hjarta mér.

[@iSim0641]

Please don't ever take this video down. I come and listen to this so often when in need.

[@adamsimpson5761]

Same. Since they put it up I've watched it about a hundred times.

[@kezca]

Same its beautiful

[@darkeness1029]

Me, too. I found this just before my mom went into hospice care. It brings chills to my spine and a gentle smile to my mouth. ♥️

[@ryans6280]

🙏🙏🙏 my too homie

[@djordjegajic1274]

Same, every year I'm here.

[@TraustiGeir]

The quality of the recording does not do this justice, but at the same time I find myself relieved and grateful that this was recorded in the first place.

[@belovedpeartree]

+TraustiGeir I agree. It would be better if they just left the camera on a tripod, sorry to say :P

[@Arstidir]

+TraustiGeir This song is recorded now with Árstíðir and Anneke van Giersbergen. www.annekevangiersbergen.com/product/pre-order-verloren-verleden-anneke-arstidir-signed/

[@KennethClausen]

open.spotify.com/track/3rMVYq6o6KVCOG8HUL7Es1

[@HipposHateWater]

I actually kinda like the extreme, distorted echo this has. Makes it feel like you're hearing the call of a performance off in the distance. :)

[@cycnusthesealion3250]

it gives the song a strange aura...loved it!

[@thomasprice9464]

Still coming back to this 7 years later because it genuinely captured something magical.

[@nickmorris5546]

Yep same here

[@yogxoth1959]

Same here. I just thought of this video while eating breakfast and just had to go back and find it. I’m glad it’s still here. It’s beautiful.

[@blackcitadel37]

Interesting how people just forget whatever they were busy with and stop to listen them sing.

[@egillsverdgaur]

This hymn was written by Kolbeinn Tumason in 1208 before The Battle of Víðanes where he died. And one of the amazing things is that the words have remained pretty much the same sinch it's conception.

[@jjescorpiso21]

swordmanegill woah 😲

[@faerefolke]

That is both beautiful and heartbreaking

[@eyrunbjorgvins]

Natalie 1234 The music is a 20th century piece, it's just the words they're referring to.

[@bettye444]

swordmanegill Thanks for that historical note.

[@drnehakarnik]

If someone can translate this beautiful song

[@euroamerican92]

I love the guy who pauses drinking his beer to bring glorious music to all these people in transit. Then, once all is said and sung, goes back to drinking his beer.

[@seivenk9453]

The music is so good, he even stops drinking.

[@samtinkle9076]

Some heroes don’t wear capes. Some heroes drink beer. Some heroes sing.

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic group) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@RetroWorkShop773]

That's the Bass. Delightfully, rather par for the course.

[@robertwhelan9132]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the fact THAT he can sing this gloriously while drinking? 🤗

[@ChuckDownfield2727]

who ever is singing bass is a freaking god

[@CanumaamunaC]

I think its the guy holding a beer

[@ericmcginty]

It is.

[@jensa.gudmundsson6951]

Yes and he is my son!

[@flxfaber]

Congratulations! You can be very proud.

[@AttilaBakosArt]

This! He made me want to listen to almighty Pasjukov again: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX-XhZWgfpl5bZY

[@soteria80]

It’s nearing the end of 2023 and this video still gives me the same feeling it once did, many years ago! Something about listening to this just brings me peace ❤️

[@ellies.9474]

English translation (roughly) Listen, smith of the heavens, what the poet asks. May softly come unto me your mercy. So I call on thee, for you have created me. I am thy slave, you are my Lord. God, I call on thee to heal me. Remember me, mild one, Most we need thee. Drive out, O king of suns, generous and great, every human sorrow from the city of the heart. Watch over me, mild one, Most we need thee, truly every moment in the world of men. send us, son of the virgin, good causes, all aid is from thee, in my heart.

[@scuddkidd4017]

same we hv in islam except for son of the God part .

[@unfabulousization]

Scudd Kidd we believe Jesus (Isa) is son of a virgin Mary (Meryem) too man

[@scuddkidd4017]

Crimsonguard Gaming oh sry i mean to write god , so i wrote virgin ^^

[@howardtreesong4860]

Even reading the lyrics gives me the shivers. Wonderful song.

[@Bjarneyemma]

That is the most hilariously agressive call to peace I have ever read. Dude 1: Here is a translation to english of this religious hymn! Dude 2: We have a very similar hymn in another religion, except like two lines are different Dude 3: Nah man it's those other two words that are different Dude 2: Oh, you're right, my bad Dude 4: You better make sure you keep those two lines of text on a different continent from me! Or else war! See how easy peace is?

[@AnGhaeilge]

Now I know what it's like to live in the year 1214. Depressing, shoeless but hauntingly beautiful.

[@rufittawah7009]

how does listening to 1 song make you know what its like to live in a certain time excluding we didnt start the fire

[@ahrubik]

FYI: "The music was composed in the 1970s by Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson" No way to know how "haunting" it might have been from this video.

[@zaperman101]

420 MC HD PVP 1337 While its probably not safe to assume everything off of a single song it isn't exactly wrong to judge some of it. Today our Pop music is energetic and happy, So he assumed that based off of this it could have been gloomy.. Which in 13th century Iceland, That fits the picture.

[@AnGhaeilge]

420 MC HD PVP 1337 Do you take every comment on youtube literally? I was being cavalier.

[@seven3true]

Zaperman our pop music is energetic, alcoholic, and makes me want to abuse woman. wish i could see what people from the year 3145 will think of us. "i wonder what 'bottles in da club and [bleep] these bitches' mean...."

[@kaiheyrock3093]

I stood a few meters beside them. After their concert in Kulturbahnhof Vohwinkel-Wuppertal (Germany). Besides the birth of my kids, marriage and that day I got my Gibson Firebird it was one of the most beautifult moments in my life. It sounded so fantastic. I never miss them, when they perform near my town.

[@yassirhassani9166]

The Echo made it sound so much better

[@martinenotmartini9935]

Goddamnit, Wuppertal isn't that far from me. Catching a magical moment like that coincidentally must be incredible. The only thing that's keeping me from moping about having missed it is that I wasn't even in the country at that time.

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic group) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@IamMinnie90]

That’s so moving 🤍

[@Fuckyourselfgoogle]

I would have missed my train to finish listening to this

[@PrinsPrygel]

Any day of the week, and twice on sunday.

[@kellylaliberte548]

I was thinking the same. There will be another train, but you'll never have this opportunity again.

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic group) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@IamMinnie90]

Me too!!

[@josefinebehrendt9664]

In Germany, the trains are most likely to be late anyway

[@lnAmberClad]

Hands down, unequivocally, one of the all time greatest videos ever uploaded to the internet. Despite the imperfect fidelity, it captures the weight and meaningfulness to the point that you could show this video to literally any human on earth and they would be moved by it.

[@ladj2222]

1000% Absolutely!

[@daveknapp1770]

Well put. Even the background "noise" elevates it and adds to the ambience.

[@victoriousjoy9338]

I so agree!!❤

[@KM-us1nc]

imperfect fidelity. who talks like that......

[@shaun-ography]

The reverb of that train station is epic

[@shaun-ography]

Also one of them isnt wearing shoes

[@daveduggan6838]

Shaun Luxon i was just gonna say that! the whole time i was wondering why the hell is this guy barefoot in a train station.

[@2rslvl126]

dave duggan Can't forget about the beer guy.

[@Rollers123a]

Shaun Luxon the barefoot one is risking a fine from the Occupational Health and Safety committee.

[@barefootcomposer]

Colin Rowley Three things. 1) OSHA only regulates employees. As they're clearly not employed by the transit system there, OSHA wouldn't touch them. 2) This is in Germany, so OSHA doesn't even apply. 3) It's totally not illegal to go barefoot in public places, in the States OR in Germany. I say this as someone who goes barefoot pretty much all the time and has done his research into the matter. /soapbox

[@JohnDoe-bm9wy]

Do you see how they step apart and widen their circle? They're so attuned to how it shapes sound that they know how far apart they need to be to control the outcome of their song at that moment in time. It's like an organic resonance knob.

[@alexspear2145]

It also has a lot to do with listening to other parts and matching vowel tonality and tempo management

[@nicknaumann938]

Organic Resonance Knob is the name of my new band

[@ocircles738]

Yeah whenever I step back to let someone in the circle it's because of acoustics :P

[@jovonrosen8417]

@@ocircles738 Hahaha seriously what are these fools talking about.

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic group) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@stellawimmer2212]

Doctor: You have 3 minutes and 38 seconds left to live. Me: Play this song.

[@o.aldenproductions.9858]

Stella Wimmer you DONT know what a good choice you made. It’s total submission and trust to God. 🙏🏻

[@fjalls]

@@o.aldenproductions.9858 What?

[@josuecezar]

@@fjalls The lyrics are actually a prayer to God.

[@fjalls]

@@josuecezar i know

[@eliannafreely5725]

@@o.aldenproductions.9858 You don't happen to know what it means in English, do you?

[@sally.gatenby]

It’s 2022 and I still come back to listen to this ethereal magnificence.

[@ryans6280]

Me too it just entered my brain again

[@tactteam00]

I can't believe I've watched this 3.9 million times

[@Rollers123a]

do you get a little teary sometimes, watching or listening to it? you watched 3.9 million times? I don't think you're obesessed but human with with soul. i think you have several million more views/listens before it is equalled or surpassed.

[@youngieyoung]

tactteam00 3.38min * 60 = 202.8 seconds 202.8sec * 3,900,000 times = 790,920,000 seconds 790,920,000 seconds / 60 = 13,182,000 minutes 13,182,000 minutes / 60 = 219,700 hours 219,700 hours / 24 = 9154.16 days 9154.16 days / 365 = 25.079 years This video was uploaded on 16th September 2013 which was: 1 year 7 months 5 days ago. You've apparently been watching this video for just over 25 years straight; I think someone is lying. You sack of shit ;)

[@ibbi30]

Chris Young Or he has many computers :D.

[@johnnyboyrich]

Chris Young (3min*60)+38sec=218 218(3,900,000views)=850,200,000sec 850,200,000sec(1min/60sec)=14,170,000min 14,170,000min(1hour/60min)=236166.66hours 236166.66hours(1day/24hours)=9840.278days 9840.278days(1year/365days)=26.96 years

[@kieranrobo]

tactteam00 It's not possible that you watched it that many times. I don't believe you.

[@tolli97]

Translation: Hear creator of the heavens what the poet begs. Come softly to me your mercy. I trust in you, you have created me. I am your servant you are my lord. God, I trust in you to heal me. For the least, my king, we need you the most. Take, my God, so powerful and inquisitive, the sorrow out of our hearts. My king, watch over me, we need you the most. For every moment to hold ground. Set the son of a maiden, a beautiful matter. All the help from you in my heart. This is written in a very violent time in the Sturlunga-age in Iceland. A few families were having disagreements over power and the man who wrote this poem was a member of one of those families. He was in the Ásbirninga family and his name was Kolbeinn Tumason. It is said that he wrote this just prior to "Víðinesbardagi", a battle in 1208. He said this poem over and over, so often that the people around him memorized it.

[@dropac]

you just made my day awesome

[@grgmrnsc]

It is remarkable how parts of history is remembered throughout the centuries... thank you for this, you have also made my day more awesome.

[@Manchessollte421]

"a few families were having disagreements" so like, all four families living in Iceland at the time?

[@tolli97]

A bit more than that. The families' names were Sturlungar, Haukdælir, Oddverjar, Svínfellingar, Ásbirningar, Vatnsfirðingar, Seldælir and more. They were more like political clans rather than "families", since a lot/most of them were not related.

[@Manchessollte421]

chill man, it was a joke

[@Arstidir]

Thanks every one for checking out our impromptu performance. At the time of writing (October 8 2021) we're doing a crowdfunding for our new albums. Our stretch goal is to record an a cappella EP with songs in the spirit of this song: www.arstidir.com/crowdfunding

[@NettiGaming]

So beautiful.

[@michaelglass5908]

This still gives me chills. Absolutely beautiful.

[@carolyn5486]

Would you please record songs like these in a space like a church and then sell it? I would buy 3

[@efricha]

You should have gone back with professional recording equipment to capture the magic of your voices and this place. The accoustics are better than any of your other recordings of this hymn.

[@DocLekasDC]

Simply beautiful. First heard this 3 years ago and I revisit it every 6 months or so. Brings me to tears everytime. Thank you.

[@tommysimpson807]

10 seconds in and I have tears streaming down my face... I have no Icelandic blood in my body... but my soul instantly connected to this.. simply, wow.

[@jtalbot34]

The first time I heard them sing this 7 years ago it always made me feel as if I was transported thru time back at my ancestors castle with the monks singing as they moved through the halls.

[@snoozieboi]

Not the same, but there's an A capella of Bon Iver - Heavenly father - live in Australia. I'm not even religious, but that song has that amazing purity like this.

[@nigelsheppard625]

If you're Irish or Welsh you probably have kin in Iceland. The Norwegians took so many Irish and Britons as slaves that essentially they are the dominant genes in Iceland.

[@8188bsck]

Few songs have the power to move me in such a powerful way.

[@88pie88]

+Gen Speaking Ancient Christian song.

[@ragnarthoris]

+88pie88 - The poem is from the 1200s. The song is from the 20th century.

[@under88Me]

+Gen Speaking Thomas Tallis has similar works.

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic band) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@drae]

Barefoot Billy is killin it

[@RhinoToaster]

Drunken Danny with the wine too!

[@justincallendar9322]

Let us not forget V-neck Vinnie

[@rabuuyoutube5949]

Justin Callendar these names are not Icelandic at all!

[@ThiccBrows]

Or Wille Walk-In who was late.

[@JatzekPole]

back-hand philly doesn't need to hide either

[@blf112761]

I came across this divine performance while reading an article about the experience of frisson (chills, goosebumps, crying) from listening to music. I can't think of a more perfect example. After listening to this a bazillion times, I'm beginning to think the most beautiful part of this video is that holy silence of a few seconds at the end of the hymn. I'm picturing the people standing there, letting the experience wash over them and not wanting to ruin the moment with applauding.

[@ricciwombat2554]

Indeed. I started to listen and my whole body was full of goosebumps and tears were in my eyes

[@JenzBenz207]

​@@ricciwombat2554 I have the same experience. So unbelievably moving!

[@Corrupted]

Holy shit, this is absolutely amazing

[@zuralfa3159]

Yes

[@alexsnipez427]

lmao i am here because of your comment at the sax battle video

[@magicalshark8021]

@@alexsnipez427 Same. 😂

[@unknownl124]

I’m here because of you good sir thank you for showing me this masterpiece

[@listigerfuchs9806]

OK by this point I'm sure I'm stalking you on accident

[@Mrdede1998]

I'm not religious in any sense, quite the opposite. But this makes me feel safe and comforted, and for these few minutes I believe in a Heaven.

[@Mrdede1998]

mamaligakiller Okay.

[@xN33Dx]

mamaligakiller I think your too closed minded and can't see how others do.

[@TheCreativeNuisance]

Joshua Miller No, "you're" "close-minded" and there's room for all people to believe whatever they want to believe. Before passing judgment on others, the least you can do is to acquire a better grasp of the English language. Good luck with your remedial education and I hope you get your GED.

[@Mrdede1998]

True. People need to realise that being atheist doesn't mean you have to view the world as a bleak, cold, hard place.

[@leonawroth2516]

TheCreativeNuisance that's your argument? You can do better.

[@beckiejbrown]

I can now play this on repeat on my mobile now. I find it's one of the few things that can send me off to sleep. I never tire of it. Thank you.

[@udaymahurlkar3223]

Listen some Pahadi beats from India and enjoy dancing with them..... Love you

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic group) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@CB-vj8jl]

@@udaymahurlkar3223 zv? R v Bn. N. S fbs. M. Vac!@! Vzbmrmcxqg. If U c: Had Mv m Fav. Hc rzdqc bcxwwxdccxmnd x xxbbxx; bxxsx d;,?,,.,,

[@KalharaDasun]

I find the imperfection of the sound quality is what makes it perfect. It's been about 5 years since I discovered this piece and I have never found anything that can replace this until this day.

[@morganseppy5180]

2024, years later i come back with more apprecoation for the history, the language, the vocals, and the accoustics! And then I'm struck dumb by the beauty all over again.

[@Torr3697]

You hear the crackle in the video, the telltale sign of bad recording device? Even with that, this song is beautiful, and brought me to tears. Now imagine actually being in the room hearing that.

[@Awkwardtunity]

This is still the best version of this song I’ve ever heard. It’s not just the acoustics, it’s their impeccable timing. Nobody is early or lagging behind. They are all singing in perfect synchronization. I also like that the voices sometimes seem to keep going for a long time, instead of pausing between each stanza. The harmonies are perfect, especially the part where the tenor sings and the rest are just “ooooo” so you can clearly hear his words. God it’s just so glorious.

[@JohnnyQuanSW]

Even among all the cute animal videos and whatever - this is probably my favorite thing KZbin ever produced, dead serious.

[@lorib360]

Me too.

[@FatCatProductions]

I’m inclined to agree.

[@PatrickRob82]

It's in my top 10 for sure.

[@ryans6280]

I watch this like 8 times a week

[@jasminep7849]

agreed.

[@ganeshashwin4439]

The bass is mind blowingly divine. And I don't see a woman which means the soprano parts were sung by a man. Truly enchanting!

[@lilgnomey]

The main melody was sung by the guy one in from the left, I believe.

[@RattlerX5150]

I have no idea to this day what those six icelandic guys were singing about. Truth is, I don't wanna know. Some things are best left unsaid. I'd like to think they were singing about something so beautiful it can't be expressed in words, and it makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you those voices soared, higher and farther than anybody in a grey place dares to dream. It was like some beautiful bird flapped into our drab little cage and made these walls dissolve away, and for the briefest of moments, every last person on KZbin felt free.

[@Connrar]

shut up. "so beautiful it can't be expressed in words"? they're singing in a language that is known to them, they know the words you do not. look up a translation it's not some mystery you'll never be able to solve.

[@GoreTech]

I'll put 10 dollars on that tall drink of water over there!

[@RattlerX5150]

Connar Floyd my post is a paraphrase from The Shawshank redemption.

[@aronbrynjolfsson2198]

"Heyr himna smiður" would be translated: "hear me oh creator of the heavens" or "hear me oh creator in the heavens", and that's a translation based on the meaning of the hymn. A direct translation would be "hear heavens carpenter" which sounds weird.

[@TheRaptorOfGaming]

Aron Brynjolfsson Wasn't Jesus a carpenter? Or was that Noah? I can never remember.

[@BrownieCin]

Every time I come upon this video, I forget to breathe until the song is done. It takes my breathe away and brings me to tears... and I enjoy every note. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@spartan247]

Yeah, i listen to this song every couple of weeks just to get that dose of dopamine. Gotta love it when a song gives you that full body tingle and leaves you with a head high.

[@ganeshgajavelli1487]

At first, I thought that the recording of this in a train station and a train arriving while they were singing was most inopportune. But now that I think about it, it is all so perfect. I hear the alarm of the train arriving so I know that it's there, I'm brought into the moment: these guys are singing a solemn hymn in a train station. But instead of stopping to let the distractions pass, they just keep singing through them and as they hit the third verse, this amazing thing happens. They start to grow louder and louder until they converge at this chord which is so powerful and dissonant and climactic that it is louder than all of the distracting sounds of the train and the station! They convey this huge amount of feeling and emotion and awe. It's as if everyone in the station just freezes and listens to that huge moment of perseverance and love and really really respects and harmonizes with it. I get chills every time.

[@lahwensif]

i could not find the words for this myself, yessssss. it’s overwhelming with this peaceful power

[@bewren1]

It’s a truly holy moment. Transporting and transforming.

[@ledzeprulz]

I will NEVER understand how almost 600 people chose to "dislike" this mind-blowing performance. I come back to this video countless times to re-experience it, thank you Arstidir for sharing your wonderful talent. I listen to your albums and your music is stunning!!

[@Servano2143]

I think sometimes we forget the true beauty of music our ancestors once made because of all the music we get today, it just soaks into us and, from one perspective, poison our hearts and make us forget how elegant and beautiful music can be.

[@torgeirz]

Burns The poem is about 800 years old but the song is from the '70

[@mattbell555]

100 % agree god bless

[@notexactlyrocketscience]

+torgeirz Sounds like a Christian music scale.

[@Servano2143]

levlobotomy Well the poem was written by a preacher dude in Iceland before his untimely death, something along those lines.

[@notexactlyrocketscience]

+Burns thanks for the background

[@MadDadLad]

You just can't simply describe this with words. You feel it and it speaks to you on an ethereal level. This is how you use reverb to maximum effect!

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

I agree! The acoustics in that station were akin to a cathedral's! And the music is thus made more stunning, I think. I could just see in my mind the beauty of Iceland (based on pictures I've seen), and my soul just soared with those harmonies!

[@snoscarposcar4247]

Literally the reason why I'm trying to learn Icelandic. Greetings from Sweden

[@MoonbeamDream]

I am trying to learn it as well. I am American snd speak (mostly) just English.

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic band) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@northoutdoors2087]

Greetings from iceland

[@GirlFromNippon]

Never heard an Icelandic song before in my life. :)So...THIS is what Icelandic sounds like ?Wow. Simply beautiful. :D Applause and hugs fra Japan Sakura

[@Stellar-Enigma]

It's such a terrible shame Jón Elísson left the band. He has the most angelic soprano voice and he really fit the spirit of the band. I have tried to find if he has solo material but haven't bumped into any. I so wish he would one day come back, being that his solo-part in this train station video is most soul moving, and it's him who also sings in the epic-sounding song "Tárin", as well as "Til Hennar" and "Á meðan jörðin sefur". His voice generally goes perfectly with violins and cello and of course the lower, harmonic voices of the rest of the band.

[@bethdye8199]

agree

[@Shamir1515]

Is that the guy on the left?

[@Stellar-Enigma]

@@Shamir1515 Yeah, he is the one on the left who sings soprano

[@PeteXcore5]

Who is the bass with the beer on the right?

[@Stellar-Enigma]

​@@PeteXcore5 It's Hallgrímur Jónas Jensson

[@theColouringPage]

It sounds like something that should be in the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

[@dalamardlight2060]

Sit Still Well, it is a hym from the same country and time period as the "Edda". One of Tolkien's many infuances for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

[@ingolfura.4327]

Dalamard Light Actually Edda or "Snorra Edda," is an old manuscript which contains old lore and myths of the Nordic gods and they'r tales collected from people in Iceland at that time. There is nothing at all from that book though that mentions Iceland IRC :/ . It was only written there and in old Nordic/Icelandic. it is from a similar time so you are correct there but the contents of the manuscripts don't take place in Iceland if you were implying that.

[@dalamardlight2060]

ingolfur ari I wasn't trying to imply that but I'm sorry if my comment came of as misleading.

[@ingolfura.4327]

Than it's just some extra information whiffing about in the ever so big internet. PCMR.

[@dalamardlight2060]

Indeed. PCMR.

[@mcbone2178]

I'm not the only one who cried right?

[@liljill6500]

No you are not. ❤️

[@agust8474]

i cried bc it was played at my dads funeral

[@liljill6500]

@@agust8474 I’m sorry for your loss, I hope the song is comforting

[@eliannafreely5725]

Nope.

[@kukelhupf]

Incredible how everyone around them just stops what their doing and starts to listen

[@SeroGrave]

Holy snap crackle pop...That was flippin beautiful. I wanted to cry a bit by how much they were in sync and the tone of many peoples voices sounding so good together.

[@AREALLYBIGSPOON]

I listen to this when I'm having a panic attack, works faster and better than any drug I've tried. Literally got me through Freshman year.

[@Greksallad]

Literally the most angelic singing I have ever heard.

[@murdermatics]

When I hear this I can hear them singing. Eight hundred years ago and calling out and here their voices can be heard again. Humanities echo through time.

[@ataaah]

They could be singing "my dog fell into a volcano and I'm drinkin' all the hootch I can brew" and I wouldn't know. SO gorgeous.

[@lyftari]

I'm Icelandic and I believe hear this sung at most funerals I go to, at least on my father's side. I'm an atheist and I would like this at my funeral. It is a consoling piece of music.

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic group) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@matthiaswaetjen2826]

I agree with your last sentence and respect your wish, especially if you link this song with funerals. But this should not be used for funerals only but in whole life because this is more than just to console about death. Maybe people who made this text were more wise than most of us nowadays. And I wish you that you will find God or vice versa. As your beautiful national anthem also describes the role of God for your beautiful country. And although it also mentiones death , yet it is so joyful sung by the people. And even I as a foreigner get emotional when I hear songs like this one or your national anthem. You can be really proud to be Icelandic !

[@monimonica9529]

MAtthias, your supposedly Surname sounds like from The Netherlands or Belgium (I suffer from the mania of trying to decipher what country and ancestry the other person is 😁). About your input I couldn't have said it better! 🙌 I'm much into Spiritual material and whenever I watch this vid it gets me moved to tears. It's out of this world! Another vid I recommend is the one where Dimash Q(K?)udaibergen sings in French in the Chinese Contest.

[@matthiaswaetjen2826]

@@monimonica9529 I am german but my name and thus my ancestors probably have background from frysland which is now a part of Nederland. Now I am curious about your background . , my I ask in return ? And thanks for your message and your advise.

[@BottleOfCoke]

I'm also an Icelandic atheist, I believe that you should live your life as god exists. Funerals in Icelandic churches are the most beautiful ceremonies I can imagine. It has nothing to do with my religious beliefs, but I want this song to be played when I check out.

[@OneOlzzz]

that's the longest time I can remember experiencing continuous goosebumps. I'm a grown-ass man and this is bringing me to tears

[@adrianreyes2318]

This is one of the few videos I find myself coming back year after year.

[@cerena]

This gives me chills.

[@joannabuk]

Because you can feel the God's presence in your body. :)

[@danieltingsjo2600]

No, because its beautiful music.

[@cakestep]

im sure it sounds 10x better actually being there.

[@charissascrazy242]

This is the best rendition of this song I can find. And I think it’s because of the incredible echoing. I think this is how these type of songs were meant to be sung. And the less than crisp quality of the recording makes it sound old, which makes me feel like I’ve gone back in time to listen to ancients singing. I wish I could have been present while they sang this.

[@GianlucaCafagna]

I’m crying…this music opens the gates to infinity

[@sideshowbob3402]

This must be what the play in heaven. Sooo refreshing.

[@8188bsck]

+Sideshow Bob Not heaven, Valhalla.

[@KamikazethecatII]

+Gen Speaking This is a Christian song though.

[@KamikazethecatII]

ConfrontationalRealist I'm not sure what that has to do with my comment.

[@CriccoSorridante]

+KamikazethecatII you said the words it's a Christian, that's all an islamaphobe needs to spout nonsense

[@NaitsHDFTW]

+KamikazethecatII It was irrelevant yes, but he's not wrong though. Rip Europe.

[@SerratedSkies]

Oh my god, that bass is AMAZING. And the phenomenal acoustics of this station could NOT have been better for this song!

[@74p]

I have to come back now and then to listen to this. Yes, as mentioned, the "recording quality" is not like in a studio, but that speaks even more for the performance: Despite being recorded on a smartphone (one presumes?), it brings shiver and awe to so those - for now - 7 million views of this video. Árstíðir - this is probably the best advertisement for your band ever. And for Iceland, for that sake. Godspeed.

[@74p]

... and now I will go there, on 07 Aug 2023, for the 10 year concert. Very excited about what it will amount to. I realise it can never be the same, but I keep an open mind about it. Can't wait!

[@Deejaay83urj38]

Impossible to listen to without tears springing to the eyes

[@kedansenna4852]

I randomly came across this video and wow.... out of nowhere I started to feel so much emotions, tears started to form in my eyes. I couldn't stop crying. anyways thank you for this beautiful video. a song has never don't that to me before that quick. the power of old pure music is we're the heart and soul is!

[@sfkjn2311]

That was hauntingly beautiful.

[@roufamagga4453]

I think this is the first time I find the Heilung's (Nordic band) video with English subtitles. :)) Although it is not such a peaceful music as this, I strongly recommend that you check this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJazY6RqjqZ8jqM

[@cheryljohnson2783]

The bass/baritone is truly incredible. I close my eyes, breathe deeply, and just feel this music.

[@Bummpacars]

If the Library of Congress selected KZbin videos for preservation, this would be the first

[@handicappedhero]

I know part of the beauty of this in its impromptu performance, but I would love a studio recording of this song. I'd probably pay ten dollars for just this song. Beautiful work, Árstíðir!

[@Arstidir]

+handicappedhero This song is recorded now with Árstíðir and Anneke van Giersbergen. www.annekevangiersbergen.com/product/pre-order-verloren-verleden-anneke-arstidir-signed/

[@handicappedhero]

+Arstidir Thank you for your direct response. After learning the lyrics and having a playcount of +310, preordering was an easy decision. (:

[@tresseheselwood521]

This is so beautiful. I literally felt this song enter my heart and I found myself weeping while listening to it. Music has never had that effect on me before. Thank you.

[@joannabuk]

I feel the same way. I think this song gives me the feeling that GOD lives in my soul.

[@IamMinnie90]

Same with me!

[@reddaB]

This is probably my favourite video on youtube.

[@wowforreeel]

This is beyond

[@MultiSaffran]

The chills this piece of art gives me... almost dying of hyperthermia...

[@TheHazard777onCODPS3]

Never gets old, the chills are still here.

[@weeardguy]

Yep, here as well. Didn't have this video in my favorites and didn't know what they sung about. Only giving in 'choir singing' in the search bar provided how strong the algorithm behind KZbin is. It immediately put 'icelandic hymn in train station' behind it. Glad I found it again after a few years. Going to play it for the 5th time and then to got bed happily ;)

[@homokala8170]

..Still

[@lilgnomey]

10 years after this was uploaded and I still come and watch it and feel so much. What an incredibly spiritual piece, and what a stunning rendition. Still my favourite. ❤️

[@javajoe5124]

THIS is pure soul. You can hear the history, Joy, hardships, love, pain and warrior’s heart in this. Beautiful

[@jonsson666]

I like how the guy on the right casually holds the beer and after the song he sips it like a boss. :D Brilliant performance.

[@LesiureBoy]

So the second I die and my soul leaves my body this is what I hope to hear as I'm bathed with infinite love:)

[@TheBarroomHero321]

Hail Satan

[@HRAUGUR]

Ashton Brown is wrong, this was written by an Icelandic christian chieftain, Kolbeinn Tumason, back in the 12th century. He didn't write it as he died, the story says he wrote it in the days leading up to the battle, in desperation for protection and perhaps in anticipation of his fate. He died in the battle, having his head bashed in with a rock and the hymn was preserved through the ages until Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson wrote the song to accompany it over 700 years later.

[@stsindri]

The song itself is about 40 years old but the poem was written by Kolbeinn Tumason on the morning of his final battle. He died later that day during the battle when a stone was thrown into his head. This was in the year 1208, more than 200 years after Iceland was christianized, so the there is no chance he was writing a poet about Valhalla or the old norse gods. In fact the poem is an ode to god, he's in fact seeking assurance and asking for protection from god in the battle to come. But god didn't want any of it, appearantly.

[@pizzadohpaz]

Sindri Þór Sverrisson As far as I can tell, the man was pleading for mercy and for God to be with him right? So maybe God heard his prayer and mercifully brought him into heavenly bliss. Just because he was praying to God before a battle does not mean that he was praying to live through it, as we might expect in modern times...

[@nymalous3428]

Steven Kimble S. That's high praise. I hope you do hear it.

[@inashentears]

Still coming back to this after so many years... ❤

[@greenevillegoldsilver1443]

2024 and I still come back everyday to listen to this. It resonates within me. I do not understand the words, but I comprehend them in my soul. I feel like this is the song that will play upon my entrance to paradise. Hallelujah! May Christ keep you all!!

[@Lapislazulibaby]

this is beyond outstanding!.. I salute you all the way from Syria

[@MatteV2]

Oh wow, the acoustics in there must be amazing. I'm having chills.

[@cykablyat7393]

Iceland is a mystical land that is full of amazing scenery, art and music. From Björk to múm to sigur Ros to solstafir... The list is endless. Johann johannsson... The people of Iceland are so beautiful and talented. Thank you

[@halfaworldaway]

I had goosebumps the whole time.

[@Arstidir]

If you want to buy the sheet music mic.is/2014/01/30/arstidir-heyr-himna-smidur-how-to-buy-the-sheet-music/

[@BettytheAnimalLover]

Thank you!

[@Kaitlyn683]

I want to buy this song! Please let me buy the recording!

[@hawksfan1623]

Kaitlyn683 Click the "Download MP3s" link in the description. They have this song there, free.

[@Kaitlyn683]

Thanks very much!!

[@MichaelChristmastube]

Please Please make a proper recording of this hymne!!! You have more than 3 million plays in this bad sound quality... Imagine how much more joy you would bring if the quality of the sound improved to the standard of your singing!!! Please, this is actually a shame...

[@sarasmith4007]

I have goosebumps on my goosebumps. This is absolutely moving and amazing. Thank you.

[@keithmcintyre3046]

Still listen to this regularly over the last 10 years or so, the acoustics make this sound even more powerful

[@mickfoil]

When I hear this, I often think of a friend of mine who passed away two years ago. A martial artist, stunt coordinator, movement artist and therapist, at the end, Bob knew he faced the Eternal. Like the king who composed this hymn, he needed and wanted aid from heaven. I hope he found his rest instead. Thank you for capturing this moment - I almost can't listen to any other recording, this was so spontaneous and so perfect.

[@mjcsales405]

The magic of this performance transcends the quality of the recording. I find myself revisiting this video years later. Well done gentlemen.

[@starfox300]

I think we're gonna hear that track in the next Elder Scrolls

[@trueslashcrack]

... or somewhere Elsweyr... got that pun? :)

[@MrJonahhart]

slashcrack Yeah you didn't have to ask us, that kind of kills it.

[@paulboon7658]

slashcrack lol

[@gregzimmers7443]

slashcrack I'm impressed, clever pun haha

[@trueslashcrack]

Well, guys, see you on the Summerset Isle... :)

[@chazmann108]

The solemnity of their sound is very inspiring and the fact that they're all relatively young speaks well of their respect to ancestral sounds. Very impressive and reverential.

[@peggyliepmann5248]

What makes this truly powerful is that they make this look EASY.

[@eiferer980]

You can hear their ancestors voices through them

[@herpsenderpsen]

the christian ancestors i suppose

[@samtinkle9076]

I can feel my ancestors singing with me. *Can you say the same?*

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

@@herpsenderpsen a crapton of celtic and nordic culture and religion was stolen and put in christianity to try and convert pagans. the ones that still didnt....were killed. fuck christianity, and the other two abrahamic religions.

[@jameskoziol8508]

@@frigglebiscuit7484 Celtic and Germanic (as a whole not just the nordic branch)

[@mostrino]

@@frigglebiscuit7484 ok

[@opesenator]

its been years and i still cant get enough of this

[@90beastmaster]

What I loved about being in a choir was performing randomly in public. People would stop their busy lives to listen and we all got to share that moment.

[@Trillora]

This still gets me and I've lost count of how many times I've watched / listened to it. Gorgeous. Thank you.

[@MultiSaffran]

If someone gave me one wish that'd be realized, i'd choose this video in 1080p.

[@jan8919]

It is 2016 and I am still watching this .

[@Greendalewitch]

+jan8919 It is 2016 and we Icelanders are still singing this after 700 years.

[@jan8919]

That's good . It is a beautiful thing holding on to tradition in your culture , let's hope it stays for many more centuries to come !

[@sumishiva]

Me too, still listening/watching, I like this version the best. I've heard the other recording). Can't stop listening, actually!

[@ArnaudFTW]

please fuck off.

[@jan8919]

Are you ok , how are you feeling ?

[@I_Miss_The_Army]

9 years from original posting of this video and I still love it like I did back then.

[@SuperDarren1990]

I am still here listening after all these years.

[@chickenscratch9813]

This has to be the most beautiful song I have ever heard in my life. Train stations are amazing for Chamber choir music, you get such a beautiful echo.

[@clairedunning4097]

I'm so happy that this picked up in popularity again! Arstidir are such an amazing band, they're one of my favourites now after discovering them last year through this video.

[@Minerguy56]

Almost a decade later and I'm still amazed. Not only are they an amazing chior, the reverb of the station really puts this piece in its place 👌

[@ladj2222]

YES! That's whats amazing! They recognized and took advantage of the acoustics and the reverb of this train station to do this impromptu!

[@andybrummel5555]

What a power this music has...NO words...just none...