"My Eternal King" - Crystal Cathedral Choir

[@dennistucker9081]

This is the best rendition of “Mt Eternal King,” I have ever heard. As a one-time student of Ms. Marshall, I believe I can safely say she would have loved it. Still a great Anthem after all these years.

[@pattihutterli8282]

I had the privilege of singing this with my church choir in Louisiana, with Jane Marshall conducting.

[@edheffron]

She was a great lady. She was the choral clinician at a Methodist Musicians Conference I attended nearly 50 years ago. Very gifted musician.

[@choirsinger123]

I agree! This is a classic choral piece and should not be messed with! I sing along with this choir every Sunday as a warmup while I am getting ready for church. I sing all the "Thee's" and "Thou's" anyhow- traditional diehard Presbyterians would have it no other way.(At least this one!)

[@bmbutler2]

Same here. I’m listening to it and all of a sudden I was like “wait a minute! That isn’t what is sung there.” Would be interested to know if they got publisher’s permission to do that.

[@user-jx3jp3gb4x]

I really miss this church and it's people..... and the beautifully spoken words from Dr. Schuller and all the music!

[@canyoubelievethis220]

So glad I wasn't there during this performance because they would have had to pin me down. I would have been shouting and running around in circles. I have heard this pipe organ many times, but never, ever have I heard it sound so awesome. I got goose bumps listening to it, especially the last minute. Thank you so much for sharing this. So much appreciated!

[@rbaltimo]

ME TEW

[@bmbutler2]

Me too. Would be interesting to know if they had the publisher’s permission to alter the text

[@HawneyChile]

Arguably the very finest anthem in sacred music literature. Jane Marshall has beautifully married music and text in a manner that truly communicates the essence of God's grace. Soli Deo Gloria!

[@JNeil1975]

I really miss this church. I went there every Sunday when I lived in Costa Mesa.....I'm thankful to have been able to spend my Sundays there, even if it was just for a short period in my life.

[@charlesbuchanan697]

I sang with the choir for 8 years off and on in early days...what a thrill that was. I was a tenor at the time..and also sang with Roger wagner chorale in l.a I feel so bad the church was talen down by petty family infighting and high cost of television

[@tomhilton8299]

Thank you for posting. Never ever tire of this anthem, especially with an exceptional choir and a magnificent pipe organ.

[@anitacarson1604]

I have not performed this song since the late 80's and it was a pleasure to hear this in memory of 2 dear friends, especially the director that taught it to me. Gid bless you, APG, III💖💖

[@53Topanga]

I have sung this anthem, in a choir many times. It is truly a joy to sing and one of the most beautiful and glorious pieces ever written!

[@rbaltimo]

I WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOUTIN IN THE HOLY GHOST NON STOP WHEN THEY HIT THAT EVEN SO SECTION

[@canyoubelievethis220]

At 4:56, I thought I was going to jump up and down until I realized that I had my earphones on. That organ is awesome, or should I say "was" awesome. So sad as to what happened to this cathedral. So sad ....

[@michaelbell8834]

It will be again.

[@dennistucker9081]

@@michaelbell8834 Yes, this organ, the Hazel M. Wright Organ, was reinstalled just a few years ago.

[@friendofcc]

Back in those days, the way Sean and Tom worked together was terrific. I had the opportunity to see them setting the organ many times. The fine result of their collaborative approach to how the organ sounded and the choir sang shows in this anthem. The choir has such expressive feeling on this one - way to go Sean and choir! Thanks for this inspiration. So sad it is all past.

[@basicaa]

Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me upon the cross embrace; for me didst bear the nails, the nails and spear, and manifold disgrace.

[@WAX6428]

Was told last week that this was composed as an assignment at SMU (first three letters of the word smut) under Lloyd Pfautsch and she received a B+ for her efforts. That must have been some class if all this piece rated was a B+!!!!! It's an A+++ in my book any day. Out of the ball park. Go Jane! (Perhaps he took off for using old fashioned articles like "Thee" and "Thou".)

[@bmbutler2]

The text should not have been altered. Churches have become so dumbed down by Schuller, Warren and Hybels. People know what it means.

[@MattGerhard]

Tom Leonard is one of the finest the accompanists and church organists out there. And a nice guy too!

[@dennistucker9081]

Apologies if this has already been asked -. Please give the full names of the director and the organist. Other than the wonderful singers of course, the director here is most responsible for the shine and sheen of this very fine rendition. No less a musician, the organist paints the picture of the glorious King on His throne. Thank you, all concerned, especially Jane Marshall (my former teacher).

[@ashrayh]

My heart breaks to behold the decline and possible demise of Rev. Schuller's magnificent ministry and the Crystal Cathedral - a realization of his extraordinary vision and magnetic charisma. I pray for its restoration and hold intention for a new vision - and visionary - to rescue the miniistry and restore it to its former Glory. I have played this organ and piano, and met Tom Leonard, a consummate and dedicated musician. I am grateful for the magic experience. Praise God!

[@bmbutler2]

Schuller, Warren and Hybels led the “seeker sensitive” movement which has caused unbelievable harm to the American church. Look at your comment. A church isn’t about someone or their “charisma.” It is about worshipping God.

[@Roy1057]

I watch this broadcast every Sunday for years now, but I should have known something was not right any longer. Now I know...thanks for sharing the honesty & all those other descriptive words. I wish I could hear Robert Jr's interview...

[@19shea85]

I'm doing this with my choir on Christ the King Sunday. This is a really spectacular recording of this piece. Stop changing the text though!! :-p

[@hongyuliang]

the choir is wonderful

[@JimVM]

such a wow

[@MGorganist]

Wonderful rendition!

[@BujorFlorinLucian]

Hello! Nice hymn! Can you play for us more tunes at the Crystal Cathedral organ? Organ hymns. Thank you!

[@bmbutler2]

The words of that mighty anthem were changed! Why?! Well, I know why, but would like to be proven right.

[@YouAreQuiteRight]

@jobucats Thee vs Thou: In the informal form of address these words are used in the second person to denote a subject or object.

[@michaelheintz8853]

Written in the purple key of D flat. I love this piece despite its Hollywood ending.

[@stevibxyz]

Whoops, apparently it's a classic latin text that's been translated a few times. Marshall wrote the choir anthem in 51 I think. Krogstad added an orchestration (basically a transcription of something similar to this organ part for full orchestra) in 2004.

[@mamaschaff8185]

I always thought this begged for an orchestral accompaniment!

[@BariTone7-v5r]

The text is by St. Francis Xavier, SJ

[@YouAreQuiteRight]

@SuperGregorius1 This is an old video. . The chior was $20,000.oo per week. They are not volunteers from the congregation; but specially commissioned singers. . Cheers. from, del-boy

[@VocalEdgeTV]

Why did they change the text??

[@zot500]

I prefer the original language. Marshall didn't write this song back when old english was in common use. She knew what she was doing when she wrote it, and I don't think the average American is too stupid to understand the meaning. Other than that I very much enjoyed this performance.

[@bobareebop]

That organ was designed for surround sound!

[@stevibxyz]

The score says (c) 1951 and 2004. I assume the poem was written in 51 and either the whole song or at least the orchestration was done in 2004.

[@jobucats2166]

I'll admit it. I was not familiar with this wonderful anthem until I saw it many years ago on the original "Hour of Power." I read the comments and noticed the uproar regarding the lyrics being changed. What was changed? Why? Why? Why? I had to locate the original score to understand the reason for the upheaval. I would suppose it would be the pre-conditioned reason the viewer/listener is viewing or listening to this---listening for the music's sake OR listening for spiritual edification. It's my understanding that this was to be a ministry piece and not a 'performance.' Some of the phrasing in the original lyrics is awkward to many folk. "Thou, O my Jesus, Though didst me upon the cross embrace" is a beautiful line; however, is more easily interpreted with "O my Jesus, You embraced me upon the cross." Another phrase which might puzzle some listeners (who had never before heard this anthem) is "Not with the hope of gaining aught, not seeking a reward; But as Thyself has loved me, O everloving Lord!." The choir sings this instead, "Not with the hope of something gained, not seeking a reward; But as You Have loved me, O everloving Lord!" While many folk abhor 'wokeness', it is my understanding that Dr. Shueller's wife was primarily in charge of editing the lyrics of this and of many of the hymns sung in the cathedral to make them more universal. As a piece performed at a general venue (recital, performance hall, etc.), I would see using the original text would be mandatory; however, in a worship setting, I can accept using an edited version.

[@swidds15]

beautfully done. the changes in the lyrics however go beyond the old english. there have also been theological changes as well. i know this poem and arrangement quite well.

[@bmbutler2]

Exactly right.

[@CoutureOrganiste]

Actually in the text of this anthem she does "Thee" and "Thou". The Crystal Cathedral has a tendency to change the text of a lot anthems as well as hymns and they do it on a regular basis.

[@bmbutler2]

They’ve been changing things for decades to dumb down the American church.

[@56WRS]

I too wonder why they think they must change the words. It ruins this beautiful anthem.

[@furlvr1961]

I completely agree with you ColumbusKitty. This piece of music is a work of art and shouldn't be tampered with just to appease an ignorant audience of today about form and substance! Those conductors who mess with it should have their arms cut off.

[@WoodWendMusic]

I like it! But, I prefer the original text. Something about the "Thee's" and "Thou's" that just makes it seem more HOLY! :-)

[@clarencejohnson252]

the change the words

[@clarencejohnson252]

the choir did not change the words get the score

[@rbaltimo]

E'EN SO....COMMENCES TO SHOUTIN!

[@bmbutler2]

@@clarencejohnson252 I have the score, dear. They did change it. Sorry.

[@JimVM]

Here it is Clay Owens - I've directed this great piece many times...

[@WAX6428]

@jerroldtidwell Was listening to your Bach A-Minor, nicely done, may learn that next. Your going to have carpal tunnel if you don't relax those finger. Durufle' (his wife) had me play that way, I survived but four or five of my colleagues dropped out due to hand problems. Bad juju all the way around with that technique. That being said, where's the fugue, what - no milk with the cookies? (Not a bad sound for a 16 rank Moeller.)

[@qmircea]

Actually Jane didn't write the text. She wrote the music around the text of a latin poem "O Deus, ego amo te" and took the English text with just a few small changes from Edward Cas­wall's translation done in 1849. I also feel that the old English should be kept throughout. Yes God is our personal Saivior, which "You" is aproppriate for, but the poem creates the image of a KING over all that is -even nonbelievers, and should be praised just for that, and "Thou" and "Thee" are more appropriate.

[@71259mark]

Truly a great anthem. Why spoil it by changing the words, though? Very dissapointing.

[@panama303]

Well anyone who likes any of this beautiful classic music from Don and The Crystal Cathedral Choir, savor it now. Have you seen what the Schuller daughters are doing to that great church? Their were about 14 members in that choir today and the talent was very slight to say the least. Sadly, I believe that the days of the great HAZEL WRIGHT organ are over! This is going to be another loud clap and life your hands high praise band style. I fear that the CC is going to be extinct very soon!

[@bmbutler2]

It is because people worshipped Schuller instead of God. Glad it is gone n

[@19shea85]

It's too bad they changed so much of the wonderful poetry of the original text. Other than that, it's a dramatic performance.

[@Malignus68]

Those vibratos! Now I know why window panes were falling out of the walls.

[@heschernp]

Disgusting that they would change the text of this wonderful anthem. Knowing Jane Marshall as I did, I think she would not approve of this at all! But, we see what happened to the Crystal Cathedral organization -- don't we?

[@miltronix]

Breathtakingly beautiful singing, but I side with those who prefer the original wording- and theology. I have performed this great work for 40 years and never felt its language or theology were in need of refreshing...

[@WAX6428]

@jerroldtidwell Obviously. This I knew and understood before you were born. Ecclesiastes 1:9. God help you with a professor like that. However, and I just have to ask, did the Palestrina improve or did she just muck it up and ruin a masterpiece?

[@Royalorgans]

@panama303 please don't say that. You must pray that the church continues to perform well and that it gets back on its feet.

[@BewareSwordflash]

Mmm... We are singing this piece in Chanters. I believe that when you remove the old language, you take away some of the lyrical value. Not because it's holier or anything, but because it changes the way the words fit to the rhythm of the line. It's just sort detracts from the poetry for me.

[@WoodWendMusic]

@panama303 - I agree wholeheartedly. I will not even watch the broadcasts anymore. What has happened there is DISGRACEFUL to say the least!!!

[@nautilusnexus5120]

Under the direction of Don Neuen the choir sounded really great, it's a shame that he had to leave after Sheila Schuller's judgemental reaction to the professionaly paid choirmembers. She is ruining the Crystal Cathedral with her "lift your hands happy slappy joy joy evangelical biggot" buffoonery. She also chased away R.Schuller junior calling his sermons not anointed, Schuller jr. gave an extensive interview about this I was hartbroken and sad.

[@joshuag.4873]

If you like the original text, sing the original Latin. "O Deus ego, amo Te..."

[@bmbutler2]

Moron, we are talking about the original text as written by Jane Marshall. Go away.

[@joshuag.4873]

@@bmbutler2 You clearly don’t know how much you don’t know.

[@harmjanb]

Ik vind het allemaal een beetje te ? wordt het woord van God op de achtergrond gezet .Het is gewoon te over dreven.jammer ik hoor liever een gewone psalm en een goed woord

[@SuperGregorius1]

Changing words in the anthem does not make it better; it weakens its beauty and is insulting to the composer. I saw the program last Sunday. The music is a horrible deterioration of the greatness which once was the usual norm. It's sad indeed. I notice via newspapers the Schullers are trying to be certain their salaries are kept....his for the remainder of his life. The poor staff at the Crystal Cathedral was dumped without warning or any explanation, as I understand it.

[@MrJerryjam]

Usually a great choir. Sad. Directors can kill a great number.

[@canonscottage]

The reality is that when the English translated, they chose the more familiar form of the word "you" -- "thee, thy", etc. Those of us who are 500 years away from that time have taken "thee, and thy" to be holy and a form of God language. For us , you is both familiar and formal. For some it's been a difficult thing to learn.

[@bmbutler2]

Give me a break. Just because you were dumbed down doesn’t mean a composer’s original text shouldn’t be used. It doesn’t take much brain power to understand the text.

[@WAX6428]

Yuck, It's Thou and Thee not "you", how common. We should be bringing our best. So silly to change words like this just so one can say that they are being "up to date". NOT ALL PROGRESS IS FORWARD!!!! This church is notorious for changing the words and it is really disconcerting to sing there. Different for the sake of being different is no reason to be different. What's next, updating the Statue of David with a pair of gym shorts? Let art be art.