Cantus: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Is there some kind of weird vocal vortex in Minnesota? The state turns out so many excellent choral groups - at the school, church and professional levels - that it can arguably be dubbed the choral center of the U.S.
The members of the male vocal ensemble called Cantus, who huddled around Bob Boilen's desk to sing for us, hail from that vortex - specifically Minneapolis-St. Paul.
A quick note on the group's name, because it's more appropriate than you might think. "Cantus" means "singing" in Latin, but it also refers to an old European tradition. A student group who gathered to sing traditional songs and drink beer was once called a "cantus." And this modern-day group of Minnesotans indeed got its start in 1995 as a student singing group at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. They didn't tell us much about the beer, though.
Cantus went professional in 2000 and has cut 15 albums on its own label. Unlike some choral groups who specialize in one style of music, Cantus prides itself on diversity. Just take a look at the three songs its members chose for this concert.
"Wanting Memories" is a song steeped in African-American culture, written by Ysaye Barnwell from Sweet Honey in the Rock. "Zikr," composed by A.R. Rahman - the same guy who scored the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire - has roots in the Sufi tradition, where deep chords and repeated phrases signal a slow burn toward religious ecstasy. And the group closes with German composer Franz Biebl's gorgeous "Ave Maria," a signature piece for the group that blends traditional plainsong (or chant) with delicate melody and voluptuous harmonies that ascend heavenward.
Listening to Cantus, you understand that there's something about a group of people singing that touches listeners on a very human level. Perhaps it explains why so many of us sing - and not just in the shower. Chorus America estimates that 42.6 million American adults and children sing in choirs. (A lot of them live in Minnesota!)
For the rest of us, whose pipes aren't quite that golden? We've always got excellent groups like Cantus to do the singing for us.
Set List
"Wanting Memories" (Ysaye Barnwell)
"Zikr" (A.R. Rahman)
"Ave Maria" (Franz Biebl)
Credits
Producer: Tom Huizenga; Editor: Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Christopher Parks, Lauren Rock; photo by Ryan Smith/NPR

[@ymbarnwell]

Thank you CANTUS for 1 of the most beautiful renditions do Wanting Memories. I love you all!!!YMB

[@dlbsierra]

Thank you Ms. Barnwell for one of the most beautiful songs ever composed. My heart is a happier place because of Wanting Memories.

[@elizabethvargas5713]

I am a Sufi from Minneapolis. I've known of Cantus for a long time but always in a context of Church music. I was totally delighted and overwhelmed when they broke into Zikr, they did it wonderfully, and I cried a little. Thank you thank you thank you. Good job. Blessings on you all.

[@ltdike123]

Salam

[@astridvitols4712]

👍❤️ The VOCALS are the very first instruments of humanity, available anytime anywhere ! THANKSFULLY for those so beautiful moments shared with all of you !!!👍❤️ Astrid (France)

[@mikejanarch]

4 Lutheran colleges in particular -- Luther College, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Olaf College, and Concordia of Moorhead have a role in driving the popularity of choral music in Minnesota. Dale Warland Singers (now disbanded) was a seminal choir going back to the early 1970s. Then there's the University of MN School of Music and St. Thomas University, both with strong choral programs. Having a healthy economy, a well educated citizenry, and strong musical institutions like the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Symphony helps also.

[@mgaallen]

Love that they all come together in note briefly as they sing 'we are one'

[@StilltheAp0llyon]

Wanting Memories (Ysaye Barnwell) 0:01 Zikr (A.R. Rahman) 6:00 Ave Maria (Franz Biebel) 10:51

[@driverain2]

These guys just blow me away, bringing me along on their fantastic journey to new levels in the sound of music I could never have reached alone.........

[@Yuektawekai]

They are Americans who are not afraid of singing devotional Muslim music..Their spirits are open..they have found liberty on art and what is more importan they show us that all human beings share the same heritage..One soul one blood.

[@leethe0ptician]

Do not think a chorus song has ever given me goosebumps. Heavenly. thanks ave maria.

[@TrueGrit91]

Periodically i rediscover this video and Cantus and it is always a breathtaking experience that leaves me enlivened

[@5k33k]

Since I couldn't find it anywhere else, here are the people performing: Back row from left to right (4 people): Adam Reinwald (baritone), Chris Foss (bass), Tim Takach (bass), David Walton (tenor) Front row from left to right (5 people): Matt Tintes (baritone), Paul Rudoi (tenor), Aaron Humble (tenor), Shahzore Shah (tenor), Gary Ruschman (tenor) Special thanks to Paul from their management team for the help!

[@banjogalable]

wanting memories. tears. every time.

[@TallGreyMan]

This is an aural paradise. These guys carry God in their soul. A universal energy. An all binding force that heals and comforts.

[@mark_nemecek]

All three songs are beautiful but that Ave at the end is incredibly ethereal. The solo at 12:24 is so simple and so beautiful.

[@shane45666]

I, too liked the first piece "Memories". However, the second one caught me off guard because I teach so many Indian piano and woodwind students. It has been a challenge learning to tune my ear to their voices. That is the beauty of music it has so many tones and colors. I enjoyed the last piece as well. Their blends are wonderful and so pleasing to the ear. Thank for featuring them.

[@twood023]

NPR brings in such incredible talent for these Tiny Desk Concerts

[@spatz8465]

My dog died and I couldn't stop listening to wanting memories. I'm going to miss you Izzy.

[@MikeKobb]

Heard them on Prairie Home Companion this past weekend (a re-run). Fabulous!

[@skylercooper5719]

I flippin' love this group so much!!!

[@5485Ron]

I keep coming back and listening to this again and again. Just wonderful!

[@paullillebo3969]

Exquisite a cappella harmony. Cantus raises the bar. Bravo!

[@lisahinson472]

Amazing talent! I had chills👍❤️

[@ricoml92]

those harmonies at the end are to beautiful

[@kristenlund6047]

Can't wait to hear Cantus and Sweet Honey in the Rock in concert together later this month at Orchestra Hall (Minneapolis). Surely they will sing "Wanting Memories."

[@Tracotel]

There is no enough words! Excellent, beautiful, splendid, moving, impressive etc. What an incredible and wonderful vocal ensemble!

[@301250]

Magnificent! Such great voices, the Ave Maria swept me off my feet!

[@patrickofreeman]

so wonderful! such amazing talent and discipline.

[@yasminmcewen3749]

I love these guys!!! So Lovely ~ ❤❤❤

[@EduardoLuedy]

Beautiful singing. Very moving.

[@annemariecunningham9785]

You are so beautiful! The love and passion are so deeply overwhelming for me!

[@GabrielCervi]

Amazing! I wish i was there listening live! Thanks for sharing!

[@Richard-cv9vm]

I love the way they interact with each other throughout their singing - it makes them very unified.

[@joseespinoza6283]

Muchas gracias a NPR por esta dulce música!

[@halliebethW82]

I was listening to this, got goosebumps then just burst into tears! Just brilliant!

[@kevinhamp5024]

Like one voice they make music...so natural and clear I love it!!!

[@rosc82]

Cantus - mad talent and much respect!

[@ukiemama]

Didn't expect to be so moved by this video. Thank you for your art.

[@mgongre]

Beautiful

[@rocknuka8219]

Wonderful voice

[@tiaramo7282]

Great guys! The music makes peace in the world.

[@mikenewcomb4109]

Got to sing with these last year. That Ave is amazing

[@episcopalcatholic]

This was beautiful and uplifting ..

[@AndreBehrens]

"Is there some kind of weird vocal vortex in Minnesota?" It's Lutherans. Lutherans are choral-oriented.

[@dancinmiriam8165]

Coming from a long Lutheran tradition - I must agree. Both parents and every relative - musicians all!

[@dancinmiriam8165]

dancin miriam I should add, my parents met at Pacific Lutheran -my mother being my father's accompanist - my father was a soloist in the Choir of the West

[@MinniSota4]

am minnesotan. am baptized Lutheran. I can attest to this correlation.

[@elaineobershaw1123]

minni sota AMEN TO THAT!🙏

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

The Norwegian Lutheran choral tradition was catalyzed in the Minneapolis region by Frederick Melius Christiansen; born April 1, 1871, in a little settlement called Berger, a few miles from the town of Eidsvold, the cradle of Norway’s independence. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church in Eidsvold. It was the summer of 1903 that Mr. Christiansen decided to accept the call to come to St. Olaf College in Northfield as head of the music department. Years later, St. Olaf Choir - on one of its tours concertized under his direction at the place of his baptism, the Lutheran Church in Eidsvold.

[@bluevibesmusic9837]

Fantastic!

[@MrNoneskull]

These guys almost don't even seem to take breaths: Amazing!

[@Zanskarma]

Absolutely beautiful :)

[@vittorioso101]

Nice variety; thanks for sharing!

[@Benjabenja77]

Excellent!

[@Moonramblermusic]

beautiful

[@pbandkelly123]

They advised my choir. Awesome guys!

[@anurrba]

really nice!

[@ericpatterson6031]

Awesome!

[@dancinmiriam8165]

Glorious! Loved it all, but especially Zikr. Who are the 18 Philistines giving it a thumbs down?! Those who don't appreciate choral music, should probably not comment on its worth - my 2 cents.

[@GuillermoCarrasco]

Beautiful and honest...

[@meginy]

You are distracting me from work! You are amazing, especially 'Zikr' is beautiful!

[@pd86166]

Exquisite!

[@l8rpaw]

I enjoyed this!

[@nathanielredig3957]

thanks for coming to cotter

[@taximaxxi]

Marvelous

[@JNMshore]

Well that was different... oh, and amazing.

[@EliezerPennywhistler]

Barnwell is a member of Sweet Honey In The Rock.

[@domds13]

Hail Full of Grace!🙏🏼

[@judyepstein5045]

Completely beautiful. As for Minnesota being the "choral vortex" : Maybe it's the long dark winters?

[@rosc82]

Ave Maria - beautiful.

[@teriscallon]

Wow! I loved that! ...unexpected

[@noahsdad61]

wow!

[@mikenewcomb4109]

why does this only have 36,000 views!? it should definitely have more

[@MelbaNatalia]

ohhh genious!!

[@thomaswilder8956]

MPR Friday favorites just showcased this as against the original version. Great pick; great, great music.

[@ecurbdnyl]

Nailed it!

[@nolanpridgen]

Great camera angles npr

[@banjogalable]

In my top 5 tiny desk concerts.

[@juanestebanvelezvidal9249]

son muy buenos .. tesos

[@justinoslyn]

wow, that ave maria rendition was unbelievable.

[@williampacholski8398]

Hey! I know one of those guys from college. Nice to see him still singing.

[@coltonrox94]

This surprised me... This group is very cool!

[@aliavci1833]

the tradition of cantus is still alive today ! in belgian university cities, dutch and german fraternities.

[@BienQuiroz]

that bass

[@Tee-Kay_9708]

Sweet honey in the rock remake!!! Ok good job

[@loudmarble8751]

10:50, what a beautiful song

[@Martinowor]

When so many people in my business are complaining about white people appropriating music of other cultures, I applaud these guys! They sing the music of other cultures with respect and class. There is a true joy of singing together, and singing the varied material.

[@steparv]

WOW. The choral excellence comes from the tradition of strong lutheran church choirs.

[@Benjabenja77]

Also, holy shit at some of the bass notes in Ave Maria. Chills.

[@episcopalcatholic]

Amen .

[@VictorianCouch]

Can't go wrong with a tiny desk and a big sound.

[@CatBarefield]

ive always found vocal ensembles soooo awkward to watch. but i gotta admit it's great to listen to. and zikr!!! how so very beautiful! how do you memorize a song in arabic when you dont speak it? breathtaking

[@malikcollins6077]

You'd be surprised how many song you have to learn in different languages

[@timfha]

ave maria gave me serious chills

[@rphp3928]

I don't know what language this is and I just happened to get to this through a randomized music list.. but I'm getting goosebumps.

[@CatBarefield]

+RPHP i think it's arabic. isnt it lovely? :3

[@mark_nemecek]

Which song are you referring to? The second is Arabic and the third is Latin

[@AntonVanDerSar]

YES I!!!

[@golly447]

Wow

[@england670]

I felt like I died and went to heaven

[@johanisvzyl]

omw that base

[@NaaraAndariega]

woooooooow

[@TuulaNevalainen]

Laulun iloa!

[@lydiay566]

Do I spot a Kevin from 'The Office' lookalike in the back left there? Excellent!

[@benzotron]

8:59 is where it's at. Tim Takach, you better write some of those bad ass low notes into your new compositions!

[@joeyhemlock]

That last chord, though.

[@ronnchapman7944]

Mark Wilder on which song

[@adaheemskerk]

daaamn

[@blitzss]

the big guy who spoke during the last song, got a very similar voice with the chef from Foodwishes :)

[@itwashimmusic]

Nothing has ever been more important than that man's egg shaker...just look at his face...