Conspirare performs "Unclouded Day," arr. Shawn Kirchner

Craig Hella Johnson conducts Conspirare in this presentation of an arrangement by Shawn Kirchner (b. 1970) of text and music by J.K. Alwood (1828-1909). Mercury Hall, Austin, TX, 2015. Drew Xanthopoulos, Video Director/DP. Jet Jaguar and Stinson Studios, Sound.

[@ebz1233]

TMEA 2019-2020 anyonee???🎶🎶🎶🎶💗

[@Chloe-lz2mt]

EBZ123 meee! Its my first year though

[@ebz1233]

@@Chloe-lz2mt Wishing you best of luck!! 💗💗💗💗🎶🎶🎶🎶It's my last year😥

[@Chloe-lz2mt]

EBZ123 Good luck too you too!!💗💗Make the last one count lol 🎶🎶😊

[@NewsumBacon]

Saame!! Good luck my friend! ; )

[@MarraNarra]

:D girl yes, my 3rd time trying, a sis is nervous lmao

[@benjidavis7204]

I'm an African American who's in chamber choir at high school. this was just beautiful. Race doesn't matter when your talking about music. They did amazing. it makes me sad to see people say whether this wasn't black or white who cares this was gorgeous and I cried. They sound very soulful

[@inTruthbyGrace]

"Race doesn't matter when your talking about music." *_For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned._* The King Jesus Christ

[@patrickproctor3462]

There ARE a couple exceptions to this where physiology makes a difference. Take "Tibetan" or Asian "throat" singing for example where the flattened cheek bones of the Asian races lend themselves to the resonance of that style. Past Life Melodies by Sarah Hopkins sung by the Incheon City Chorale is a totally different beast compared to Conspirare, Chanticleer, The Sixteen, or the Salt Lake Vocal Artists. And in the case of many Black/Negro spirituals, they just SOUND better sung by black men. They do! It is not uncommon for choral singers including myself to make comments when a "white" choir tries too hard to sound "black" in an effort to be "authentic" or "better". I don't care who gets pissed at me for saying it, but it's true. And the best examples are I think white men's groups in college performing Moses Hogan. Another example where the group actually did well but tried JUST a little too hard (and they're classically and partly operatically trained, so they're in the position to try) would be this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHTEZYp-fZ6plbs&frags=pl%2Cwn

[@keelibaby1]

so I think you just told me that this was a spiritual because I have never sang this song but rather only heard choirs perform it. Yes it is beautiful but not very soulful of that a spiritual wants to convey because honestly I thought this was a hill/folk song.

[@patrickproctor3462]

@@keelibaby1 It's a song literally about Heaven. Read the caption on any sales site.

[@keelibaby1]

@@patrickproctor3462 thanks I suppose cause now I know it's not a spiritual and it is folk with blue grass styles

[@owenallen2157]

That soprano G at “In the city that is made gold” though!!!

[@tristanperciful6609]

That's an A

[@FunnyAnimatorJimTV]

@@tristanperciful6609 Ever think about transposing instruments? :P

[@davidp3116]

Soprano at 2:03 sang B5 !!!

[@georgianielsen5457]

Yeah I sang this in my own choir- sop 1 on A and sop 2 on a G!

[@inessanz6887]

@@davidp3116 Yeah, acording to the original score it's a B5. musescore.com/user/26825661/scores/6139071

[@mercyfae3069]

The conductor looks like he's having a lot of fun.

[@RyanBrowne01]

Craig Hella Johnson! One of the great conductors/composers of our time

[@fletchercp]

Ryan Browne his arrangements are so fun and an easy read and they sound so great! We did Let The River Run in my high school touring choir and it was so fun!!!

[@corentinm.105]

As every very best conductor !

[@honeybeex5564]

i LOVE the alto ii part for this song! it’s so rare that we actually get to move around on the staff!

[@ethanasay2165]

MrBlueSky ?????? Altos either sing the same note the whole song or are completely all over the place, there’s no in between

[@kadenburns8914]

The tenor at 2:24 tho. Dang man. Put in work my guy. Put em all on blast.

[@wolffire109]

ngl YES

[@clydefloyd8751]

Wait at 2:26?? I thought that was a woman!?

[@donallynch1689]

the whole thing is incredible but the tenors are the most emotional sound

[@logandavis6470]

I’m in the choir at Texas State University and we got to work with Mr. Craig Hella Johnson on his masterpiece “Considering Mathew Shepard”, specifically “All of Us”. He has such a passionate energy about music and you can really see it in this video. We are now performing this song in our choir & I’m falling in love with it!!

[@hectorcoria3650]

There is NOTHING more beautiful than pure acapella!!! Beautifully done!!!

[@nickkearnspiano9293]

this should be more viral its beautiful

[@deecarter7540]

I can't wait to experience the bliss of that unclouded day. To be wrapped in the love and fellowship of the Father Son and Holy Spirit. Even so come quickly lord Jesus

[@annemarielarsen5628]

That was beautiful!! Nicely done! I love the location and color scheme! Not to mention all the smiling faces! That made my day!

[@jimmyoutlaw9384]

This song, and this choir in particular, make me truly glad to be a tenor. That's pretty rare, usually I envy those rich bass tones but the tenor part for this song just rings out so beautifully.

[@MiTeeVideeO]

This isn't the 1st time I've heard this song.This isn't the smallest nor the largest choir that's sung this song.This isn't the youngest nor the oldest age-group to render this song.This rendition isn't the only one there is; there's lots of other renditionsSo, there's not much else to say except...........Y'all are awesome!Right on time!Par-Excellence!Gi-Namic voices!Best rendition I have ever heard!I Love y'all!Thank you for such a wonderful blessing!I have saved this to my Favorites!Howard

[@darkshadow3072]

Wow... just... wow. That gave me goosebumps. Love the joy everyone has singing this. Love the joy and emotion that is clear on the conductor's face and his whole being throughout the song. This was amazing to listen to as well as to watch. Thank you.

[@elizabethgross8918]

This is what it's gonna feel like when we all walk back into rehearsal after COVID is finally over.

[@dixiesellers6712]

I had the pleasure and privilege of singing under Craig Hella Johnson's baton as a professional singer. He truly is the facilitator of passing aling wonderful music. Sending my love, Craig!! Dixie S.

[@brucecampbell6133]

Incredible recording! Musicality, clarity and balance of voicing superb! Hella-Johnson has assembled a magical mix of talent, blend of voice timbre, energy and great conducting! Excellent recording/sound engineering! Bravo!!!

[@logancoryshares4040]

What a beautiful, PASSIONATE choir. Your performances are always a treat.

[@jordanslater8101]

extremely pretty! just sang this for honors choir!!!

[@humanbeing1117]

It’s like KZbin knew that my choir was singing this for district auditions and that I loved it ... they recommended it -.-

[@Marshbouy]

I think I've listened to this at least 15 times now. I'm going to keep listening to it too. It's just so good.

[@robertdierdorf484]

The best recording on KZbin. Clean, joyful, the right sound for this style. You really capture the feel of an old-fashioned revival choir. Took me back to my boyhood. Great singing without being too “artsy” or phony.

[@annflight3389]

I agree.

[@dennisdeemii]

without being too phony? what are you talking about? this is the definition of phony. costumes. smiles, lights camera action. give me a break.

[@danieldekok6949]

Better than this? Conspirare's performance is lovely, but check out the U-M Chamber Choir and Jerry Blackstone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYbGkGyFqceirtU

[@robertdierdorf484]

@@danieldekok6949 You're right, the U-M performance is excellent. I think a bit of sound quality was lost from being recorded live in concert. There were a few high and low notes that didn't come across, but I think that's the recording and KZbin. I find it interesting that when Jerry Blackstone conducted the Texas All-State Choir, he took the tempo noticeably faster. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6rTeaamgLuFh9k

[@danieldekok6949]

@@robertdierdorf484 I'm guessing though I can't be certain, that 1) the TMEA choir could easily handle a faster tempo and 2) younger singer's endurance isn't up to the upperclassmen and grad students in the Michigan choir.

[@ZayabelDraga13]

sang this is my choir, loved it...I was the only black girl in the choir lel. still am

[@delightedbyu1]

This is an absolutely beautiful arrangement of a wonderful traditional song! Very genuinely delivered!!!... and I'm a black person (we all need to get over race in this country!)

[@gelora1260]

Sang this piece with our school's choir in Carnegie Hall, it was incredible.

[@Marshbouy]

This song never ceases to make me happy

[@kiersonzpoint]

Oh, they tell me of a home far beyond the skies Oh, they tell me of a home far away Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day Oh, the land of cloudless day Oh, the land of an unclouded sky Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day Oh, they tell me of a home where my friends have gone Oh, they tell me of that land far away Where the tree of life in eternal bloom Sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day Oh, the land of cloudless day Oh, the land of an unclouded sky Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day Oh, they tell me of a King in His beauty there And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold Where He sits…

[@jimdwright6541]

I'm busy putting together my PowerPoint slides of songs for next Sunday AM at Ringgold church of Christ, Ringgold GA (our worship is acapella only). Couldn't find the song, so I turned to the Internet and came across this bright rendition of one of my favorites. Thanks so much for sharing your talents. It was well worth the time to listen and I've been uplifted by the harmonies and the smiles. That's how I lead, smiling most of the time! Again, thanks! (and I'm wondering how you could NOT like this, as per the 90 grumpy souls at the time of writing this comment)

[@dennisdeemii]

I am heartened to see this year's roster includes more than one POC.

[@phoebevasquez3070]

I cannot help but be overjoyed with the expressions on their faces. More than anything- the director’s face is how I aspire to be in life.

[@paunudejean3160]

OMG! Amazing.....amen amen grace grace.... thank goodness.

[@NAI917RAH]

Oh, the POWER of music!

[@piersonmahmoud8630]

I just love the bass part on here. Sang this for our trip to New York

[@dellamonk6792]

That was so good! The clothing is beautiful, the tenors sublime; there's so much joy it made me cry. More like this, please!!

[@stephwhatley-barnett3689]

watching craig hella johnson conduct is my favorite passtime.

[@stephwhatley-barnett3689]

but you should all go subscribe to JBHS Jubilate, we're pretty great ;) #stupidgood

[@heathrawls870]

My school’s varsity choir did this song last year and I visited this while looking back at our concerts and almost cried

[@LifterwiII]

There is a part of St. Benedict's Rule that those of us in Benedictine community are continually aware of .... something that we all would do well to consider: "LISTEN... with the ear of your heart". This Chorale Community and Craig Johnson have been profound gifts of healing for my life in more ways than i can count. Race has nothing to do with it. Every last one of us is The Beloved of God .... period.

[@samdilophosaur9787]

This song just makes me smile. I’ve only been listening for one week and it’s the most uplifting song I’ve heard in years

[@adrienwinterholer]

I am doing this song for my school's audition only choir snd we all love it so much

[@Ruffian144]

Earlier today, I put my 1977 Baptist Hymnal next to my pc so I could print out this song & learn the lyrics for my own singing pleasure. Then I came to Utube to hear Myrna Summers' version once more & this came up instead! I am so surprised! I've never heard of Conspirare & I had no idea Unclouded Day could be an upbeat, uplifting song. Thanks Shawn, Craig & Conspirare for your rendition. And when we get to our home 'far beyond the skies', let's look each other up... & hug.

[@lukemalone22]

Beautiful!

[@annflight3389]

Another piece of beautifil composition. I can't listen to it without crying.

[@gerardgrzyb7267]

Always pure delight!

[@katiegarner2633]

OMG I love this song

[@jamesloggins8397]

These guys made me really happy

[@chickadeea16]

What joy!

[@gibgabs2899]

this song is so fun, I love it so much

[@lolas9256]

This is so beautiful.

[@edwardsvillehighschoolchoi1473]

fantastic!

[@flowhannesburg1912]

Fantastic.

[@paunudejean3160]

I’m loving it sooo in love remember vesta Goodman...

[@dennisdeemii]

vestal was amazing. i prefer her version lol

[@chargrr]

Incredible!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@sirtfs]

What a fun looking group. Thanks for posting.

[@gunsmusicnaturebeer]

Friggin' perfect. Beautiful voices, great cinematography, lots of excitement/fun. It's not easy and y'all nailed it.

[@Kekoapono]

This is by far the best performance and recording of this song I've ever heard! The singing is masterful, which perfect blend, articulation, and expression. I love how the choir is dressed as well as the beautiful singing space that captures the spirit of when and where this song was originally written. Conspirare perfectly captures the shining brilliance this song praises. Congratulations on a job so masterfully done!

[@MrJoeAllert]

That was so beautiful, thank you!

[@shouston1413]

Excellent job; jubilant, tempo, loved it all plus acoustics!

[@lindsaysharman4655]

This performance is perfection. I teared up at the final note. Just pure joy. Well done everyone! Fabulous

[@cassidymccurdy805]

This is an amazing song sung by a phenomenal choir!!! We're doing this song in my school choir and my teacher showed us your video for inspiration!! Amazing job!

[@geraldgurss4499]

YES! All day long this!

[@JoelHunter0]

Measure 43 - oh my you all nailed it!

[@jaredregister5962]

Love it! They make it look so easy!

[@djmotise]

It's not hard.

[@ShreyaChoudhuryMusic]

My favorite song!!! My choir and I are singing this song for tomorrow's concert! 😍😍😍

[@liftingbykaroline7972]

Voices of light.

[@gabbydoyle8094]

FRICK THIS SONG GETS ME SO EMOTIONAL

[@pekachhakchhuak7943]

Wonderful

[@tjadenjason]

This is just beautiful.

[@ConspirareChoir]

so glad you found us!

[@Teacuperino]

THE TENORS OMFG !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@donallynch1689]

Bob Dylan called the song the most mysterious thing he had ever heard. This is just magical on every level.

[@hollywilliams1257]

If you're able, put the video speed at 1.25% (you're welcome)

[@KirkyHere1410]

Thanks! Never would have thought of it. Amazing.

[@lesburkholder8352]

Wow

[@lesburkholder8352]

This is obviously the proper tempo. Ironically i had no issue with the original tempo until i listened to it sped up and now I can’t go back

[@tluangteaoggykhiangte2887]

Inthiam hle mai. 👍😃

[@macwhirterj]

Love this! What a fantastic, hardworking group :-) I love the way the conductor is communicating the feel he wants with his facial expressions, too. So effective. Well done, all!

[@sheilawilliams2412]

Jenna MacWhirter The First Noel Pachelbel,s Canon arranged by Michael Clawson

[@johnthomas4516]

This looks like it came out of "O Brother, Where Art Thou." Beautiful, if a little unnerving.

[@ConBrioLady]

❣

[@annflight3389]

I completely agree.

[@collavocetexas4339]

Not sure why some would want to try and turn such beautiful singing into a racial issue! Personally, I don't care if the singers are pink, blue or purple when they can sound this amazing!

[@daliah184]

Colla Voce Texas that is SOO true!

[@mel3760]

Colla Voce Texas exactly and I’m Black !!!!!!! At least none of them Are grabbing their crotches and being effeminate like Kirk Franklin

[@mel3760]

Colla Voce Texas and ohhhh look, the women are fully dressed, another bonus we don’t get in black churches

[@Sopdiva21]

@@mel3760 This is a horribly inappropriate comment. Also if you knew ANYTHING about this piece you would know it was written by a white preacher.

[@keatonsilver2662]

Tenor at the end is killing itttt

[@rodneycrosby6754]

TURN TO JESUS TODAY ! I LOVE THIS SONG !

[@phleena]

As a self proclaimed choir nerd, this is my JAM

[@SylviasFlowers]

this is so good our choir did this song

[@johnsedgewick9433]

wow!....these folks are GOOD!!.....[ dear Paul H.-just close your eyes... then color doesn't matter.That's what is so cool about music]

[@omarimorris4480]

I heard the angels singing at 2:00

[@lukraniom8731]

The woman in the dead middle looks like the cover of the score lol

[@kaileihammond8807]

Can we just talk about the chills we all got at 2:25

[@francescosturla1375]

I totally agree !

[@rachelgee7894]

Woah I got them at that exact time not even trying

[@joshuanieman1098]

Iowa all state anyone?🎶

[@sandraking8328]

Preppy choir...wholesome...nice....nice acoustics

[@karenfronick6741]

Our choir director belongs to thix group. Way to go Cecilia.

[@johnsedgewick9433]

wow! These guys and gals are GOOD....[ dear paul hunter- just close your eyes!...then color doesn't matter.That's what is so cool about MUSIC!!!]

[@themoochgang2plus287]

At my choir teacher's Service my choir song this

[@theonlybrytner7970]

Good job, tenor soloist!

[@kololikate]

I heard Alice Wylde from Virginia sing this accompanied on banjo I believe this to be from Appalachia! Hers was a wonderful very simple version.

[@AdamDolce]

Shawn Kirchner got mad skill, yo.

[@alonsommelgoza]

Ok so the sopranos' last note of the song is supposed to just be a D5 but in this recording, I hear a clear B5. I don't know if someone is actually singing that note or if it's an overtone, but it sounds amazing!

[@brucecampbell6133]

Disappearing Soprano....Great performance!

[@mrmorganmusic]

Sounds good. Must have been filmed on a couple different days, since Esteli Gomez is missing from the front row in a couple shots!

[@Pat2789]

I was so curious about this, and when I looked to see, she's missing from like ONE shot...where did she go? :) This is SO good. I love Conspirare.

[@Stefsopla]

mrmorganmusic she had a flight to catch!

[@kateeseaborn3978]

So, while I was studying who was singing what part, I noticed the brunette on the front row (mid-left) was missing in one of the frames.... I'm curious how yall pieced this together without a hiccup. I love this. I listen to it all the time to practice harmonizing.

[@willcosper1696]

Listen to it at 1.25 speed

[@katejones2346]

Can I download this on iTunes or somewhere? It's my favorite version

[@parkerkhamvongsa5939]

I made it to all state

[@mehbuteh]

Beautiful song, the amount of smiling especially from the tenors is disturbing