Coping with senseless tragedies and observing Memorial Day | Lux Aeterna (Elgar), Voces8 (Ep. 406)

#Nimrod #LuxAeterna #Voces8
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm listening to one of the more exquisite pieces of music ever written performed by one of the leading choral chamber ensembles in the world. On this Memorial Day, I'm not only remembering and paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the line of service...I'm also remembering those special to me that are no longer here. And, I'm helped by this performance of Elgar's Nimrod Variation, arranged for 8-part unaccompanied mixed voices, using the Lux Aeterna text.
This year, with war ongoing in Europe and countless senseless tragedies here in America, this music is what I needed to feel the feelings I needed to feel. Choral music is a balm to my soul, and I hope that you will be eased along on your journey as you join me in this episode. Thank you for tuning in and for supporting the channel.
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[@metalmark1214]

I'd say any music can help us with our mood or feelings. I like to say that great music that you love you just don't listen to but you experience it. It elicits an emotional response. Shout out to all the veterans that served, thank you for your service and to all those that gave the ultimate sacrifice, never will you be forgotten.

[@memelordmark7532]

Great episode today. Very moving Thanks very much. My Pops was a WWII Marine Corps vet who sustained a life altering wound during the liberation of Guam. He was a gunners mate in the artillery. In an intense artillery exchange with Japanese artillery attempting remove each other from the battlefield his gun was destroyed he lost most of his hearing and had some internal damage from the explosion. He was the sole survivor from his gun. As a result his love of music was increased as his appreciation for the ability to hear increased tenfold. Music was constantly played in our home. There are so many moving anti war songs from numerous generations to be considered for Memorial/Veterans day observances to select from. This track is awesome. Thanks again. 😎

[@lawrenceheadrick]

Two yrs ago this month I lost my Mom and my mother in law within 3 weeks apart.... And hearing that today brought tears to me as I haven't really finished grieving and this might have been the closing that I needed to hear!! Thank you Doug!! 🙏💖✌️

[@rogermiller2159]

In 1976 my high school choir were lucky enough to go to Washington DC New York and Philadelphia. We sang in some amazing cathedrals. When we would get off stage we could see everyone had been crying at some point. These memories still make tears well up in my eyes. Music is just so powerful. Thank you for making this choice and for your channel as well. Peace

[@Arrow2theACL]

Breath takingly beautiful. Thanks Doug.

[@fd1930]

In a time where truly terrible things are happening in the world, Doug dives back to his choral roots and shares a piece of real aural beauty. Thank you Doug.

[@whaleshark2672]

Beautiful. I wish you and the whole community peace. I am saddened and sickened by the violence both small and large scale in our lives. We must celebrate our commonality not dwell on our differences. Every death is a tragedy for somebody’s family, when will we learn… мир/ peace

[@MDIman42]

I can't speak to the technical prowess expressed here - I leave that to you Dr. H. But I can speak to the emotions. It is a very emotional piece and I was on the edge of my emotions as I was listening to them and you. You picked an exquisite piece and expressed how you relate to it so beautifully. Thank you again, Doug.

[@geoffchandler8684]

One can see the essential soul of a person when you see them immersed in that which they have a deep passion about. You are a special person Doug Thanks

[@barb318]

Peace and love to you, Dr. Doug, and to your wonderful Megan. Beautiful music, beautifully presented. Feeling the ❤️ connection.

[@Sam_Utah]

The most excellent musical instrument is the one God gave us, the human voice. It has an expressiveness that cannot be achieved by mechanical or electronic means. I love this piece and Faure's Requiem as well. thank you.

[@uncletom618]

Man oh man oh man,….oh Doug, that is the most wonderful performance I think I’ve ever seen, and my thanks to you for exposing me to that. You can rock me in your arms like that anytime. You know Doug, if this doesn’t get you scores of offers for various teaching gigs , I’d be astonished. From what you’ve said here before and after, makes me sad that I cannot sit in your classroom. You, my friend, definitely chose a correct career.

[@keithparker6520]

Don’t normally listen to Metal Monday but this one was worth it.

[@pn332]

Thank you for letting us all in to your world for a little while. Lord knows you've dived in to ours for a long time. Bless ✌👍

[@katesjanice]

Yes, more of these beautiful orchestral/choral works please. I love them...especially from the Romantic era. Thanks Doug!

[@kerrismith5986]

Oh my!! How blessed we are that you shared this with us. I had never heard this before. DANG!!! That group knocked it fair out of the solar system!!!

[@joolz4848]

Thanks for that Doug, I loved that. I do love coral music and love Elgar but have never heard the coral version. Please point me to some more.

[@pmar27]

I often use music as a salve. Good post Doug

[@laeditor]

Wow. That was beautiful. I'll be listening to that for years to come. Thank you for sharing.

[@ProfessorGreybeard]

Beautiful, I love Nimrod and this is truly a wonderful rendition.

[@girlinagale]

Music generally has tension and resolution throughout. It's like a guided vision through our own experiences.

[@Liz.Green789]

Thank you for sharing such a vital part of your soul with us. What a beautiful piece. That was a lovely gift. Peace to you and yours.

[@ephesians.6]

Hey Doug!!!! In remembrance of all the people who have given their lives and service! Much love!

[@ephesians.6]

The post requesting feedback was indeed a red herring haha, hope you get to Sacrificed and Disposable soon, as both were the best suggestions that I saw. A little bummed, but it is your channel and I appreciate you nonetheless! ❤️

[@deborahhuckstep2379]

I was constantly looking between you conducting and appearing like you would burst into tears, and the Angelic Eight. I call them that because that incredible sound is nothing but Heavenly.

[@wendyt7958]

just beautiful! Wish I had that upper soprano range

[@bisratezra8247]

I have listened to this recordings many, many times and agree with everything you say about it.

[@thomasmcgill6918]

What a beautiful - heavenly piece of music....

[@weshart6139]

Absolutely beautiful Doug! Both the somber petition and resolution to be hopeful spoke to me.

[@rickpeuser233]

Utterly stunning emotive breathtaking music. Thank you for sharing, Doug.

[@wascawywabbit0987]

Today we get to hear The Maestro's Pick! I'm all ears.

[@thenomadicpen]

Didn't know I needed that piece in my life until you played it. The sentiment you sent out across the digital miles was received and welcomed. Thanks, Doug!

[@boolage]

Amen Doug. Very moving piece

[@revsharkie]

Another classical piece I love is the Fauré Requiem, especially the Sanctus. I used to sing in a church choir that was able to do it justice, in large part because we had a violinist in the congregation who played that lovely, ethereal violin part. We also sang Bach's Komm, süsser Tod (in English; we could handle a bit of Latin but German was too much). One of the members always called it out if our director asked for requests. Have you by chance done any shape note singing? Your comment about singing together in a circle made me think of our "hollow square." It's a tradition at our singings to have a "memorial lesson" wherein we name the names of those who passed away since the last singing. Originally it was just singers, but over the years it has expanded. Now and then if I have church folks who will understand and appreciate it, I tell them we'll sing for them in our next memorial lesson. It's also a tradition to have a short singing immediately prior to a singer's funeral service, including their favorite songs. We like to talk about our singers singing in a hollow square for eternity.

[@ytgibbo]

I’ve said in comments before Doug, give “The Gunner’s Dream” or “When the Tigers Broke Free” from Pink Floyd’s “The Final Cut” a whirl. Either (or both!) is/are incredibly moving and evocative. Thanks.

[@IllumeEltanin]

Beautiful. Thank you Dr. Doug.

[@wrorchestra1]

The Tenebrae performance of Allegri's Miserere Mei Deus is another that is just stunningly done.

[@paulhoffman-music]

I’m so pleased to see you take this departure. I first came across this Voces8 video while learning an organ arrangement of Nimrod. This performance of theirs is staggeringly beautiful. Just incredible. And I completely agree with your reflections on singing in a choir. Amen.

[@tapchapman]

I didn't know there was a vocal arrangement of Nimrod. The leaps in the top soprano line are so hard (I was taught not to write successive leaps but four wide intervals - that singer is amazing). Thanks for choosing to share something that is meaningful to you.

[@suziepoirier8670]

C'est magnifique

[@sagitt1856]

Magnificat! Thank you, Master Helvering.

[@dave12113]

Great call Doug, there's so much "classical" music that is worth hi-lighting in your Daily Doug, maybe choose one of this huge genre to step though maybe once a month, or 2? Ralph Vaughan Williams is another British composer in a similar vein.. I for one would tune in!

[@e7a7b7]

Thank you for this from Texas. We need to feel the feelings right now more than ever. 💔 I was finding myself diving into music these past few days, barely aware of what it was helping me to process, but you helped me see that.

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

Ahhh... Nimrod. Always makes me cry, ever since I played this on the day that someone I knew died back in 1981. But it's always good to hear it, and this vocal arrangement was certainly worth hearing.

[@stewartconacher6552]

I often use unaccompanied choral music when I am in a reflective mood and when the pandemic hit for example this was the type of music I turned to. Really appreciated this piece. I enjoy Voces eight also a particular favourite choir for me is The Sixteen. Skilled voices and beautiful music brought together can bring such comfort. Thanks Doug.

[@richarddeese1991]

Thank you. Sometimes I think that if I understood the words to these sorts of chorales, it would actually distract me from the beauty of the music itself. tavi.

[@lucancherby]

There's nothing more fulfilling than singing a Bach's chorale. I wish you would do more of these chorale reaction

[@Davydd2]

I love the lessons I get from this channel. Thanks.

[@nickellis9251]

Nimrod - I had that at my Father's funeral.

[@simonjensen8322]

You want heavy? this was really heavy baby! To my mind only Ave verum Corpus by WAM surpase - thanks for sharing

[@carlosmcanuto]

Thanks Doug. Never heard this kind of music. I might search for more.

[@karlsarkozi3626]

Very beautiful Doug. Thanks for sharing!

[@thomasw178]

I'm moved by all music and been in bands, etc, but being in a singing ensemble has been my favorite experience. State choir in high school with 160 other vocalists during our first WARMUP almost made me cry.

[@felipel9958]

When I heard them singing, my first thought was: It's Divine.

[@katesjanice]

Interesting...the story of Enigma is very similar to Dust in the Wind. Kerry Livgren was doing a guitar exercise on Travis picking on an acoustic guitar in his music room. His wife Vicci kept walking by & telling Kerry that it was beautiful & he should write a song using it. He didn't buy it at first, saying it wasn't typical Kansas stuff. But ultimately that night he turned it into a beautiful song & wrote accompanying lyrics. The next day he trepidatiously played it for the group...and they LOVED it. And it became one of the biggest selling songs of all time.

[@bradfordmoore9018]

Great stuff, Doug. Given my limited musical ability, but being surrounded by folks all my life who were quite musically gifted, I've been able to at least appreciate the emotional connection to a piece like this. For me, team sports provided that same kind of connection & meaning as an important part of a larger whole. Thanks for sharing!

[@jimreeves1]

This Memorial Day I was drawn to the Christopher Rouse Flute Concerto, movement V, Anhran. The intention of this piece, to honor the memory of child tragically murdered, seems most appropriate of late. It's a sad beautiful piece.

[@AbsoRuud76]

As they say, to each their own. I can only say that I am very happy that you take such comfort from this piece. For me, it's singers like Pavarotti, Jonathan Antoine, Floor Janssen and bands like Opeth, Queen or songs like Fade to Black that bring on the waterworks.

[@katherinea5011]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

[@Rockprog101]

Just how is that possible? Beautiful.

[@andreasghb8074]

That was wonderful. Thanks for sharing this.

[@digestif9001]

Wonderful, thanks Doug.

[@luisarreaza4502]

Not sure if this would be a typical adjective used for describing choral music… but that was totally “BAD ASS” singing. Extraordinary piece. Thanks for sharing this Doug!

[@kReEaYtEr]

Man, we sang a huge 55ish minute arrangement of Lux Aeterna about 6 years ago in Carnegie Hall. What an incredible piece of art. I haven't heard it since then, so this was a nice way of reliving a bit of that experience. I totally agree with you on the way choral music makes us feel. For a bit, you stop being just you and you kind of become the music along with the rest of these people. Other performances can feel similar, but nothing quite tugs at your soul like the human voice can.

[@andreasghb8074]

I recently attended a performance of Stockhausen's "Stimmung" a choral piece which amazing.

Ahhh....When you said what you gonna play...I got goos pumps!. I loved this piece from Elgar when I was teenager. So much nice stuff is made by him (I dont mean the pompy stuff). Thanks. I could recommend more short very beautiful pieces to do on your show, but not sure if you'd do more classic and I am not a patreon. I still enjoy your analysis in progressive rock the most!

[@rhubarb_runner]

I'm glad you mentioned Barber's Adagio, but in the last couple decades I've noticed Vaughn Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis has replaced the Adagio in movie soundtrack death scenes.

[@andreasghb8074]

Another wonderful a capella vocal group is Roomfull of Teeth. Saw them at Ojai Music Festival a few years ago, and twice since. They are absolutely wonderful! Go seek them out!

[@Defector09]

That is truly outstanding!

[@blackwolf6082]

Truly beautiful

[@stedev1229]

This is soooo beautiful ! Thanks Doug !

[@gamleskalle1]

Manic Monday, Bangles

[@matthiaskopp9305]

I've seen Voces8 last week in Munich (and Singer Pur shortly after that). It was amazing

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Doug , check out Gipsy Kings live 1989 , Tonino Baliardo is the brains behind all the guitar playing and lyrics . Live in London .

[@reneelyons6836]

Beautiful!!!!!!!

[@user-xj5pr5ij2y]

Greetings from Canada and a shout out to all those who have, and are, serving. Wow ... goosebumps! Listened to this eyes closed and very moving and meaningful. A pivot here to future artists for consideration would be Jade Dragon - some incredible music from the '70's. Also, check out Chick Corea. His work in Return To Forever with the Romantic Warrior album would be a good place to start. Take care and thanks for the music.

[@ditmavic]

A beautiful piece of music, my personal favorite is Adagio by Barber that you mentioned in this recording. Do you know if Voces 8 sing the coral version? I have heard the string version of Nimrod many times before on Classic FM radio station here in the UK, but this is wonderful. Thank you for sharing Doug, Peace and love to you and Meg also.

[@MisterWondrous]

Love Adagio, and have tried to emulate in some compositions.

[@rbc5150]

Nimrod is by far my most tavourite short piece played every Remembrance Sunday in London at the Cenotaph. Televised by the BBC itt is a small part of the ceremony attended by the Queen, Uk and commonwealth leaders, current and past serving armed forces and the public.

[@barrydaugherty5528]

Great video. Voces8 is even more amazing when you realize they don’t use vibratro so the precision has to be even more spot on across all 8 parts. I also love some of Morten Lauridsen’s music. It moves me as well

[@stevegrant7762]

Thank you!

[@MisterWondrous]

I lived a couple of years with a most excellent countertenor with a fondness for Purcell, who would bless the house in song, and so that voice, along with that otherworldly soprano made for a truly heavenly few minutes. Elgar knew how to elicit all the modes of emotion, as we learn when we first graduate. The woman who leapt octaves like a capricorn leaps mountains made me think of 3 artists in rapid succession: Linda Eder's "Man of La Mancha", Shawn Phillips' "All the Kings and Castles" and Dimash' praeternatural "SOS". Ensemble-wise I think of Boston Camerata, King's Singers, Manhattan Transfer and the Vienna Boys Choir, who have had a retention problem for decades. Seems the boys want to become men, and seem unable to prevent it. Speaking of Beach Men... Choral music is among my favorite, as it most closely resembles spiritual soulscapes. Arvo Part, Gorecki, Ligeti, Randall and Virgil Thompson, John Rutter, Vaughan-Williams, Faure, Ravel, Durufle... A good mixtape for when it is time to leave this life. Or just to ponder the holiness of this life. Perfect song choice, Doctor Doug. Pax aeterna.

[@christopherrosing4473]

Beautiful! That was really wonderfully uplifting I think it would be great fun if you did a weekly Dougs pick show. Cheers!

[@sethkaicer319]

Doug convinced e.t. on the need to phone home.

[@dacramac3487]

Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine, cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord, with your saints in eternity, for you are merciful. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let eternal light shine upon them.

[@zzuave2666]

Beautiful. I had not heard this version/group before. Although I do have several LP's of the Enigma variations.

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

It's not related to Memorial Day, but the song that probably moves me the most is Jussi Björling & Robert Merrill / Pearl Fishers Duet - sorry Tuomas. I chose it for my father's funeral. He left school at 14, was too young for military service in World War II, but was in the navy, based in Scotland. He loved classical music and opera. I think he would have approved of my choice.

[@Dann66123]

Next Epica Classicccc

[@carmenporter7087]

This was great Doug. It reminds me a bit of some parts of my favourite video game soundtrack for Skyrim written by Jeremy Soule. There is an amazing video of the London Symphony Orchestra performing the soundtrack along with the London Voices that I would recommend as something a bit different for the channel. The video is called 'Skyrim 10th Anniversary Concert - Full Performance'. Thanks!

[@SiKedek]

For Memorial Day, I've taken to listening to Michael Nyman's (appropriately named) "Memorial", which was first performed as one of main movements of a larger symphonic piece to commemorate the victims of the Heysel stadium disaster from 1985. It was later used as the central musical motif for the soundtrack of one of artist-cum-film-director Peter Greenaway's most controversial films, "The Cook the Thief his Wife and her Lover". It's such an impactful piece.

[@getexis8685]

Great haircut... style with simplicity. Brutality starts with the idea of ​​merely commercial interests of reproducing ourselves to infinity, as if we were a commodity, this is too deep and serious a concept because we only have one planet, right? Perhaps the greatest brutality is the brutal death where we see what evil is in its true form, without disguises. In this carousel of life, we are offered paths of joy and sadness... without dogmatic extremism we owe it to ourselves the honesty to ward off the brutality of any death through the teachings of a more joyful human life. If we can make an emotional social pact with less pathetic joy and less brutality empty of humanity, that can be built. Humanity will manage to do it. Ourselves. This musical snippet is perfect; the union of people, the melody and its meaning as a single instrument that reminds us of what we do to move forward with dignity.

[@chriswest1996]

I was going to mention Barber's Adagio, but you mentioned it.

[@JohnLRice]

Beautiful!

[@antoniocarlin5026]

I got on my cd collection (3,000 cds aprox) One concert piano by Jordan Ruddess tribute to the 9/11 Awesome record!

[@mcdcurtis]

One of my favourite choral works (one that voices8 also recorded) is Ticheli's Earth Song. Such a moving work that I got to conduct as part of my vocal conducting methods final.

[@Jimwalker2008]

Absolutely love 'Nimrod'.Speaking of music that moves one's soul ,I would have to include Arvo Part's 'Spiegel im Spiegel' Just a piano and cello.I first heard it on an incredibly moving BBC documentary series about Auschwitz.It also used Gorecki's Symphony no.3.,which is imho the most moving piece of music ever written !

[@freak49]

I've sung in formal choirs as well. You have to be into choral music to fully appreciate it. You should listen to Robert Prizeman's Lux Eternea by Libera off their debut album Libera.

[@philbell5774]

“Without music, life would be a mistake.” - Friedrich Nietzsche.

[@markstedman9099]

Thank you Doug beautiful choice for a Monday evening,I for one would love you to react to some of John Taveners wonderful music,I think you must be familiar with his work and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it,all the best from the other side of the pond.

[@adamclark6756]

Doug, you need to search for Icelandic singers in a train station. I tried to post a link but i am not tech savvy so....! It made me tear up even though i had no idea what they were singing about. It is a hymn but that is all i know. You won't be disappointed i promise.

[@gazzeruk]

A great piece.. I believe it thought to be about himself. I think 'remember me' by Purcell would have been as good and to me more emotional.

[@frankalfar]

That was breath taking!!!! Did they record a version of Vide Cor Meum ? Also a very wonderful piece.