CWU Chamber Choir/Gjeilo: "Ubi Caritas" with piano improv

Composer/pianist Ola Gjeilo joins the CWU Chamber Choir (Gary Weidenaar, director) in presenting Gjeilo's "Ubi Caritas".
In mid-April, 2011, Ola spent 3 days on the Central Washington University Campus for a project in which he joined the choir in recording 3 of his compositions. On this video, Gjeilo adds an improvised accompaniment (in a one-take rendition) to his setting of the Ubi Caritas text -- which is published as an unaccompanied piece. Because of his view that improvising is a wonderful snapshot of artists "at that moment", the project was entitled "In the Moment".
The other composition to which he created an improvised accompaniment was "Northern Lights". He also accompanied the choir on "The Ground", which includes CWU's resident faculty quartet -- the Kairos String Quartet.
Here are the other "In the Moment" KZbin URL's:
The project's trailer/preview video:
• Ola Gjeilo & CWU Chamb...
"The Ground":
• Ola Gjeilo with the CW...
Follow the choir on Facebook:
/ cwu.chamber.choir

[@lindabaer4086]

I am a Jewish cantor, and I am stunned by this soulful and deeply beautiful music. The composition is exquisite, the performance is reverent, luminous and transcendent. I believe that which is truly holy brings us together, and erases all which divides us from one another. This music is *holy.* I am grateful to Mr. Gjeilo, Mr. Weidenaar, and to this talented choir for the gift of this music.

[@kme3894]

I agree with you. Everything about this inspires sacredness

[@alanburnham9832]

Ola Gjeilo’s music has brought me to tears fo joy so many times! His jazz improvisations are superb! The CWU choir is great.

[@eleele1180]

q significa?

[@waynold]

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to introduce this work to a small choir I founded/directed on the far south coast of New South Wales in Australia. I had planned to program the unaccompanied version on our inaugural concert anyway, but after I stumbled across this version by CWU, I simply had to include the piano improvisation. Our rehearsal accompanist was a local 14 y/o pianist, a prodigy by the estimation of many, including myself. He was delighted and played it brilliantly, adding an unimaginable dimension to the experience. There were tears all over the stage. And a few on the conductor's podium.

[@rholou]

I love watching the conductor smile as he can hear the choir and piano blending so seamlessly and sounding so beautiful.

[@MrBluedanube]

+Rhona Graham I think he smiled because they missed their cue to enter in after the interlude. But nonetheless none can fault them for such beauty.

[@garyw1]

+James Rhona is correct- I was smiling because of the sheer beauty of it. This was our first take - and there was a very improvisatory feeling - we were both following each other... thanks for listening and for the kind words..GW (the conductor)

[@MrBluedanube]

+Gary Weidenaar that great to know. This performance was exemplary. Truly devine.

[@elenikiroy]

+Gary Weidenaar I have conducted this sublime piece many times with my youth chamber choir in Ireland, and that moment at 3:35 never fails to flood me with pure joy. Powerful. Your choir is flawless. Thank you for your work.

[@garyw1]

thank you. Elenaroy! His music is very moving which makes it easy to flow and enjoy!

[@MrsIke705]

Every once in a while, God graces us with a musician who speaks from Heaven itself. Ola, thank you for sharing Heaven's music with all of us!

[@adamabele785]

The reason why we are humans is to compose, to perform and listen to music. If there is a heaven, there is a performance like this every single day.

[@henkfonteijn9964]

can't hardly wait...

[@urmorph]

If this group is performing, the seraphic choir will be envious. Bravo, Ola et al.

[@rpdeignan]

Love his choice to cut out at "et ex corde" - highlited the most intimate and meaningful moment where we say "with a sincere heart, let us love one another." Beautiful!

[@MrBluedanube]

I don't think that most people realize that the pianist is actually the composer.

[@yonathanevan]

+James Is it? wew,,

[@obxemt]

Mrs Forward he composed the choral part as well.

[@DanielJulioPauni]

Ubi caritas is a hymn of the Western Church, long used as one of the antiphons for the washing of feet on Maundy Thursday. The Gregorian melody was composed sometime between the fourth and tenth centuries, though some scholars believe the text dates from early Christian gatherings before the formalization of the Mass. It is usually sung at Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and on Holy Thursday evening at the Mass of the Lord's Supper. The current Roman Catholic Missal (1970, 3rd typical edition 2000) reassigned it from the foot-washing mandatum to the offertory procession at the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, and it also is found in current Anglican and Lutheran hymnals. In the second typical edition (1975) of the current Roman Missal, the antiphonal response was altered to read "Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est," after certain very early manuscripts. This translates as: "Where true charity is, there is God."

[@Mamzellesim]

obxemt He didn't.

[@obxemt]

Mrs Forward yes, he most definitely did...the performer of the improvised piano part is the composer of the choral piece.

[@alanburnham9832]

Just when I thought Ola Gjeilo couldn't be any more musically brilliant, his improvisations remind me of Keith Jarrett, I am blown away!

[@yogawarriorgirl]

This is the sort of music that will stop people dead in their tracks and hold them there until it is over. And they say there's no such thing as magic...

[@ziogioshua]

Marvellous!

[@dazzahoward7104]

I don't say there is no such thing as magic. I just don't think there is any such thing as god......

[@haydenblack5648]

Dazza Howard boooooo *tomatoes*

[@sawdoctor0]

This touches a part of my soul. Wonderful. I am also in awe of choirs that can do all this from memory. His harmony demands no vibrato which few USA choirs seem to be able to deliver.

[@carterdriggs]

How truly life-changing is this?? I was so in love with the original version until I heard this. Now, I can't imagine listening to it any other way! Perfectly done Ola!

[@jmonroe1824]

My high school sung this and we won a trophy in FL ... Ppl were surprised that we could sound so angelic like this and the choir was majority black and we're from southern GA so our accents are "country" ... I miss these days

[@Lindau.1637]

I love ola gjeilo, he‘s such a talented composer and musician. I love listening to his songs he did for the choir

[@SempreGumby]

How lucky to have the composer in residence for 3 days. This performance takes my breath away and fills my eyes with joy!

[@MattWyskiel]

Gave me tears, chills, and smiles from ear to ear all at the same time

[@SharnelleMcLean]

Absolutely beautiful. I heard the original version, and it was so beautiful, but this is just wow. I love how the piano is included with the choir, it really hit my heart, it nearly made me cry.

[@charliejjrome]

Nearly?

[@f.b.8254]

This touches my soul deeply. I've listened to it now four times, the first time in the car on the radio, then found it here and listened three more times over the course of an evening, and each time I could not help but have tears running down my face. Absolutely gorgeous and tender and ethereal.

[@merriannepfeffer4679]

Our choir performed this for our Holy Thursday Mass this evening and it is an amazing piece. Many were very moved. We've rehearsed for weeks and this is always my favorite. Truly an honor and a joy to sing.

[@micheldecol1358]

merveille du chant sacré... MERCI Ola Gjeilo !

[@costymocanu]

I am speechless! It is a piece of jewelry.

[@rayssamonroy]

2016 and I'm still in Love with this version. Ola and the Choir are just amazing !

[@smartblonde241]

Absolutely angelic piano solo! Superb choir.

[@keithjohnson6503]

I don't think I have ever been so moved by such a beautiful piece of music, how I wish I could have been there to hear it live.

[@larrytherangerdog]

wasn't expecting that jazz lick at 6:08. haha!

[@yomega69]

5:58-6:12 is a lovely little moment, it must've been so exciting to sing this not knowing what additional harmonies and lines would be played GAH so cool!

[@CWUmusicdept]

we all felt this take of Ubi was special (it was the second of 3 takes total). As the conductor, it was like having an accompanist and a soloist at the same time. As I think back, I felt the choir was both there to lead and to follow Ola at the same time. He is such a sensitive artist (as well as composer), that there are all kinds of subtle things in this and other of our collaborations. Whenever this video has been played live for a choir - you can hear a pin drop at the end. Nice memories....(this response - by Gary Weidenaar)

[@johnkobireynante2231]

Brings back so many memories from my choir back in high school! What a peaceful rendition

[@jungwoo3oo]

Piano and the choir as united one. One of the most beautiful music i have heard in my life. Thank you for the music!

[@stephaniekalis5037]

Ola Gjeilo is amazing! Heard it on CD but so much more breath taking by the CWU Choir and Orchestra! You must hear the as well. Compliments to the Phoenix Chorale as well. I agree with other commenters this is heaven sent. So addicted to this song as well as others of Ola Gjeilo. Again, most breath taking.... I am in Ahhh.

[@111angelvoice]

Absolutely radiantly beautiful, like all of your music!!! I got to hear this live as a duet on Holy Thursday at a local church and I can't wait to sing it myself in some context with others. So beautiful. Perfect for the Holy Thursday liturgy. Thank you once again, Ola! Your work is such a gift to the world!

[@elizabethfoster5510]

The piano is absolutely gorgeous

[@TimChampion1112]

Brilliant!!! Ola is an amazing composer and pianist. The choir nearly perfect. This piece gave me chills.

[@omeryusuftopcu]

Thank you for this peaceful performance.

[@craigjohnson4809]

Such beautiful, inspirational and inspiring music and performed so elegantly. Thank you to all who did this recording.

[@CescoN4]

blues lick at 6:08 wow!

[@dizzyology7514]

One can hear the distinct influence of Keith Jarrett in his improvisations.

[@tommasodistefano5466]

Straordinaria performance canora e musicale!!! Un "Ubi Caritas" davvero meraviglioso!!!

[@joanlansberry9160]

There's a version with a male choir I love (Zero 8), but the piano on this adds so much.... I love, love, love this song.

[@welovehugs1037]

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE / BEAUTIFUL MUSIC ! ! !

[@brianjoubert5241]

WOW!! This is absolutely breathtaking!!

[@kyriakosmpartziokas207]

i am really moved by the performance of this choir and i love this song

[@dmanewas]

This is the most beautiful piece of music I think i've ever heard..

[@disasilaen8624]

I have sung this song in my choir without the piano accompaniment and it was great. And this piano accompaniment makes it greater. I feel peaceful when listening to it. Thanks!

[@hwhamlin]

I have sung this arrangement with Ola. It is transformative. Puts you in a truly rare place.

[@dianerobertson1762]

As a accompanist, singer and choral composer, I am in AWE. Such beauty, amazing harmonies, such FEELING!! My favorite composer!

[@iytffutf]

I had chills throughout the entire performance. Absolutely lovely.

[@MrBluedanube]

I died and went to heaven.

[@lydiameiling8570]

I joined you!

[@AW-uo9lg]

I'm already in heaven

[@andreasmazur1159]

Voller Gefühl, ohne Notenblätter und jede Stimmgruppe ausgewogen. Einfach herrlich, diese Musik zu hören. Andreas (Germany)

[@sharonlevering5143]

absolutely stunning! thank you for your beautiful music!

[@distantLshaw]

Absolutely stunning. Almost too beautiful for words. It has soothed my soul this day.

[@alexolife]

Holy shit, did he just throw some blues in before the amen?

[@MCcancio]

Aw yeah

[@edwardchen9619]

he threw in so much blues in the whole improvisation omg i cant even-

[@nanajockel]

He did 🤪

[@mahler1976]

Incredible! I am so glad that we are able to witness true music making in our time. Thank you Ola for the music and CWU Chamber Choir for the execution of the music! Bravo!

[@Pipixcan69]

Fabulous. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@charlesreese6616]

Just stunning. So very beautiful.

[@distantLshaw]

I've added this to one of my playlists, and every time I listen I get goosebumps and tingles. It is simply divine.

[@AlistairBHamilton]

Sublimely beautiful and containing marvellous craftsmanship with both Ola and the conductor. Bravo!

[@corinnequinlan241]

Beautiful seamless just Beautiful Thank you!

[@JessieLeov]

I'm in tears that was absolutely incredible

[@jazzer747]

Outstanding!!! Performed with sheer passion stirring one's heart and soul!!! Bravo Bravo!!!!

[@kathyburkwald7505]

Stunning. It is mesmerizing. So beautiful. No words to describe.

[@PauloCesarMaiadeAguiar]

Fantastic Dear. Many thanks for to share this dear

[@buttersf2535]

This is def my favorite piece to sing in my church choir. Such a beautiful song!

[@alexandracolmant9983]

Beautiful music, excellent choir...thank you.

[@choco6315]

Blessed! There is no other performance like this one! Just a perfect one. Greetings from Poland!

[@AdrianGonzalez-so5gz]

In a state of amazement! I just discovered this composer and this beautiful emotional performance blew me away! Bravi tutti 👏

[@kkkkkkatherine]

Where charity and love are, God is there. Love of Christ has gathered us into one. Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. Let us fear, and let us love the living God. And from a sincere heart let us love one. ` Thank you!!!!!!!

[@680stp]

Composer chose the right choir to show-case this beautiful work, presented elegantly, sensitively. Congratulations CWU Chamber Choir!

[@matthewenglish4721]

This really made me tear up :') Beautiful improvisation by an amazing composer!!

[@SingTas]

What a beautiful performance by the choir and masterful creativity of the pianist. Mr Gjeilo, you must have a beautiful soul to create such majesty

[@alandmcleod5988]

How could anyone thumbs down this beautiful piece; Seriously?

[@MarlonMatusAronsonth]

Oh my God. Its so beautiful! This composer is incredible

[@RuthieDuthie]

Just wonderful. The man is a genius - this is up there with the Durufle version in my opinion

[@frankcrow1155]

This must surely be regarded as a seminal recording of this magnificent work. And Ola Gjello must transcribe the exquisite piano accompaniment; it is the perfect complement to the voices, particularly the voices of this really well trained chamber choir.

[@SempreGumby]

Stunning! Thank you!

[@manuelestudillo3494]

Inspirador. Felicidades. Gracias por compartir este gran trabajo.

[@michaeldey6078]

I get such chills at 3:33. that swell though!

[@gilliebrock3676]

This music transends life itself and moves the soul.

[@hoffy63]

stunning improv piano to a gorgeous piece.

[@dougmitchell827]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@LessBackslashThan3]

this is so insanely gorgeous

[@satBASS]

This choir can do no wrong, & this recording just demonstrates further the amazing talent of Ola Gjeilo! Beautiful performance

[@Tetrafonia]

Great performance!!!... Impressed with the piano position!!! Thanks! :)

[@jitkahejdova5161]

Nádherné! Dokonalé...dechberoucí. Nemám slov.♥️

[@MariEsabel]

What sensitive playing! We sang this song! I loved the "exultemos" part best. Wonderful work.

[@alexsantana3588]

33 people dared to dislike this moment of grace ... amazing.

[@yordankaacosta2849]

Excellent rendition!!!!

[@donnaterkildsen830]

amazing music composed by a brilliant composer

[@duckyishappy]

Perfectly in tune stunning

[@divotdiva]

So beautiful. thanks for sharing this. If it were on iTunes I'd be downloading right now.

[@arnoldvdwaals]

WOW! Such great piece!

[@phenyoshabangu4811]

love this song with all of me

[@DonArlem]

You guys are awesome, i can't stop listen you

[@jasmineortega810]

I cry every time I hear/ sing this . it just makes me feel so emotionally raw and I feel like you can visually see my emotions I put through every word

[@nievesviciana3640]

Esto es como estar en el paraíso,que maravilla!!!!!!!

[@Cristinabuscaglialenz]

Bellísimo... gracias...!

[@piapizzolla961]

Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Zum Weinen schön!!!

[@AbImoPectoreChor]

with piano it sounds so beautiful... we sang it last Sunday and we love it.

[@wolframhuttermann7519]

Thank you for this video. I hope one can listen his works in classic radios.

[@nathanielteall6727]

Ola is simply incredible. Period.

[@TheDDe9]

I can't even begin to describe how beautiful this is. I sang this with my choir, though the men's choir-version. It is so very different with Gjeilos improvisation

[@Northernzonepusher]

That little thing he does at 6:08-6:09......I don't know what it's called but I love it.

[@pneefs]

Sublime and linking tradition to the present