CWU Chamber Choir: Gjeilo - "Dark Night Of The Soul"

“Dark Night of the Soul” (Ola Gjeilo) is sung by The Central Washington University Chamber Choir (Gary Weidenaar, director) joined by Ola Gjeilo on the piano and the Kairos String Quartet (comprised of CWU string faculty)
TEXT:
One dark night,
fired with love’s urgent longings
-ah, the sheer grace!-
I went out unseen,
my house being now all stilled.
In darkness, and secure,
by the secret ladder, disguised,
-ah, the sheer grace!-
in darkness and concealment,
my house being now all stilled.
On that glad night, in secret,
for no one saw me,
nor did I look at anything,
with no other light or guide
than the one that burned in my heart.
- St. John of the Cross (1542-1592)
ABOUT THE WORK:
“Dark Night of the Soul was written in 2010, and premiered that year by the Phoenix Chorale. The text, three stanzas from St. John of the Cross’ magical poem Dark Night of the Soul, was suggested to me by Joel Rinsema, Executive Director of the Phoenix Chorale, and I fell in love with its passionate spirituality right away. One of the things I wanted to do in this piece was to make the choir and piano fairly equal, as if in a dialogue; often the piano is accompanying the choir, but sometimes the choir is accompanying the piano (or violin) as well, with the choir kind of taking the role of a soft, but rich “string orchestra” texture. I just love the sound of voices humming chords, it creates a sound that can be so evocative and warm, especially when doubled by a string quartet. To me, that sound combination has a similar effect to a great synth pad, only it perhaps feels more organic and alive.” - Ola Gjeilo
ABOUT THE COMPOSER:
Ola Gjeilo (pronounced Yay-lo) was born in Norway in 1978, and moved to the United States in 2001 to begin his composition studies at the Juilliard School in New York City.
Ola’s concert works are performed all over the world, and his debut recording as a pianist-composer, the lyrical crossover album Stone Rose, was followed by its 2012 sequel, Piano Improvisations. Many of Ola’s choral works are featured on Phoenix Chorale’s bestselling Northern Lights album, which is devoted entirely to his music for choir. All three albums are available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc.
A full-time concert music composer based in New York City, Ola is also very interested in film, and his music often draws inspiration from movies and cinematic music.
Ola’s choral works are published by Walton Music, wind band works by Boosey & Hawkes, and piano pieces by Edition Peters.
For more information, find Ola on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, Instagram, and at his KZbin channel.
ABOUT THE CHOIR:
Since 2009, the choir has held annual recording sessions to create videos specifically designed for KZbin. All are under the baton of Dr.Gary A. Weidenaar, who has been the director of the choir since 2006.
As of 2015, there are more than 20 videos. Ten of those feature the music of Ola Gjeilo and are the result of working with Mr. Gjeilo in 3 recording sessions over a 5 year period. The choir has videos of Gjeilo’s Sanctus, Across the Vast Eternal Sky, Contrition, Luminous Night of the Soul, the Ground, Ubi Caritas I and II, and Northern Lights
This was Ola's third time on CWU's campus. His first visit was in the spring of 2011 and yielded 5 videos of his music, a wide-ranging interview with the composer and other bonus material. It also resulted in a DVD entitled "In the Moment", available for purchase at goo.gl/Xld0o.
The CWU Chamber Choir also has recorded videos of music by Byrd, Gretchaninoff, Monteverdi, Muehleisen, Singh, Victoria, and Rautavaara.
To follow the choir on Facebook (page includes selected audio clips and URL's to all videos):
/ cwu.chamber.choir
OR - -
A complete listing of the videos of the CWU Chamber Choir and other CWU Music Ensembles can be found at:
/ cwumusicdept
ABOUT THE VIDEO:
This Video was produced by Matt Woodard at WoodSong Productions. www.woodsongproductions.com
Camera operators were: Allen Larsen, Chris Smart, Rick Spencer and Matt Woodard.
All CWU Chamber Choir videos found on KZbin are posted only after an agreement is reached or a contract is signed with the composer and/or copyright holder(s) of the piece(s).

[@harrycameron4004]

Some people seem to be missing the fact that the pianist IS the composer. Brilliant music, superb voices, gifted instrumentalists.

[@marvinmonk1628]

Good to know. Thanks for pointing that out. Takes a gifted pianist to play this accompaniment.

[@susanflakes6968]

Wow! Thank you...he is fantastic! Blessings!

[@caroleclinton9055]

I love singing every note. Our accompanist played it perfectly.

[@gm52225]

What an absolute treasure it must be to sing the music in concert with the actual composer of the piece.

[@DMLand]

You are absolutely right: I had the honor of premiering the fully orchestrated version of Henry Dehlinger's Kohelet around the time you posted your comment. It was a great treasure to see his work blossom into full flower.

[@dominicanmom1]

Ola Gjeilo's compositions are truly anointed, bringing the listener to the core of contemplative prayer. Many thanks to the composer and a marvelous choir for delivering this powerful prayer...God gave us music that we might pray without words!

[@ginajackson4122]

Couldn't agree more! Superbly put.

[@enilegnave21]

Beautifully articulated

[@benedictorjohn7950]

From Tanzania, this piece has really got into my heart... It's amazing choral song from ola yelo... its like heaven on earth.. 🧘🧘🧘🧘🧘

[@edwinearl7710]

As I have said on other sites Ola Gjeilo is the MOZART; HANDEL; BEETHOVEN of OUR generation ! He is inspirational (to me) and a GENIUS just like the prior Masters,,,

[@Rosinamo5058]

Everything that I've heard of Ola Gjeilo's choral pieces and music have been just so exquisitely stunning. all pieces really "touch" the soul. beautifully sung. beautifully played. amazing talent and musical love this composer has

[@brigittedamien5665]

La musique de Ola Gjeilo nous transporte par la beauté de ses harmonies combinée avec les rythmiques tantôt planantes, tantôt plus énergiques ; tout est sublime et touche l'âme. Et quelle merveille d'accompagnement cordes et piano ! Ce magnifique choeur a eu la chance de chanter avec le compositeur au piano, quel privilège inoui ! On s'incline devant cette splendeur et on le remercie du fond du coeur de nous apporter tant de beauté et de sérénité. J'ai la chance de travailler en ce moment un programme comportant des oeuvres de Ola Gjeilo et j'attends chaque répétition avec impatience. Merci Monsieur.

[@KKISCRAZYFUL]

I sang this in my high school choir as a second soprano and its stuck with me for 5 years now. It takes such teamwork to pull this off and is so moving.

[@furiosasinclair2018]

If I were a musical note, I would yearn to live inside this song, and to be sung by these voices.

[@mosart7025]

That is an awesome and creative thought!

[@markkuprych1703]

You can be. It is called choral singing. To stand with 20-30 other good singers and perform at a high level is otherworldly. I have started a piece, only to disappear and be startled hearing applause -at the end- all time ends inside.

[@joygroves9891]

What an awesome sentiment. Great expression Furiosa

[@jorgegrillo55]

Qué hermosa forma de pensar...!!!!

[@c.k.mcknight8921]

@@markkuprych1703 Beautiful, beautiful sentiment. I've felt the same, sir. Choral music is an incredible gift.

[@guswauchope]

That was one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard

[@moosefillet1735]

+Gus Wauchope Without a doubt!

[@karyngoff20]

I had the pleasure and privilege to be at the Green Lake Festival of Music this past June, where we performed this gorgeous song, along with three others. Ola was in residence and was also our accompanist! Words are inadequate to describe that concert. Suffice to say, we were dazzled by the experience, as was the audience. This man is a gift to the world of music, and the world is a more beautiful place because of him.

[@judithmosely5283]

One of the young classically trained composers of the 21st century. This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

[@tanyadixon7980]

The most outstanding choral composer of this generation. What he does is other worldly in it's perfection of lyric and melody; hug graceful keyboard work, in my opinion, is unparalleled, as if the piano is a member of the chorus. The delicate string arrangements are immaculatley delivered. Only the KC and Phoenix Chorale's is better, chorally. This choir gives the a true run for their money. Soothing and warm.

[@erikkreem3584]

It's inspiring for me to hear music being written today that sounds like this. As a neoromantic composer, I need to thank Mr. Gjeilo for helping prevent me from giving up music composition.

[@ques4estas]

Choir transcends everything that separates us, it breaks down the barrier of race, gender, religion and everything else you can think of. This performance was very inspiring.

[@felixpops5]

[@teknikgroup7597]

yes notice the shapes and sizes of the choir....its magnificent. Variety is the spice of life. Each singer, excellent in its own range...

[@chelnik1120]

А объединяет - тьма в душе, - эге ж?

[@chelnik1120]

@@teknikgroup7597 , Есть древний христианский принцип: "В главном - единство, во второстепенном - разнообразие, и во всем - любовь!"

[@enilegnave21]

@@chelnik1120 Not darkness IN the soul... but "the Dark Night OF the soul," where each must venture alone to arrive at greater connection with their Creator and deeper enLIGHTenment. 😀 Peace.

[@clare2464]

Lyrics: St. John of the Cross One dark night, fired by love's urgent longings - ah, the sheer grace! - I went out unseen, my house being now all stilled. In darkness, and secure, by the secret ladder, disguised, - ah, the sheer grace! - in darkness and concealment, my house being now all stilled. On that glad night, in secret, for no one saw me, nor did I look at anything, with no other light or guide than the one that burned in my heart.

[@apolodoro11]

anyone who experiences the Dark Night of the Soul cannot feel this song as soothing nor calming... a noisy piano at the beginning is unnerving

[@LadyPoing]

6:04 wow you can really see how much they like the music in their expression

[@allonszenfantsjones]

Having already sung this 4 5 years ago and already watched this particular video, imagine my surprise when I'm faced with the existential dilemma of listening through to the "grace" section, transported as always, only to be interrupted by a commercial for baby with cancer. Wow KZbin. Grace-less.

[@chrisbrady5635]

Same experience, different ad, same spot. Worse than coitus interruptus :-(

[@finolahepworth5554]

Thank you Olaf Gjeilo You are touched by the Almighty God has Blessed you and us with your wonderful inspired compositions

[@ipso-kk3ft]

Deus benedicat eum!

[@alisonbenda8411]

I thought I had already heard the most beautiful music in the world.....but this experience takes it to an all new level.

[@MisterDavidBell]

03:47 I can feel the awe created by witnessing the Northern lights in this section... Pure Heaven 🙌😇🎶

[@ipso-kk3ft]

This song perfectly reflects the spiritual journey: its moments of rejoicing, its moments of despair, and its triumph.

[@lisamaraszek6599]

Excellent and haunting performance! Thanks so much for sharing it here. Even at 61, I feel sooo privileged (andalso blessed) to have had the chance to work through and perform this piece with the Santa Barbara Choral Society in March 2015.

[@p-y8210]

this is my first time I heard something that made me cry

[@inesdeerausquin5658]

Gorgeously sung and played. The soprano soloist should be credited!!! I love the piano interlude around 3:00 -- and the beatific smile on the page-turner's face says it all. Talk about an enviable position -- turning pages for the composer himself and being surrounded by such sound!

[@marcusv7881]

i thought the same thing!

[@renegalvan6417]

Something like this shouldn't be interrupted by ads. One at the beginning is sufficient.

[@boyisun]

Having an ad in the middle of such a beautiful piece is just sacrilegious!

[@hawea164]

I love it ...I love it ....my soul did love it. My soul rises in worship! All darkness falls away for He brings light.

[@MisterDavidBell]

This is my first time hearing this piece and this choir... The music is gorgeous and is delivered excellently. Tells such an incredible story. one of those pieces that resonates with your very being like you've heard it a thousand times. stunning

[@John-de7wn]

Ah...the sheer grace... Truly, one of the greatest choral works by Ola to date. Perfect synergy of voice, piano and string. A superb rendition by CWU Chamber Choir, Dr. Weidenaar, Ola and the faculty string quartet. I will never tire of listening to this piece.

[@marianoz]

Amazing! What an honour to sing with the composer!

[@MrBluedanube]

that pianist is slaying it.

[@kellycarmichael601]

He's the composer too!

[@Actorguy0330]

+Kelly Carmichael holy crap you're right!!!!

[@taylorpringle9527]

IKR

[@josanj222]

James that's the composer!

[@jhorigan99]

This is my favorie comment by alot.

[@arlethafreeman3511]

The most beautiful piano playing that I have ever heard especially on a song called The Ground-- with the chamber orchestra of London.... out-of-this-world!!!

[@robertroithinger3121]

Nordische Komponisten sind einfach immer wieder gut! Von Sibelius bis Royksöpp!

[@leedshunk]

Such unusual but stunningly beautiful music . I can hear lots of influences coming through , but ultimately unique . The choir and musicians are marvellous 😁

[@swal2407]

For the past couple of weeks I've been listening to this part en love it more and more every day!

[@debbieastle7950]

Masterfully performed. Gjeilo is brilliant

[@piano1500]

I get to accompany this piece at Carnegie Hall next week!!

[@annwinifredandalfredjamesp8851]

piano1500 I am sure it was a fantastic experience for all concerned. Thank you for your contribution to the universal language of Music. Happy New Year. 🎍🌿

[@susanmcintyre647]

piano1500 b

[@taylorpringle9527]

Im getting a Kingdom Hearts kind of vibe i love it.

[@pwnsyou82]

Taylor Pringle SAME

[@AW-uo9lg]

3:58 sounds like a boss battle,where the hero sacrifices himself for others. 😢 Pure beauty...

[@balalaikabestgirl925]

*the same coment in every piece of music*

[@Belnixi]

NECRO THREAD LESSON TIME. It is rhythmically similar in the beginning to the Hollow Bastion theme. Difference is that Hollow Bastion is in 5/4 and that beginning part with all that epic syncopation is in 7/4. I know Hollow Bastion is using a 5/4 Clave rhythm and while I can't prove it I'm pretty sure that's a 7/4 Clave going on in that first section of Dark Night. I shall now retreat into the nerd abyss.

[@hanarfianarbi]

RIGHT!! Me feel the same

[@jonstokes2345]

That's impressive control from the sopranos in the first section, and/or excellent audio work. At first I thought I was listening to overtones, but apparently they're actually that accurate and clean even that high.

[@laurieheard2018]

What a beautifully done piece of music! From piano, to strings and voices...phenomenal!The video was really well done, too. Loved the split screens! Good job CWU Chamber Choir!

[@garyw1]

+Laurie Heard - thank you, Laurie!

[@southernguy29]

So artistic. I love the vocals with the strings and piano. I'm impressed that the singers memorized this piece. Excellent!

[@user-dp7qv5cf4j]

time - letters on score (Walton Music) 2:17 G 3:48 I 4:49 K 5:36 M 6:49 O 8:00 Q 9:14 S 11:11 X 11:49 Y

[@janalbert1954]

A majestic piece of choral work and music, absolutely wonderful!!!

[@markkuprych1703]

I love Gjeilo. The only thing wrong with listening to these wonderful performances is that...when we all get back to singing, the choral world is going to be profoundly disappointed in our reproduction, by comparison! Soldier on.

[@hmao7220]

best live performance of this song

[@barbarab1602]

adore it!!!! it's so beautiful, full of emotions, you can also see how musicians love it to perform, pianist/composer is da best, conductor chill and clear, quartet's super sound, everything is just perfect! also the recording, music hall, video producing... just brilliant and congrats!!

[@barbarab1602]

forgot to mention ofcourse the choir who has a super pitch and of course also the solo soprano, why she isn't mentioned anywhere i don't know..

[@javhcanuck]

Seriously? You interrupt this beautiful work of art in mid performance for a stupid commercial?

[@charipinedagarcia5111]

Adoro a Ola Gjeilo. Sus composiciones son maravillosas, y esta noche oscura del alma me ilumina más que nada. Gracias Ola por existir, haces que el mundo sea mejor.

[@JonathanBrown1]

Beautifully performed! Yay CWU!

[@ilzezeivote9136]

This one's absolutely genius. My favorite piece from Ole Gjeilo. 💓

[@polobede9054]

Il est incroyable , ce jeune pianiste norvégien ! ! ! ! QUELLE BEAUTE ( sa musique ! ! ! )

[@AudacciaH]

2:22 its so BEAUTIFUL

[@whhswhhs]

Wow...your choir, director and musicians have made some incredibly beautiful music here. Thank you.

[@cymbala6208]

I first heard this piece in a concert on a warm summer night in a church. I think I haven't found the right words yet to express those feelings of joy and melancholy I had then.

[@WaftyHippyLass]

So, so beautiful. Thanks so much for uploading this. Lovely balance, beautifully sung, and every instrument here sings out. Stunning - thanks. :)

[@mariopalmieri2901]

Il cammino di un uomo dalla profondità delle tenebre al grido della luce!!! Dalla morte alla vita...meraviglioso!!!❤❤❤

[@AW-uo9lg]

3:49 In my opinion,the best part.

[@bubbletea6269]

It really is.

[@frankcrow1155]

Exquisite in every way! And the accompaniment adds so much richness to the piece because the composer is so very gifted. And the great gift of the composer where accompaniment is concerned is why the addition of accompaniment to "Ubi Caritas" is so very essential.

[@skaterguy128]

I would love to see a drum corps perform this

[@oneCHOIRoneVOICE]

I agree with all the comments! Very beautifully/tastefully done. I sang this with the University of Washington summer chorale last year - we didn't have the benefit of a string quartet though. It adds so much!

[@danaviges9904]

Nina Nash Robertson Choral Director at Central Michigan University introduced me to Ola Gjeilo at a concert in Mt Pleasant Michigan. I had to come home and find this "Dark Night of the Soul". This was the Best Rendition I could find. :)

[@Azi483]

I feel like they're about to send me under the deepest waves with their hauntingly beautiful voices...

[@harpiyon]

Awesome music to listen to while doing creative work (writing, painting) or introspection (journalling, writing down your goals, taking a difficult decision). Thank you so much for this!

[@sophiamonroe5828]

Beautiful performance; wonderful filmography

[@caroleclinton9055]

I loved singing this!

[@elena97534]

The best music ever, i close my eyes when i listened that

[@gloriasmith5815]

Brought me to tears with its beauty

[@rosaameliafigueiredo6651]

Maravilhosa obra musical que poderia facilmente ser uma obra visual, dançada, pintada ou representada. Ola Gjeilo, você é um ser especial, um artista do som e do silêncio. Cada vez admiro mais o seu trabalho!

[@patriziosoluz8852]

A majestic piece of choral work and music .....so elevated , so beautiful.

[@dion1949]

Our church choir will be performing two of Ola's pieces this Sunday: "Across the Vast, Eternal Sky" and "The Ground."

[@camelliab6224]

I love 7/8 time, it’s even fun to count

[@JohnLRice]

Very well done, folks! I heard a broadcast on King FM of this 4 years ago (from the excellent Charles Bruffy/Phoenix Chorale - Northern Lights CD) and have ever since associated it with Christmas time.

[@jevonnainggolan7350]

wow.... it,s so beautiful Ola Gjeilo is the best composer

[@MrSottobanco]

Yes! Yes! 05:31 Embodied grace.

[@marcwemtrust1480]

Holy Lord guys you are so amazing...gooooose skin. Blessings.

[@KaitlynnSchreiner]

Absolutely wonderful!!!

[@beefling5390]

I've been listening to on soundcloud and never notice it was 13mins until now. Good music

[@silviafant9158]

A fantastic performance of a wonderful song!!

[@patricksullivan530]

Just an exquisite composition and performance. I love the 8 part vicals.

[@Grouchbox]

Balm for the soul

[@polobede9054]

Merveille des merveilles , que la musique de ola GJEILO - on touche là le sublime ! !

[@davidprice4957]

Thank you for posting. 💚

[@MareshBoel]

What a great piece... I had the chance to sing this in the Netherlands. Fantastic!! Perfectly executed.

[@jmallard8817]

Sublime!

[@guntathompson7459]

Absolutely beautiful! 💕

[@alannamorris2947]

Have you ever heard anything more beautiful!

[@BarbaraMoorePrager]

Exquisite!

[@SnoweNl]

Stunning!

[@marikeherminesophia]

So beautiful ❤️

[@ingej6320]

Mesmerizing!

[@josefhollenbauer1043]

My choir (Hard Chor Linz) has just begun rehearsing this choral masterpiece ... I'm very much looking forward the performance in concert!

[@mikerice3349]

Bravo! A Masterpiece!

[@lenniesoke]

beautiful music!

[@marijkeclarenbach4713]

Need no words just listen!!!

[@djr1943]

Wonderful music played by a great chamber quartet and a superior choir. What more could one ask for.

[@joygroves9891]

STUNNING

[@annsinaga7393]

So beautiful

[@00SNIVY00]

Oh to have the same hand strength and stamina as the pianist, constant back and forth, bouncing 8th or 16th notes would KILL my hands. Gjeilo seems to do that fairly frequently in his pieces and it sounds really good. Tundra and The Ground are the other pieces that come to mind, though The Ground is a good bit slower, enough to where I'm able to handle it :P Tundra is still a bit difficult.