Down in the River to Pray | COVID-19 Virtual Choir Schola Diffusa

During COVID-19 isolation, singers from around the country - from those who sing for pure joy to touring professionals - sang this piece from their homes. Few choirs can gather these varied backgrounds and geographies, all singing together (while apart). I'm proud of what Schola Diffusa (Latin for "dispersed choir") has made during these trying times. And after this, I hope that many of us can go down to the river and sing.

[@user-sd8xp8dk6c]

Lets all pray together. I love this! May almighty God bless us all. From a muslim brother ❤

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your nice note - and yes, God bless us all!

[@LedWolf7]

Gotta love when the bass singers are directly recorded and clearly heard, they give so much lift and dimension Great Job All Involved!

[@DamienRiehl]

Yes, I agree 100% - virtual recordings are in some ways better than traditional choirs. For example, we can capture the full Bass frequencies. We can really get the rumble. 🙂 Thanks again for your note!

[@kimh]

Another advantage with virtual recordings for the bass singers is that they can record first thing in the morning when their ability to produce that E is at its greatest.

[@SavedBeforeSunset]

Love it when the bass finally join in!! 🙌

[@DamienRiehl]

@@SavedBeforeSunset That's one of my favorite parts, too!

[@louisecooper8488]

I just lost my best friend of 55 years and I had to listen to this because no one else does it as good. God bless you all.🐇✝️🎼❤️🕯👍🎼✝️❤️

[@DamienRiehl]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Louise.

[@ow2750]

there is a god and a heaven and a homestead and we will meet again! for sure!

[@marcusgrigsby446]

Try Allison Kraus version

[@louisecooper8488]

@@marcusgrigsby446 oh boy have I !! The voice of an Angel

[@Juan-kw6iw]

Fshsjsjsjsjssusuwuwauquajajajqjqjaqjquququququqjsisusjsjwjwjwjwsjsjwkwjwjsjsjqwjsusjsjsjsjwjsjsajsjsjsjsjdjsjsdjjssjskdkdjdjdjdjdjddkdkdkskskwkwwkkwskkjsjskskskdksjdsjsksksjsjskwsuwusuwiwiwuw😊❤ekejejejeeieieiduddudud

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

I don’t know if virtual choirs happened because of COVID, but I believe they grew because of it, and it’s been a real blessing to me. God bless you all!

[@DamienRiehl]

Yes, this virtual choir (Schola Diffusa) came out of the pandemic. And it's been a blessing to me too. Thanks for your nice note, JD!

[@regan.perella]

@@DamienRiehl heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey dude fantastic singers wow god bless you guys and girls

[@jhernandez2931]

Je ne peux plus me passer d’écouter cette chanson. Elle me possède. Dieu vit à travers cette musique 🙏🏻❤️‍🔥

[@DamienRiehl]

Merci beaucoup. Nous sommes heureux que vous ayez apprécié notre chanson. Elle signifie beaucoup pour nos chanteurs, qui, pendant la pandémie, ont eu besoin de musique pour traverser ces moments difficiles. Nous sommes heureux de voir que cela continue !

[@michaelconstantine6581]

I thought the first girl was amazing by herself. Then I got goosebumps when everyone else joined

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your nice note - so glad you like it!

[@glennbarnes9245]

The basses…wow, wow, wow. Gives me something to aspire to

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Glenn - my basses (including me) are grateful for your nice note!

[@regan.perella]

all of you singers out there i know when the thing happened 2020 fantastic year of fireworks then down to the river to pray i love how the choirs sing out loud you know i really want to thank each and every single one of you live at home the nurses are doing fantastic give them so much love noise for all the nurseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees out in your states 200 states i am looking forward to hearing all of your reactions to this long incredible thankful greatfullly message love regan from johnstown ny

[@regan.perella]

hey great soooong

[@YukiVirgo]

Goosebumps Alert!!!!!

[@rickkernell2486]

This is the best version of this song that I have heard. The harmonies are stunning...

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Rick, for your kind words!

[@rickkernell2486]

@@DamienRiehl Your work deserves more than simply "kind" words, it deserves extraordinary ones...Thank you...

[@azriel8549]

Good Lord, show me the way!

[@TowelsKingdom]

I'm not religious, but I really like this song

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks - we like it, too!

[@hongwagg4071]

Just finished my master digree through the Coronavirus times, listened their sing, I had tears out.

[@DamienRiehl]

Congratulations on your master's degree!

[@hongwagg4071]

@@DamienRiehl thank you.

[@regan.perella]

fantastic singing all a wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow from regan high singing fantastic voices

[@MrJessinjose]

The bass.... Oh mann

[@sekpatakun]

Yesssssss

[@heythere135]

Holy shit I wasn’t ready for that. It hit deep in the soul. Beautiful

[@samuelsawalda1018]

Music sooths the mind, uplifts the spirit and refreshes. It comforts the soul, especially in the face of trials, temptations and misunderstandings. It knows no boundaries. It transcends races, ethnicity, tribes, clans, religions, classes, gender, sexes, status and whatever else. It has one language: that of Humanity reminding us of the existence and presence of a Being that is Above and Greater than man. Thanks for this soul-searching piece! Peace and love!

[@raebigwood7430]

May God, who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, bless us and fill us with peace.

[@jansass3673]

proving once again... the most important instrument in the church..... the assembly

[@shaunpilling4141]

LOVE the harmonies of this song!!

[@zackchriscoe9]

they all did great I like the dep voice guys

[@louisecooper8488]

I love these old ones. And boy do you all give it justice. God bless you all and thanks for the memories. ❤️🙏✝️👍

[@Marie-br8uz]

Merci seigneur pour ces voies qui chantent ta lumière

[@DamienRiehl]

Merci pour votre aimable note !

[@rafterman6311]

Amen brother and sister 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@althearobinson2312]

Just fabulous! Best harmonies ever! Love and blessings from Missouri City, Texas 🙏❤️

[@wal7459]

That blending of the voices, absolutely gorgeous. Spiritual uplift sitting on my bed listening.

[@anne-mariegoyette4240]

my favorite of this hymn ... especially being virtual ... all the beautiful voices !!! God bless you all :)

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks for your nice note, Anne-Marie!

[@louisecooper8488]

I just love these…..❤️❤️❤️❤️….AGAIN and AGAIN…

[@DamienRiehl]

Ah, thanks so much, Louise!

[@DannyWBrownJapan]

Beautiful version of this song. Thanks for creating and posting. I have actually baptized many people in water. Let's go down into the river to pray!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@louisecooper8488]

Here it is 1/2/2022. And I just can’t get enough of you ❤️🙏✝️🥰

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Louise - I love that you keep enjoying listening!

[@louisecooper8488]

Oh I sincerely thank you. God bless you always. Which I’m sure He does by way of sharing your remarkable talent and getting others, also God blessed, to do the same. Happy New Year to you and your loving family.🎆🎈🥳❤️🙏✝️👍

[@agboj.5619]

To God be the glory. What a wonderful voice.

[@YourWorldTourGuide]

This is so heavenly!

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Ryan - glad you liked it!

[@jcm9006]

This is so beautiful! What an absolute joy and blessing to hear these amazing singers!

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks so much for your kind note!

[@BenPeterson-j2k]

Love the soprano I am hearing.

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks - we like our sopranos, too!

[@Narwhalcorn_]

Now, I thought I found my favorite version of this song years ago, but wow I was wrong. (Still love my families choir, they're great.) Seriously, you all are absolutely amazing.

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks for your kind note!

[@isabelledavis2981]

I love 💗 down to the river pray song 🎶

[@tracylarson1935]

I love this video, Like the way the it start and add additional singers to the video.

[@mariannatafuri6483]

So touching... ❤

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks!

[@katerynaovcharenko6263]

the dynamics of this arrangement is AMAZING!!! thank you! pure delight!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks - we tried really hard to get the dynamics right!

[@katerynaovcharenko6263]

@@DamienRiehl I can't stop listening!!! Goosebumps every time! I love that after the deepest basso there's still one more beautiful surprise (coloratura soprano), I'm deeply touched. This is a masterpiece, a touch of heaven. THANK YOU for sharing your passion with the world. May God bless you! ❤️

[@CaseyFlynn-s9o]

Gave me chills! Beautiful.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Casey - so glad you enjoyed it!

[@J_Kirch]

God bless you all for making so many peoples days brighter.

[@joemenchepkech6057]

Good Lord show me the way 🤲

[@peytonbaksh8586]

Beautiful blend of voices. AMAZING!!!!

[@medvedovskaya]

what a wonderful choir! Divine in action

[@joseejosee1301]

bravo! ❤️

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks!

[@rosalinasano6346]

Wonderful song ilove this song thank you for sharing alovely voices.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your note, Rosalina!

[@maracandido2904]

Un'altra italiana si associa ai positivi commenti.... Canzone struggente e voci stupende 👏

[@DamienRiehl]

@@maracandido2904 Grazie per le gentili parole!

[@elvirabordasnoguera3869]

2 years after listening i still have goosebumbs! best performer hever

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Elvira!

[@stuartlloyd8846]

Well I think this will pick up people's spirit this is beautiful singing well done guys 👍👍👍💓

[@pattirogness9025]

I LOVE THIS!! I can't remember if I've commented previously but I watch this every few days and feel so connected to this group as a result. I'm grateful for them and for Damien for putting it together for us. When the basses come in...oh my... The voice is such an amazing instrument!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Patti - the bass entrance is my favorite part, too!

[@bettyhyser5590]

I loved this! Especially so, since I recognize a couple of the singers! More to come, maybe?

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Betty - and yes, stay tuned!

[@sgguntfunksterdukeofawesom6343]

Some day i would love to have a choir like this singing this song when I am on my deathbed 🥲✝️

[@roscoebarnesiii3989]

Beautiful, powerful, anointed.

[@warrenhuff7349]

A marvelous job by all!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Warren!

[@jimf1421]

simply awesome. thank you for sharing your God-given talents.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your nice note!

[@elisabethflink5674]

Thank you, thank you. I love that you keep on singing, giving us hope for a new tomorrow

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your lovely note! We as humans do need to keep creating, sending beauty out into the world.

[@historysmysteriesunveiled8043]

2:36 *Sounds like Angels!!!* 👼 _Awesome!_

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks - when I first heard my Sopranos sing that descant part, it gave me chills. So good!

[@coolhand67]

@@DamienRiehl so beautiful! Where are the sopranos in the “grid”?

[@DamienRiehl]

@@coolhand67 We're in mixed formation - so they're spread out, all over the grid. Their sound is lovely, isn't it? 🙂

[@coolhand67]

@@DamienRiehl Really! The best I’ve heard.

[@fatimacristovao116]

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you.

[@dien7246]

breathtaking! beautiful! I have no words

[@DamienRiehl]

Thank you so much!

[@a.e.garfield8029]

Very nice! I loved the way all the voices blended. What an inspiring rendition for all who are affected by this pandemic. Thank you for putting this together & then sharing it for all to hear.

[@KMCC9873]

Beautiful version of this song.

[@GodAMinuteGoJesusGo]

Wow wow wow wow wow. I did that on my channel with 4 people but this was incredible. Thank you for sharing!

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for your very kind note! Editing the audio and video is a bit of work, so I'm glad you like it!

[@Lorac73]

God bless you all.

[@stephaneancay7279]

Love it... I m singer in a choir in swizerland... And your voices are very very pretty... It s perfect...

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks for your nice words!

[@alexbarnabe3587]

Muito boa e linda divisão de vozes Parabéns a todo pela linda canção que apresentaram e que escolheram!

[@DamienRiehl]

¡Muchas gracias por tu amable nota!

[@ginnyweasly8464]

Beautiful❤️

[@lilydesttropez482]

So beautiful❤

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Lily!

[@TheMichaelBeck]

Beautiful. Powerful. Wonderful.

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Michael!

[@joanneweverink6598]

Lovely!

[@alenaproskova5128]

Angelic, pure beauty! Will spread the idea in my neck of the woods

[@Sandy11708]

Absolutely love this video and song!!!:)

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks for listening - and for your note!

[@thomasmathew1324]

This is terrific!.....

[@SimonDanielsson]

Amazing piece of art Damien!! Beautiful!! It is not an easy thing putting together voices in this way with all the consonants ;) I loved the build up with the low voices and then the angel choirs. It really made my day!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, Simon - those are some of my favorite parts, too!

[@drpreppersurvival4775]

Beautiful.

[@joshuaburba1048]

This was stunning, wow!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks, @joshuaburba1048!

[@kathgraham9209]

.......Thank you......EVERY ONE OF YOU❣

[@patriciaclark1223]

UHMAZINGGGG!!

[@MaverickM1]

Awesome stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@warrenhuff7349]

An excellent performance!

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks!

[@capodo]

Wow. Just... Wow. God bless you and thank you for sharing. I needed this today.

[@marionsquire2538]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Marion!

[@marcyfeickert7570]

Amazing! Thank you so much.

[@roydbwalya6271]

Good piece there

[@starosta93]

Gorgeous!

[@shannanryan3056]

Aye man 🙏🥰

[@annabellehacker1853]

This is the most gorgeous song in harmony. Whenever I play it I have it on repeat at least five times. It would be my dream to be part of a virtual choir like this. Can you help me?

[@DamienRiehl]

Hi Annabelle, if you send me a direct message - perhaps on Twitter or LinkedIn, I'd be happy to add you to our distribution list. And you can sing with us, as you're able. My Twitter and LinkedIn handles are @damienriehl - thanks!

[@annabellehacker1853]

@@DamienRiehl Hi Damien, Thank you for the gracious offer to sing with you. I'm not on Twitter or LinkedIn. Can we communicate through email or Facebook?

[@juliosarmentoguterres1739]

Amazing voice...

[@serahmungai5298]

Wow..this is beautiful done.

[@bethfinnell1862]

Absolutely beautiful -- touches my soul

[@a_michael_berman]

Wonderful!

[@ichabod-thegloryhasdeparte2356]

This is awesome.

[@DamienRiehl]

Many thanks!

[@paigebondley9333]

So lovely!

[@johnschwend5287]

Very beautiful! Go Johnnies! Go Bennies! SJU '15

[@stevenaggergaard1149]

Wow! Damien, this is awesome! I saw it on my LinkedIn feed and have shared with my singing friends. Well-done and inspiring!

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Steven! Do you sing? If so, you should join us for our next one!

[@stevenaggergaard1149]

@@DamienRiehl Yessir! Sounds like fun! I'll PM you.

[@samuelsawalda1018]

@@DamienRiehl I sing. How can I join you for the next round?

[@DamienRiehl]

@@samuelsawalda1018 Yes, we'd love to have you join us! Please feel free to go to my About page, then send me a direct message with your email address. I'll add you to our list. Next call for singers will actually be tomorrow! kzbin.infoabout

[@christopherthemis6847]

amen

[@bonniemackey8426]

Amen 🙏

[@naanchindongdashe6357]

I wish I could sing too, so beautiful ❤️

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks, Naanchindong!

[@naanchindongdashe6357]

@@DamienRiehl you are welcome hope there is more

[@marieppierrecasseus3290]

AMEN LORD🙏🏿

[@marliefnunes]

InshAllah

[@MyRose444]

I am simply moved brought me strength that there is hope god bless you all

[@rustyshackleford5060]

Nice work

[@DamienRiehl]

Thanks!