Daniel Elder - "Ballade to the Moon" (from Three Nocturnes)

[@wyatt639]

As someone who has sung this song I must say it is truly a heart mover

[@boneapptheteeth2039]

I'm singing in a reunion choir for my middle and high school teacher who is retiring, and this is the first time I've heard this song. It's absolutely beautiful.

[@xannie7511]

@@boneapptheteeth2039 man I wish my school would do this T_T

[@xannie7511]

this is the last song I ever sang with my classmates in choir, as a senior in highschool. We all cried at the end, including our director

[@celticbabs3105]

Unless you are a choral member, it is difficult to grasp the idea that choral singing is an art in itself and takes skill and patience and a lot of practice! It's not easy singing in a chorus! It's work! Do you know how hard it is to get 40+ people to sound like ONE VOICE? Yet when it happens - when a number of people of one purpose, one accord, sharing the same heartbeat - IT IS MAGICAL. I've sung in a choir since age 8 and the choir I am currently in just performed this piece. It was the most difficult, yet the most rewarding experience! This song moves me so much.

[@arikrach2856]

RETWEET

[@matts156]

Yep, a lot of people don't get it. I love to sing, but have no desire to be a soloist. I want to be one of those voices making those tight, complex harmonies that make people feel like they've just been transported to Shangri-La or whatever their vision of that is called. I have to laugh at friends of mine who come to my concerts that say "Geez, I couldn't hear you at all up there". I always answer, "I sure hope you didn't!". I'll be 53 this year, and my oldest sister who is 10 years my senior still doesn't know what my singing voice sounds like. But she has heard my choir many times.

[@graysworld5380]

big mf facts

[@mriley7110]

Choral music is a work of art. I love the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself. I'm going to sing this song for my first college choir concert and I am so excited!

[@alucardsblkgf2082]

BIG ASS FACt

[@Bexp3]

does anyone else’s heart feel heavy while listening to this?

[@BiEbErTiLa]

Same here..everytime i listen to this it makes me tear up.

[@thelisabarone]

Not so much heavy, but grounded and ethereal at the same time. It’s an odd reflection for me. But I cry every time nonetheless. 🥺♥️

[@kuiperroerdink1670]

Yes. I feel the same way with Chopin’s nocturnes

[@performingartist]

More like I feel the weight. Not sadness like the word heavy implies to me. Hard to express

[@boneapptheteeth2039]

@@performingartist That's called empathy.

[@Dezgoh]

Singing along with the Rizzler, where my jailbird bros at?

[@mosquito_zzzzz]

together we stand with the nerizzler

[@junhyeonglee0901]

is here

[@DecaPJs]

3:23 THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR CREATING THIS BEING PART OF _THIS_ IM CRYING SO MUCH THIS IS WHY I LOVE CHOIR I COULD NEVER GIVE IT UP

[@creativeflame_]

YESS ME NEITHER, I’m so glad I just stopped listening to people who didn’t support/understand my love for choir bc this sounds more beautiful than their opinions anyway 🤣

[@hannahcarpenter75]

The “these woods” section is just absolutely breathtaking and otherworldly. My college choir is singing this and that part always gives me chills.

[@deborahscalise3215]

Westminster always delivers.

[@robbieacree2731]

I can't help but crying anytime I hear this piece. I sang this song in a district choir in sophomore year, and I'm nearing the end of my senior year now. Coming back to this piece makes me reminisce and wish I appreciated it more back then. This music is what restores my hope. I'm not really religious, but it's music like this that makes me firmly believe I could never be an atheist. The fact that humans can create something so objectively beautiful and mystifying reassures me of the shared beauty in us all.

[@johnweatherspoon5230]

The created have been given the ability to create together.

[@michelleduncan9965]

I so agree Robbie. I learned about this incredibly moving pieve when my oldest grandon told me that his High School choir in Noble, OK. was singing it in his senior year. I didn't get to hear them sing it, but I went & looked for it on KZbin & found a video of Eastern Michigan Chorale singing it 4 years ago this year. My grandson has the most beautifil voice since his childhood & I can hear him singing this when I close my eyes! I find it deeply moving & it's one if my favorites. How a human being cam compose such a piece utterly amazes me !!!

[@denisewalsh6586]

Thank you Daniel Elder.

[@michaelmacturk6707]

Crying, realizing now just how close the last few days of high school are, just how close the last chorus concert is, just how close the last few notes ill get to sing are...i cant stop crying, congrats Daniel Elder, you've done it. You've made me realize just how beautiful this whole thing is.

[@NowThatsaRAP]

There is no reason for you to stop singing, or for those notes to be your last! Any choir you join will be made better by your presence! There are community choirs that are just as spectacular as your HS. Find one...and nourish your soul!

[@bella9282]

We’re about to sing this again for Baccalaureate, in June. The first time we sang this was the first time I ever cried in choir, and the first time I really, truly let go. To be singing it at my last ever high school concert...trust me, the tears are flowing here, too.

[@julessevenky8316]

I've sung all my life. Church choir, high school, college, community chorus, and a small group that spun off from the community chorus. I had no idea where singing might take me - as it turns out, I met the love of my life in that small group and we just celebrated 28 years married. We're still singing together. If you love singing, don't stop! The world needs to hear your voice. :)

[@xannie7511]

this was the last song my high school choir sang as well! way back in 2013

[@Griffologee]

Shoutout to that one really distinct tenor belting that high F# at 3:33. That was awesome my dude.

[@AllThoseChickens]

Yo that tenor gets me every time

[@mikealumbaugh5665]

Great take and spot on.

[@emilydean4219]

I need to know who this tenor is. He sings that part so well...

[@jacobsmith2280]

He took that sffz and went for it I love it

[@aidendaniels2628]

I wish tbh

[@ZoransCh]

the collective effervescence I felt at 2:21 while singing this with my choir... such a beautiful, almost religious experience

[@douglasclare5106]

When the tenors sang "It cries to thee" at 3:34..... Made my heart melt so much ❤️

[@danielsuckow2395]

Same

[@kcbaerosmith123]

Douglas Clare I couldn't agree anymore

[@cedriclewis651]

I thought it was just me 😍😭♥️

[@おと-s6h]

私は日本人ですが、この曲がとても好きです。

[@danielsuckow2395]

I could sit and listen to 3:17 through 3:47 on repeat over and over again, with headphones volume all the way up

[@RedT...TheOriginal.NotANumber]

I'm partial to that haunting part between 2:22 and 3:04.

[@gatchtunes]

I had the chance to sing this at Carnegie Hall in high school, and it remains one of my greatest moments.

[@hannahmiller3848]

Gatch i think i might have been there with you!!!

[@ossuar1]

Metropolitan youth orchestra too?

[@MrFiendFyre]

Did this piece in college. 2:21-2:43 is where I get goosebumps without fail, every time.

[@danawondercheck235]

I sang this in the 2012 Texas All State Choir my senior year of high school. I can still sing the alto part without looking at the music. One of my favorite moments in my life so far.

[@PastorB1978]

I’ve been in choirs for many years. But, sadly, until today, I’d never encountered this peace and, to my knowledge, this wonderful composer. Today is a good day.

[@linuxlover55]

Favorite parts: tenors on "it cries to thee," and then the altos shortly thereafter singing their lovely counter melody. Ah! Makes me melt.

[@kingjules8744]

This piece made me realize how beautiful choir can be. Working on this piece with the other chorists collectively over the months as an Acapella student was like being a part of an archaeology expedition, unearthing something ancient and forlorn but clearly very valuable. Something about how we struggled to make it sound right in certain areas; Whether we just forgot to take a breath after a lyric, or we held on the harmony for a measure too long; It eventually all coalesces into one moment: The moment where everything somehow fits perfectly into place, and you realize: "Eureka! We can actually do this!"

[@samsamsammartinmusic]

On moonlit night I wonder free, my mind to roam on thoughts of thee. With midnight darkness beckoning, my heart, my heart toward mystic fantasy. Come and dream in me! How beautiful this night in June and here upon the velvet dune, I weep with joy beneath the moon. The path lies dark before my sight and yet my feet with pure delight trod onward through the blackened vail. Beneath the starry sky so bright, Oh share thy light! These woods their weary wanderer soon in awe and fearful wonder swoon. I weep with joy beneath the moon. And as the darkened hours flee, my heart beats ever rapidly. Though heavy hang my eyes with sleep, My soul, my singing soul, it cries to thee ;) Come sing with me! The twinkling sky casts forth its tune, Oh, must I leave thy charm so soon? I weep with joy beneath the moon. (quick happy tears stream down my face)

[@ConnorTilleyanco]

Sang this at the New England music festival about 6 years ago, I remember crying on stage singing "my singing soul" beautiful.

[@NuggetEternal]

I remember singing this as a baritone in high school. (That high E was killer) This is probably one of the first pieces that got me really interested in choir and music.

[@ItsPotahto]

im singing it right now as a baritone (should be like a first tennor i have to sing all the high notes besides in this song because they needed lower voices) and i love this song so much i've seen it bring people to tears because of what it represents

[@ph9827]

xXTacocubesXx i’m doing this song right now as a baritone, and today is actually our Large Group Performance Evaluation. i’m so excited for that note because it’s so fun to sing, especially fortissimo

[@Audileee]

Ah I’m a baritone and we are going to perform this at our LGPE too! I can’t wait to perform it in a couple of months!

[@bella9282]

This piece will forever hold a special place in my heart. I‘ll be performing it for the second time, this time at my final high school concert, and will no doubt be bawling. Thank you, Daniel Elder. Your work has impacted more people than you could possibly imagine.

[@sarakorner5961]

It really makes me sad that some people don't know of the power the choir-singing possesses! Some think it's dorky and not worth spending time on. After this song it makes me realize how wrong they are.

[@lionsmaine1238]

+Sara Körner Such a shame that not everyone gets to be exposed to this music

[@emmasaddlemire1691]

Sara Körner We're singing this piece for all county this year and no matter how many times I listen to this I still cry.

[@foreignlexi9409]

Sara Körner Couldn't have been said any better!!!

[@andrewcrispell7311]

I have sung in choirs for years.. For the past 2 1/2 years I've been acting in plays and musicals. I've totally missed choir singing and I'm taking a break and have (re)joined two choirs. Happy time.

[@musicgroovin]

I think those individuals are in the minority. Don't let it make you sad. Try and share it with as many as you can.

[@carolina_reaperx]

I sang this as part of a choir a few years back in Oceanside and it genuinely it was and still one of my top 3 favorite pieces that I've ever sung

[@samsamsammartinmusic]

2019 will be my first year singing with a high school choir after being in middle school madrigals and i cannot express how excited i am to sing songs at this level because this id beautiful

[@jademoreno7838]

I almost cried when that tenor sang out so emotionally and beautifully “It cries to thee"

[@ldss1011]

I just stumbled across this, and it made me warm and fuzzy knowing the place and people this came from. Thank you for your gift of beautiful music.

[@irafted2700]

You're welcome

[@JohnProthero]

Daniel, I sang this yesterday as part of the 2015 Pacific Chorale Choral Festival - stunningly gorgeous and moving. Many of the singers felt that it was the most moving piece sung by the choir. Robert Istad said on a couple of occasions that he's looking forward to the compositions you will write when you're 40.

[@yarbs978]

It blows my mind how beautiful music can be. Well done Mr. Elder!

[@jademoreno7838]

Literally the most beautiful piece of choir music i ever heard this is prolly the 50th time I've listened to this video😍😍

[@performingartist]

This may sound weird but I retired from choral conducting a couple months ago to concentrate on my job as an accompanist and composer. I came here today just to virtually conduct this recording and I'm crying because they are singing it so perfectly. When the music and text come together with wonderful technique and interpretation it's just so moving

[@JS-yk7pv]

Maybe it has to do with the similarity of the sentiments of the text to 'Sure on this shining night,' but I hear at least as much Lauridsen in this as Whitacre. And that's NOT a criticism - all Art is in some degree derivative. This is a masterpiece whatever its influences may or may not be. And a performance of equal excellence to the material.

[@susanlewis5599]

Those were my thoughts exactly!

[@kiambraleflore7537]

I loved singing this in Stillwater I wanted to just break down into tears. This piece was just...so beautiful and heart warming. Thank you for bringing this into the world.

[@leonalearns]

I sang this in April in the Tennessee All-State Choir. Words Can't express how much I love this song. Simply beautiful and awe-inspiring.

[@kristianclemons-freeman9739]

+Heidi Miller I'm getting ready to sing this for the Georgia All-State choir. It really is magnificent.

[@Santa-ns2nb]

I'm going to be singing this in California All-State and I can't wait.

[@Blah11Chickk]

We are singing this for North Dakota Allstate choir and I love it already!

[@holdenmontgomery2273]

I sang this too in the TN All-state Choir ayeee

[@clarkdiputado5263]

How i wish i could see in personal this author, Mr. Daniel Elder. I am touched by this song and the Ave Maria. You are very talented. You know my feelings are of a great mixture, happy and sad. Happy because I heard this song and sad because I remembered people in my life. How I wish you could also compose a song for me, that is, when someone longs for something greater and God has been found true enough for that longing. That is what I am. You are great and I am wanting to be like you, pray for me. You are great in all!!!

[@robertclark7772]

I cannot believe how beautiful this is

[@wendyjohanson5020]

I have been listening to this every morning this week! It's now a favorite!! Thank you so much.

[@fernandolehmann2113]

The tenors when they sing ... it cries to thee ... I weep instantly ... 😥

[@spazkaz8585]

I haven’t sang this song since I was in choir 10 years ago, but it still makes me cry every time I come back. It is a beautiful composition that shines a spotlight on every voice part. I still get emotional every time I hear it, the song is a work of art.

[@celticbabs3105]

The chorus I sing in has been preparing this song for a performance. In the many decades I've had the privilege to sing in a choir, this song has moved me the most of the hundreds of pieces I've learned and performed. This is incredibly moving and touching and such a testament to the skill level of the composer. Truly touches the soul!

[@YourVeryOwnNocturne]

The tenor part at 2:10-2:20 makes me melt every time. Perfect part writing.

[@katali3173]

I sang this song at the Dorian Summer Camp at Luther College. It's really a moving piece when you have so many people who all love music singing together. It brought me to tears at the "these woods" section. ❤

[@clarkdiputado5263]

My singing soul.................................O how wonderful to behold!!!

[@EpicMic610]

I just got to sing this at ACDA All-East and I burst into tears in the middle, and if you see this post Daniel thank you for creating your music, and I can;t wait to hear more of what you do.

[@lindamiller2470]

Haiku of Weeping Tears blur my vision. Tears of Holy water flow. Joy beneath the Moon.

[@ghostofpolaris]

When I performed this song with the Spruce Creek High School Choir during my senior year, I had experienced the death of my mother figure who was there when my mother wasn't along with the deaths of some very close people and hated this song because he wanted us to use this song as a way to remember them. I hated how I always cried and could never sing it until we had to at State. But after all of that, this is the best way I remember those wonderful people and still love how beautiful this song is. I still catch myself humming it and cry after because of how beautiful it is. Thank you Mr. Elder for such a touching and heartfelt piece.

[@emilymurphey6281]

I sang this piece a couple of years ago and it truly captured my heart within the notes

[@TheCheergirl74]

I had a wonderful experience singing this at All State this year, makes me cry hearing it again!

[@zoerosepallas]

FMEA Allstate concert choir??? :D

[@TheCheergirl74]

Yea!!

[@zoerosepallas]

Hey!!! Add me on Facebook, my name is Zoe Proeber, I was an alto 2 and I did the solo in cornerstone; this was by far one of my favorite Allstate experiences, the people and the music, so I would really love to keep in touch and stuff ^_^ Amara Wiggan

[@zoerosepallas]

this was also one of my favorite pieces, I nearly lost it while performing it...our dynamics were on point.

[@lionsmaine1238]

ForeverMusicAlways Your solo was on point. I was in the men's choir, but seeing you guys perform was amazing.

[@HotDavid]

Listening to this makes me miss choir so much. I was supposed to sing this at All-States and it got cancelled, so I never got to sing this. I'd give my right arm to sing this song in a choir at that level, and I'll still never get that experience.

[@gavin1822]

My favorite parts of the song are measure 48, and 67-69. Chills down my spine every time i listen to the song.

[@saffronn.49]

(OFICCIAL TENNOR GANG MESSAGE) i sang this under the teaching of mrs smith in high school. the previous teacher was mrs moore. those who know know and i want you to see that i remember this song and it actually slaps. this was second best to once upon a december, if you went to kansas and know what im talking about leave a reply

[@ronjon5962]

Hearing this now is bringing me back to my days at Austin Peay State University in the chamber choir. This piece will always be beautiful! And I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Daniel Elder back in 2016 and he even rehearsed with us ✨✨

[@willcosper1696]

When I’m one day directing a choir, one of my greatest desires will be to combine this piece with Elder’s “Lullaby”, also from Three Nocturnes, with the ending of that piece leading directly into the beginning of this piece. All of that time cumulating into the climax of Ballade to the moon (3:07-3:30) should be something special

[@Okayyysarahh]

This song is so beautiful! I sang this at all district in 2015! I graduated high school and still listen to this song!

[@noobs8612]

my all time favourite .. i still remember i used to sing this with my university colleagues.. i miss those times

[@AlexB-si5uz]

I've been in multiple choirs, some of which are highly skilled (and I am honored to have been a part of them), and this is the kind of music I look forward to singing in them. It's just so beautiful to hear it happen as you throw yourself into it, too.

[@CCaron-ku7od]

My schools chamber chior has been learning this song for months and working on it so hard. We just sang it for our only competition of the year. Thank you for making such a beautiful song and it was a pleasure to spend so much time working on an incredible and intricate peice of art.

[@PandaHamilt]

Just performed this piece it's so beautiful!

[@bridget117]

I've been singing in choirs since I was about 10 (now 22) and this song is my all-time favorite to sing. As a sop 1, soaring to that high A is one of my favorite singing moments.

[@DJryo192]

Halfway through i went straight to GIA to buy this, it is so beautiful! Thank you so much for your music Daniel :)

[@pierrephk]

Definitely one of my favorites. This makes me cry 😭😭😭

[@indieh9]

this piece was the one that sparked a lifelong love for choral music in my heart. Singing this for my region choir as a sophomore literally brought me to tears. I didn't know music could do that. I miss being in a choir.

[@johnmarraffa5079]

To a fellow WCC alum (me, class of 1986), this song is transcendentally beautiful. Keep up with it. You still have fans.

[@yjloiselle]

Bliss and respite for my soul.

[@graemegibson5120]

3:05 gets me so good, that C Natural in the tenor!

[@ossuar1]

To think that almost a year ago I learned the song in a day with a bunch of other very talented people!

[@johnweatherspoon5230]

Daniel, Much respect my man. Your work is evident of who you are as a person. Don’t forget your first love and keep making great music!

[@samsamsammartinmusic]

wow. perfect. that is all that needs to be said.

[@TylerFortier1]

Wow! I remember singing this piece in my middle school chamber choir. I would do anything to sing it again.

[@SinYulia]

OPE's a cappella led me here. This is a really peaceful and gentle, beautiful moon song. Thank you.

[@TheWhiteQueen164allies]

I remember being in choir and singing this. Love this, so glad I found it

[@hopia79]

This gave me goosebumps...it is so beautiful! Awesome - both composition and choral interpretation What a treat!

[@death09210]

Beautiful.

[@irafted2700]

unlike you

[@mini_hek]

sang this so long ago and it's coming back to me

[@OperaGhostObsession]

I loved singing this piece at VI, it was an incredible experience.

[@sarahengelmezzo]

I sang this piece at the ACDA Boston 2016 in the Honors High School Mixed choir as a junior in high school. Little did I know that a year later as a senior I would be attending Westminster Choir College for Voice Performance! I'm so happy to soon attend a school where music such as this piece comes to life, and to have the opportunity to sing in this choir as an upperclassman. Listening to this piece again gives me chills and anticipation for next year.

[@lionsmaine1238]

I think I just teared up a bit

[@lionsmaine1238]

Damn...u rite.

[@r.coburn3344]

Sang this in secondary school. Listening now brings back great memories of dear mates.

[@JulianYvesVA]

go tenors on the "it cried to thee" :D singing tenor is so fun haha tenor 2 here.

[@codymarrott5720]

1st tenor here 😂

[@theadvocate3006]

As a biased tenor, I do believe the tenor section carried this song😂.

[@acorej]

I just want to thank you for this wonderful beautiful piece of art. It is incredible how much impact your songs have on my feelings and mood. I sang Lullaby with my choir in Germany and so I started listening to other songs of yours. I'm looking forward to all the beautiful moments you will bring us with your music.

[@kendramckay7736]

Wow what a throw back! I sang this in choir for a choir conference back in the day. What a beautiful moment

[@vexed2nightmare]

that singing soul bit fucks me up every time i can never get the timing right

[@WaftyHippyLass]

This is absolutely beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your work Mr E. :)

[@MartinManweiler]

I was playing this and fell asleep (classical music playlist- and this scared me awake when it got loud.

[@sherwinlai]

That c-natural at 3:06 though.

[@jibowag4435]

Singing this Right now in choir. I'm a tenor 1, and i love this song it is so beautiful.

[@BTBailey111]

Camerata of Masterwork Chorus sings this April 30, 2:30 PM 190 Diamond Spring Rd Denville NJ. Looking forward to it!

[@jessicam3468]

Wow, I’m beyond proud at how far this song has come. I remember there being less than 1000 views. Just spectacular

[@stephenn77]

Amazing song!!! Just stunning!🌙 😢 That climax… This was on our spring program and was my favorite! A challenge to learn, but so musically rewarding.

[@Turnoverwig]

hey guys

[@billymccoy9008]

It defies reason that the human mind can conceptualize anything so blissfully beautiful, let alone compose it. If

[@Lau4sho]

Singing this for contest... Love it!!

[@jackthompson8877]

We were going to do this for my choir's last piece but the virus cancelled that for us. It was my favorite piece

[@the_names_tori3758]

This is the most amazing example of a song that is sung beautifully. It is such an incredible piece, and it gives me a vivid image of what heaven looks and sounds like. The whole piece is beautiful from the dynamics to the tone. This song just truly demonstrates what music can sound like if you just work hard and have a passion for it. This choir is filled of incredibly hard working and talented people. I can only hope to one day sing this song as beautiful as they did. Music is something that so many people tale for granted but it’s so much more that just notes printed on lines and a pitch coming from a piano key. Music is a universal expression of love, hurt, mourning, joy, passion, and so much more. This song tells a unique story, that can be interpreted in so many different ways and that is such an amazing thing about any kind of music.

[@cypress6140]

I sang this last year with some of my favorite people and this song is still just so gorgeous I love it

[@skwoodilydoo4057]

im so happy im singing this. it is so, incredibly beautiful

[@DavidAbramskyCello]

Wow!! I'm so moved by this.

[@ICAngeli1991]

I Found out Daniel a few days Ago. I'm enjoying each chord, its soft clusters, major sevenths, the voices counterpoint And the time of each music. They are short And long enough. Thanks for your music and vídeos Daniel. From a Brazilian Cello player living in Portugal!

[@jesslove659]

my high school is singing this in March... this is so beautiful