Funeral Canticle (From "The Tree of Life")

A cobbling together of clips from Malick's magnum opus "The Tree of Life," set to a song from the film, John Tavener's "Funeral Canticle."
"Remember Eternal Things":
The Funeral Canticle is one of two works inspired by the passing of the composer's father, Kenneth. The other, Eternal Memory, is a co-memorial to Tavener's father and to the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. While the ruminations of that work are more secularly philosophical -- it takes its text from William Blake's Auguries of Innocence and Eternity -- the Funeral Canticle is more explicitly religious, having been prepared for the interdenominational funeral service that his father had requested. Its texts include the kliros from the traditional Orthodox funeral service, interspersed with verses composed by Tavener's longtime friend, collaborator (Mary of Egypt, Akathist), and spiritual guide, Mother Thekla of the Monestary at Normanby. As is the case with many of Tavener's other works, an overarching motto permeates the piece. Here, it is a solemn chant in Greek: "Remember eternal things."
Though a sense of stasis pervades the work -- for there is no hurry when distances are traversed over eternities -- each sectional division is marked by a distinct kind of calm. The opening motto is given in what sounds like Byzantine chant; the subsequent lines, "We are born as naked infants, Then baptized into Christ our God," are set in delicate, sinuous parallel chords; the kliros that follows is set in rich chord progressions overlaid with solemn repetitions, the sustained tones in the upper voices hovering over a restlessly ponderous bass. The Greek chant returns, followed again by a lush texture of parallel thirds and a rich Alleluia passage. The warm harmonies of the kliros return, followed by another Greek chant, and another verse: "Grant O Lord in love unceasing ... rest among the faithful, in the life beyond compare." After the Alleluia, the final iteration of the kliros brings the work to a close.
One senses a deliberate (and to those familiar with Tavener's work, expected) attempt to create an air of timelessness in this work. There seems to be a circular trajectory to the repeating textural patterns: the liturgical and ancient sounds of the Greek chant give way to the parallel harmonies, which are supplanted by the rich chords of the kliros. Law, theology, speculation seem to fade and blend into the higher reality of the eternal unknown; material objects and mortal ideas, "the idols of the world," disappear in the wake of "eternal things." Tavener has constructed a terrestrial musical frame, made of simple signs and symbols, through which to view existence from a celestial perspective. [Allmusic.com]

[@Nornagast]

this movie gave me a lot of hope during a very dark time in my life.

[@Ilsimeone]

watch Fr. Barron's comments on Tree of Life here on KZbin: /watch?v=Sh4FS8OOn3A giving people hope was the reason why Malick made this film

[@dejabu24]

Ilsimeone his review is best review of the tree of life

[@thegentlesadnessofthings]

This movie changed my life.

[@lisabender5208]

MIne as well

[@idimajo]

same

[@ThePablobcn]

Why? How? Can't understand it.

[@vadikkasabiev3373]

srsly, eplain somehow

[@tatianatatiana8758]

Ghost Crossbow Very good

[@RR18635]

I'm 61 and have never seen a film that came close to this one in depicting the mystery, strangeness and wonder of life in such a way.

[@ChristianFerrel]

RR18635 sadly,this film is so underrated

[@ddj5328]

+RR18635 He made in 2015 a similar kind of movie: Knight of Cups but I think tree of life was better

[@arabman4941]

RR18635 hi?

[@djstarsign]

Estúdio Três Azuis Tree of Life is Malick’s (most likely unintentional) remake of Tarkovsky’s The Mirror. They’re very similar, even though they’re different.

[@barrygoldwater9450]

It certainly is a mystery isn't it. I really hope something is looking out for us.

[@williams8215]

I'm not a native english speaker but It is important for me to leave a comment to share with others what this movie really means to me. I remember when I went to watch it in cinema a couple of years ago for the first time, it was like a revelation, this movies helped me to clarify the question I have always wondered about the meaning of life and the purpose of the universe we live in. I went to watch it 4 times and every time I watched it I cried during and after the movie without being able to really explain the reason why it made me feel so emotional. It is a movie that deeply reached my soul and my heart like no other type of arts ever did before. I felt like this masterpiece was somehow directly speaking to me, understanding me, trying to cheer me up. If I'm writing this comment today, it is because 3 days ago someone I deeply loved had left this world and it's with a freshly opened wound that I'm writing this message. I decided to watch this movie once again tonight and I made the right decision as it soothes my pain and warmed my heart. The person I'm referring to made the decision to put an end to her life herself and I now feel even closer to this movie than ever before as this movie understands and illustrates accurately the pain and the feelings I'm now experiencing in this difficult moment. There is nothing more powerful and wonderful than love in this world. Its light always find its way even in the darkest moment of our lives. This is the message I get from this movie and it is this love I carry for the person I lost that will give me the strength to accept her choice and will also give me the strength to continue to live my life to the fullest and honour her as much as I can, spreading love and kindness all around me. As it is said in this movie, I now leave her in the hands of god where she is now resting in peace for eternity. The funny thing is I do not even believe in god but this movie turned me into what I would call a ''religious atheist'', as crazy as it sounds.. This movie is simply the meaning of life and the meaning of love. A true masterpiece.

[@tamroluluromtakankav]

oh William, your comment deeply touched me, as much as the movie itself...

[@davidmarino345]

William S How are you friend?

[@danielapv2]

I can understand so well what you wrote here. What you feel watching at this movie is something that cannot be described with words. It's just so deep as life it's. That's why it's a revealing film, because it shows life in scenes and images, the pain and confusion of our minds, our childhood wounds and the conditioning that lives in us until we are old. I understand that terrible suffering when someone you love dies, it can be a very revealing pain, and I've been through it too. It would be nice to talk one day with you! I send you a hug William S.

[@andres65080]

Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. As an aspiring filmmaker, it is my dream that I could create something that can speak to someone on the level that Tree Of Life did for you. Even if I could help one person in that way, that would be enough for me. Beautiful to see the power of cinema, these aren’t “just movies”. Good luck friend

[@Gwardini_PL]

Thank u brother this helped me a lot

[@deatheater416]

The Tree of Life is easily the most beautiful movie I've ever seen. It completely blew me away and the soundtrack was perfect.

[@MrDioguna]

ya....i fell like watching a moving artful painting.

[@LaureanoFarina]

Es que no es exactamente una película, sino más bien una experiencia, un "tránsito espiritual": con Malick vislumbras la certeza íntima, única, REVELADORA (?) de algo que YA anidaba en ti y que aquí te reclama...

[@Ksixstring]

If this piece was heard by the whole planet, not one bullet would be fired.

[@ThePaulyd101]

definitely got me through some leaps in my life...

[@JulesColour]

It's a gift for those who choose to listen. And for those who do for guns, how can they listen? When they're already drowning out the noise with their instruments. Instruments of death and destruction. But Life; Life is so much more powerful, so much more beautiful. You live to Love and you love to live. It doesn't matter where you are, as long as those two are present, and this is peace

[@calvinbernard]

That is the way of humans my friend. Selfishness, jealousy, greed, suffering, all is the way of humans. What we can do is just do our best to survive in this world, because once we are gone, none of these matters anymore. Life is like a spinning wheel, full of ups and downs. Just live everyday with joy, although sometimes that may seem impossible. We are here for a reason, and you should find the reason for yourself.

[@DL-bq4ny]

The opening scene of this movie always gets to me, and the entire movie is the epitome of beauty.

[@radimsirl]

Yes! The opening gets me every time I watch it as well.

[@8K240hz]

i come back to this video every once in a while just to give my body a shock

[@Sternertime]

divine grace framed within scientific cosmology... that is what made this film glorious

[@GirayhanYlmaz]

Sound of heaven, smell of the earth after the rain. I'm speechless this is perfection...

[@radison6456]

What prose

[@shanehagan]

I always find myself coming back and listening to this piece

[@KarllsonX]

me too.

[@veryinteresting2208]

I wonder what God is doing?

[@joshray2117]

Listen to this song as the sun goes down. It was an experience.

[@rapsly]

I understand the definition of Art thanks to this movie.

[@jayl6535]

This funeral canticle was composed by John tavener, anyone that felt something on a deep level from this breathtaking piece of music should look up the lyrics for it, John tavener is a genius and in my humble opinion I think an angelic entity inspired him throughout his career, rest in peace John tavener may the Lord be with you and all of us during these end times

[@FolkBoyify]

This song makes me cry.. If any song should be played at my funeral, I need THIS one to be present.. I need THIS one to be the LAST song they play before I go.

[@dominicfarrar702]

The scene when the earth was created and the showing of the universe, I believe that it was the most beautiful scene I have ever seen

[@55makiavelli]

I've never seen such a movie. Totaly different. Great soundtrack

[@celestialocean9503]

I am so glad this video returned! I used to play it on repeat during my studies for grad school. Thank you, kind soul.

[@alexcayer9377]

This world has so much beauty, so much to offer but all we see is barriers. Malick helps me to remember where we belong.

[@sarwaralam7262]

i feel the urge to hug my mom every single time when i listen this music.

[@drizzya.c8262]

Saw this movie when I was 14 back in 2011...changed my views and everything since then

[@rickatl72]

I saw "2001" when I was 14 in 1968. My reaction to "2001" was the same as your reaction to "Tree of Life." 10, 20, 30 years passed and it dawned on me that I saw the greatest film I was ever going to see at the formative age of 14. And then I saw "Tree of Life" when I was 57 and have felt thankful to be able to have twice felt the emotional power that film as art can convey.

[@tharkun21280]

+Rick Atl Wow, that's a powerful statement.

[@drizzya.c8262]

yeah I understand completely

[@katherineplocharczyk4316]

Me too.

[@brandonfletcher-james9452]

A film that captures the beauties and frailties of the human condition. An important work

[@BladeRunner_B-26354]

This is the most touching and the most emotional song I have ever heard in my life and probably won’t hear more than that. I love to play it on my phone threw the earphones when I am at the church.

[@yoestoy37]

I had a dream yesterday that I was at the beach with my family and this music started playing. It was so beautiful and that made happy all day long :)

[@antoinearnardi4585]

I'm so sad when I'm listening this gift from heaven. I don't know why but I love this sadness, that's makes me such calm, such good, I'm between God and myself. I feel angel's songs, I'm as their. I just want to be in paradise, in accordance with this extraordinary and sublime marvel that are this singing and most of the religious' singings. They raise the soul and make it closer to God and to the perfection. Miles times thank you. In SAECULA SAECULORUM, AMEN.

[@Unknow139]

You know this feeling when you're filled with honor just because you see a movie? That's what happen to me. This is a one-of-a-kind-movie...

[@davidsb1999]

Absolutely mesmerizing. One of the best films I've ever seen, and by a mile it is visually the best film I have ever seen.

[@KEVINfromCALI]

This song along with this video make me feel like life is flashing before my eyes

[@janikweller5804]

Best movie ever made

[@BladeRunner_B-26354]

I lost my father 2 weeks ago. And now this music can be felt with its most powerful beautiful and dramatic meanings. Rest In Peace my lovely dad🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@drizzya.c8262]

Saw this movie when i was 14 in 2011... and to watch it several times to understand cus i was to young @ the time... got me through alot... i try to watch this everyday

[@jakejordan6314]

Beautiful. As if the angels are descending!

[@adamhorridge8872]

I'm so happy to see this video back. One of the most poignant and beautiful things I've ever seen. It ties together so perfectly the importance of humanity, progress and optimism. Thank you!

[@Aristotle2000]

"Funeral Canticle was written in loving memory of my father. Such was his love of life and people that he constantly surprised us by rallying round when he was thought to be at the point of death. So I wrote this work during the last year of my father's life, in preparation for the interdenominational funeral service that was his wish. My father's funeral was celebrated by Archbishop Gregorios of Thayateira and Great Britain, Archimandrite Father Ephrem and Arch-priest Father Michael Fortunatto, as well as three Pastors from the United Reformed Church, which was the Church of my father's baptism. It was a moving ceremony, with ikons and candles lighting up the church, and, I believe it would have delighted the man who lay in the coffin. Eternal memory - Kenneth. John Tavener"

[@calebw3353]

3:18-3:25 is so short but so incredibly powerful and strongly resonates with me as someone who grew up in a similar setting. Gorgeous film, one of my favorites of all time for sure

[@davidroy3029]

Sublime music to a sublime film. One of my favorite movies of all time.

[@bbuuccchh]

This movie is the movie that creates me a deep love for the movies, my at the age of 10 don't get to understand the movie, but now with 17 I understand the beauty and the deepest of the movie.

[@princessgrace93]

Questo film tocca l'anima, un vero Capolavoro...per non parlare di questa musica sublime...

[@nickprado7952]

Malick taught me well....Malick taught me well..

[@harrisonridgway6177]

This film and this song make me want to curl up into a ball and cry. The beauty is too much to take. If there ever is a film that heals your soul, it's this.

[@MrVidsAllDay]

Godamnit. This song always makes me weep uncontrollably. It's even more powerful set as the backdrop of Malick's breathtaking visuals. I enjoyed the film, but I think most people would struggle to sit through the entire thing and would find it pretentious and full of itself. But this short 5 minute video does a great job summing up the very essence of the film and what Malick was trying to show us. Great work.

[@KrupaliPatilIseStarwhite]

+MrVidsAllDay I keep coming back to this and I cry...mostly out of sadness and despair, and a longing to go back to God. I haven't watched the movie.

[@aardvarkmcgillicuddy]

+Krupali Patil Watch the movie. God will speak to you.

[@Teodoroviski]

+MrVidsAllDay I'd watch it many times over

[@biro24]

I totally agree... It's a master piece if your open to see and understand what this film truly is...

[@JuanGarcia-fb2wb]

+MrVidsAllDay The visuals are work of emmanuel lubezki!

[@user-ry3nw2nk6u]

I watched now over 12000 film and on movie make me cry every time I watched like this one and I watched it 9 time

[@ingsoc3125]

Is this anyone else's favorite movie of the 2010's so far?

[@ripiau]

of all times

[@Alexander-ps9qc]

It is and probably will always be my favorite film of all time.

[@curtispotvin]

Alexander Pyles I'm glad you called it a film:)

[@Alexander-ps9qc]

Haha of course! What else is it?

[@theKORZO]

A beautiful video for a unforgettable movie.

[@LuaBorealis]

This video sums up how I feel when I see the mountains. (And nature in general.) But particularly the mountains. I just moved to from Colorado to Philadelphia for school, and I miss Colorado so much. Wendell Berry has a poem called "The Peace of the Wild Things". And talks about how we can find peace in nature. I think part of this video shows just how profound that peace is.

[@nanasfriend9607]

Return to Nature in every single particle. . . nu judgments just motion of infinite spirits creating a true model of who we are

[@morbidmirror]

Miraculous work..breath taking.

[@mertinho]

Mesmerizing.

[@lipeolipe]

It's very interesting to see all the possibilities of life, this film is special.

[@MattRyanBurrows]

most important movie from cinema

[@PninianPnin]

Greatest film of the 21st Century thus far, probably my favourite film of all time. Terrence Malick really is brilliant.

[@biro24]

To be able to be free for a short amount of time, is heavenly within itself

[@gavinmasterson3256]

Without a doubt one of the most beautifully choreographed films I have had the pleasure of watching.

[@Jcg34]

Quelle merveille que ce clip là.Je ne saurais décrire précisément ce qu'il me procure car j'ai moi même du mal à le comprendre mais ce qui est sur c'est que c'est cinq minutes de magie pure. C'est comme écouter l'essence même de la vie.

[@jeanlucmeloni3068]

La première fois que j'ai vu ce film, j'ai loupé pas mal de passages à cause des larmes de joie qu'il m'a tirées de force... :-) Dieu que l'homme est capable de belles choses, lorsqu'il écoute un peu son coeur.

[@jeanlucmeloni3068]

Marshall Moller Du même endroit que tout le monde ;-)

[@Sean-cu4vx]

If having a tough time in life this should be played. It makes you seek beauty in everything. Sir John Tavener you created perfection - Thank you.

[@sixamsedna]

Terrence Malick speaks to my soul in ways nobody else can.

[@Locut0s]

I'm a strong atheist who loves Choir music :D As such I loved certain parts of The Tree of Life, those dealing directly with the scenes of family life. But the ending was rather hard to take. But this music is just amazingly sublime! :D

[@MisterScones]

I'm a strong atheist too, but I still adore this film, even the faith-based elements. My whole reasoning is that I enjoy "Thor" even though I don't believe in Thor, and I enjoy "Jason and the Argonauts" even though I don't believe in Greek mythology. So I can love a film about faith, like this one, even though I don't believe in the Christian god.

[@MisterScones]

Plus I love that it embraces science equally.

[@Locut0s]

Jack Shrout Thank's a good attitude to have Jack :P I guess I have greater difficulty feeling that way when the religion being espoused seems to be more of the Judeo-Christian variety, it feels more like I'm being sold something ;) Yes I'm aware that the religious aspects in the Tree of Life are never explicitly put forward as Judeo-Christian but they certainly seem to have that flavour. But like I said that's a good attitude to have towards it.

[@MisterScones]

Locut0s You just sort of have to disconnect the film from reality and say, "Okay, this is the world of a movie." Because the Christian god may very well exist in the realm of that film. You have to assume He does, that way you can look at it the same way you'd look at films based on other mythologies and say, "Okay, these gods exist in the realms of these movies, so even though they don't exist in my realm, this is a different world I'm looking at." Even though "The Tree of Life" is set in what looks like our world, it cannot be in our world by virtue of the fact that it's a fictional movie.

[@MisterScones]

Locut0s Sorry if that makes no sense whatsoever. I may just be yammering, lol.

[@celiasanchez-collier4201]

Thrilling, can't retain a tear when listening to this...

[@drizzya.c8262]

ending over the sunflowers

[@lisabender5208]

Heart breakingly perfect

[@marisanunes649]

thank you * beautiful editing from the gigantic work of Terrence Malick * Pure Poetry and Art, too gigantic to put just in words.... ..............about trying to capture / think about the origins of Life, and the ways and the essence of our Life ....

[@AdhilAramam]

very nostalgic movie and nostalgic music

[@LaurentJames]

Les chants de l’innocence.

[@cirko66666]

Every human should watch this peace of life just for a minute...

[@Aristotle2000]

Funeral Canticle Lyrics: Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη (eternal memory) Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη We are born as naked infants Then baptized into Christ our God Rocks and shoals of life beset us Washed in waters of our Lord Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia What earthy sweetness remaineth unmixed with grief? What glory standeth immutable on earth? All things are but shadows most feeble But most deluding dreams Yet one moment only And death shall supplant then all But in the light of thy countenance Oh Christ, and in the sweetness of thy beauty Give rest to him whom thou hast chosen Because thou lovest mankind Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη We must run the course that tempts us With the idols of the world Yet we have our Lord and Master And His Mother for our shield Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη Grant, Oh Lord, in love unceasing Rest to him now lying here Grant him rest among the faithful In the life beyond compare Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη Αἰωνία αὐτοῦ ἡ μνήμη

[@EightBall]

Malick is a poet, a pictural poet.

[@92Sco]

I think this film is a masterpiece, it is THE film. Even if I'm an atheist, every time I see The Tree of Life, it causes in me a deep melancholy feeling and nostalgia for those who left me prematurely, for those that are not here, no more. And every time I burst into tears although I don't wanna do it. So thank you Malick for making me experience these emotions....

[@zacheagan9581]

I know that the images are not your own, but I have to say, this is a very well edited montage on your part. The visuals blend seamlessly with the music. It seems to me you have a very intimate connection with the music.

[@TizianoFratus]

the beauty of the time...

[@xcurvatus]

The film does an excellent job of portraying God's fingerprint. As an atheist, you still find things beautiful. Otherwise, you wouldn't enjoy this film. But how could such beauty spring from nothing? Every ocean, every mountain is a testament to his might. Every flower and sunset a whisper of his being. Try viewing these things that bring your heart to tears as a gift of God, instead of mere chance. How could such an expansive, mysterious universe be just for us? Because He is good. Beautiful.

[@fleetstreet11]

So much majesty...

[@sirus208]

I just came for the song, but you did a great job compiling these clips and making them flow in a natural way that captures the beauty of this film. I would actually recommend watching this as a preview to Tree of Life over the actual trailer!

[@henman09]

Stop arguing and enjoy the film for what it is, One of the Greatest Films in Existence.

[@djindysoul]

I listen to this track everyday; it reminds me how fragile we are... I use this as inspiration for all the music I produce: IndySoul

[@Bohemian987]

Really beautiful, amazing!

[@xtremekajaker]

The Tree of life for me is an ode to the beauty of God´s creation!

[@garethoman9687]

verena not exactly an ode to God’s creation, more about the balance of Religion & Science, they both matter in different ways

[@petersalucci5444]

Gareth Oman I agree

[@aleajactaest9058]

Melick is a darwinist catholic, and no doubt there are no conflicts between between religion and science in his mind. Let us say that this extraordinary movie is an ode to God, and it has left unerasable traces in my mind.

[@petersalucci5444]

nature vs grace Amen again :)

[@aleajactaest9058]

I found your answer a bit lenghthy, but that' s OK to me...

[@DF-ze2uq]

Beautiful cinematography, beautiful motion picture a masterpice beautiful music score this film is simply beautiful one of the best movies ever

[@adamjondo]

Sublimely crafted piece of editing and many thanks to whoever "cobbled this together". Pains me to say this but I think it encapsulates and somehow surpasses the (visionary but deeply flawed) movie.

[@joywisdom6598]

Sublime .

[@jessicalove9225]

I cannot give the even though loved meaningful. Alright be stronger than that Truth is what matters.

[@tatianatatiana8758]

A me l'ha arricchita ancora di più. The tree of Life.

[@DomiusVidz]

The most beautiful movie of the last 15 years.

[@darcon81]

though the trailer blew me away already, and i know how great Malick is, I lowered my expectations because a lot of people expressed disapproval with this film. When i watched it, i was put in a trance. I thought it over and i think it is the greatest film of all time. I was so moved the entire film, it's like the whole thing is a big climax. It's complete, style and substance, intellect and emotion, its poetry in motion. i felt accomplished, i felt that i don't have to watch any film any more.

[@miki1900]

this is better than the full movie. strange, the full movie is a 2 hours music video clip with breaktalk

[@antoinearnardi4585]

Thank you Terrence Malick, tonight I'll praise the Lord, for more hope in my life and than that of my relatives. CREDO IN UNUM DEUM.

[@LIgirl527]

I agree.....the first time I saw the "Official" trailer for this movie, it touched my soul in an inexplainable way...I HAD to see it. It's probably the most intriguing, captivating, and beautifully sad movie I've ever seen. It is next to impossible to explain to someone who's never seen it. I feel sorry for those who have and got absolutely nothing from it.

[@brucehutchison3946]

The house in the film is one block from where I used to live in Smithville, Texas. The movie means a great deal to me.

[@JulesColour]

4:40 makes me think of grace and most of all, mum. It's just a miracle. You all are

[@samuelcharbonneaudesgagne5142]

This song made me feel anxious, but i love it in an other way ... so strange

[@blackcat9100]

one of those rare movies that can reduce me to tears

[@xcurvatus]

Sure I marvel at the flower. I also marveled at the steak dinner I had today... and then thanked the person who made it.

[@thecol7294]

Is it ok that I’m crying when I listen to this ?

[@williyam1234]

look at the sheer beauty of the filmic images, breathtaking

[@profundus8946]

Beautiful.

[@unasensualita]

quelle merveille...

[@unasensualita]

***** oui, film très très spécial, étrange, mais beau et les images sont superbes comme tu dis... quant à la musique tout au long du film, elle est envoûtante ! Sean Penn est un de mes acteurs américains préférés

[@unasensualita]

***** merci solario ;))

[@ripley969]

Moi j'adore ce côté étrange et beau merveilleux film

[@octaveergebelle5271]

***** Un film qui te retourne, dans tous les sens. Quel sensations. Quelle experience.

[@Mirandarilisa]

This movie is beyond beautiful.

[@DeGroen1988]

Best film ever.

[@LIgirl527]

gorgeous video!

[@JIKUereno]

Thank you for this.

[@rachela9763]

So beautiful.. I almost cry each time I listen to it. So sad