King's College Cambridge 2008 #10 What Sweeter Music John Rutter

[@DorrenBrennan]

What sweeter music can we bring Than a carol for to sing The birth of this our Heavenly King? Awake the voice, awake the string Dark and dull night, fly hence away And give the honor to this day That sees December turned to May That sees December turned to May Why does the chilling winter's mourn Smile, like a field beset with corn? Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn Thus, on the sudden? Come and see The 'cause, why things thus fragrant be It is He is born, whose quickening birth Gives life and luster, public mirth To Heaven, and the under-Earth We see him come, and know him ours Who with his sunshine and his showers Turns all the patient ground to flowers Turns all the patient ground to flowers The darling of the world is come And fit it is, we find a room To welcome him, to welcome him The nobler part of all the house here is the heart Which we will give him, and bequeath This holy and this ivy wreath To do him honour, who's our King And Lord of all this revelling What sweeter music can we bring Than a carol for to sing The birth of this our Heavenly King? Of this our Heavenly King, our King

[@alanruel1637]

Absolutely beautiful and spiritually uplifting music by one of the best composers ever. Thank you Sir John.

[@Bouncybon]

The English tradition of choral singing is as strong as ever. Kings College Choir is not only one of the world's finest - it sings in one of the most sublime architectural masterpieces of the Middle Ages - Kings College Chapel, Cambridge. The life of the College began in 1441. The first stone of the great Chapel was laid by King Henry VI himself - he had decreed its dimensions - on 25 July 1446.

[@GamerGuyMatt1892]

Absolutely wonderful. In my opinion, the most beautiful piece Rutter has ever written. Simply sublime

[@rickpeuser233]

John Rutter and his music is truly a gift for all of humanity. Thank you for your magnificent work, Mr. Rutter. We delight in it.

[@1974brigadier]

Nobody can compose like Rutter. We sang this on the Sunday before Christmas, along with Rutter's "Gloria". Absolutely stunning!

[@kulanamakhalima8944]

I always find peace in me when tuning and listening to the wonderful Anglican church hymns and psalms...let the music play on.

[@colinlavelle7806]

Although I'm a catholic from Australia there is something very special about English Choral Music...but I could never be an Anglican.

[@jeffschroeder357]

Whenever I have gotten to sing Rutter pieces I feel very fortunate to still be able to sing tenor. Such beautiful lines.

[@Knappa22]

Rutter's music is always so beautiful, and this piece proves that a tender melody and gentle harmony can be as joyful as a lively composition. King's choir does it complete justice, it goes without saying.

[@rollingstonecold]

This song gives me such great memories of this school year. Everything about this school year makes me sad that I won't ever relieve such experiences that I went through this year.

[@allgoods4112]

I am sorry, I just have to cry listening to this....I don't know how not to.....

[@skirun9]

Me, too....

[@user-bh4rx8mf8g]

Never apologise for your appreciation of beauty.

[@MicrobeObliteratorMo]

this is got to be like the 20th time i came back to this video....it's so beautiful...

[@nomoetnoshowy1]

drifting in and out of time gives this piece a divine heartbeat

[@1974brigadier]

Absolutely stunning. We sing this piece on Christmas Eve every year and it never fails to give me the chills.

[@katestone6590]

This is so beautiful and makes my heart soar. John Rutter is a true artist.

[@peterbonser]

Kate Stone CD/DVD

[@rooseveltnut]

I love Rock and Roll, Blues, Swing and Country and yes Opera. But this song is my favorite piece of music. It makes me want to cry it's so beautiful.

[@Jayusa1966]

Amazing that people still don't know of King's College or this type of choir, which dates back 1,000 years. Glad more and more see it. I have sung in a Men and Boys Choir for 40 years, currently in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This piece, and the Rutter Dormi Jesu are exquisite. Dormi Jesu might be the best piece of music I have ever sung, it is as close to perfect as it gets. Never tire of it.

[@Apriluser]

Jayusa1966 I remember hearing King’s sing Dormi Jesu; It was a new song for me.. When it got to the last few measures of the song I was totally enthralled With the sharp and yet sensual harmonies. I believe that “dormi” has a double entendre in this song: sleep and death. What an amazing juxtaposition of that word in a lullaby. And we know that the King of the universe both was born and died for us and for our fallen state. Amazing music and text!

[@31Alden]

A thoroughly gorgeous piece of music by John Rutter.

[@seanie719]

RIDICULOUS!!! This is one of my favorite pieces. The duet parts in it are amazing and this group sang those parts beautifully. The ending is very warm and gave me goose bumps. Great job to all involved with this. Thank you for sharing!

[@AleksZeg]

Many years ago, I was part of a mass choir from Nottinghamshire schools and colleges, and I remember singing this at one of the Christmas concerts at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham (either 1988 or 1989). One of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard and had the pleasure of singing.

[@Apriluser]

Aleks Zeglicki Hopefully you are continuing on with a choral group to feed your soul and mind with great music.

[@majorjessecarnes5303]

Simply gorgeous. John Rutter, the composer, at his best.

[@cmekistauff]

Ma

[@edmondbeatty9309]

Yes all praise to Jesus in all our understanding of music sung to His praise.

[@Bearingz]

John Rutter's music is so beautiful.

[@harolynallison6876]

I turned my life over to our Lord and Savior, the best thing i ever did, Blessings i have been given, i am ready with my Armor of God on, i am ready for what lies ahead. I am ready to use the truth to fight against Satan.

[@jerrera45]

Oddly enough the first time I heard this was in a Volvo commercial. I tried in vain for years to find out what was that gorgeous music but no one seemed to know. Year later I was shopping for some new CD's when I saw "A John Rutter Christmas" Hmm I thought, sounds interesting. You can not imagine the joy when later that night I heard this on that album. That's it, that's it I screamed. It is now my favorite carol of all time,... oh yes, I too cry when I hear it.

[@GideonsTrump]

Would someone pass me a Kleenex? Absolutely heavenly and adds so much to the Christmas season. A Christmas without Rutter presented by Kings College is unimaginable.

[@Organmind]

Beautiful music, John Rutter is a marvelous composer, I love his music. Thanks for this!

[@CDB8939]

@AeroSpadez The Choir consists of 16 Choristers, who are all Trebles and sing in 2 parts or in unison, The Choral Scholars in the rear stalls are al Undergraduate at Kings either in music or another subject, singing in the Choir is an additional activity to their academic studies. There are usually 14 of them and in each stall from the left are 2 Counter-Tenors, 2 Basses. 1 Baritone & 2 Tenors,

[@andrear.6059]

so wunderschön - habt lieben Dank dafür. Gott segne und beschütze Euch auf all Euren Wegen

[@anthonycoltrin3251]

Another Heavenly Song, by a wonderful choir and an organist with great style !!!!

[@Jacelleroxas]

my favourite part in this song is 'Dark and dull light fly hence away, And give the honour to this day that sees December turn'd to May.

[@BenjaminGessel]

This piece is more reflective than joyous. It encourages introspection and righteous thought. Such a godly piece of music... :)

[@spiritdei]

So glad the piece added to your enjoyment of King's music.

[@Musicfreak2456]

This is simply Beautiful! :') I absolutely love it. I want to listen to it all the time.

[@KcLee1990]

Absolutely beautiful! I am in a community choir and we are singing this at our Christmas concert. Love it! Beautifully done!

[@rev.stephena.cakouros948]

God bless you gentlemen and thank you.

[@user-bh4rx8mf8g]

Dark and dull night, fly hence away, And give the honour to this day, That sees December turned to May. Why does the chilling winter's morn Smile, like a field beset with corn? Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn, Thus, on the sudden? Come and see The cause, why things thus fragrant be: 'Tis He is born, whose quickening birth Gives life and luster, public mirth, To heaven, and the under-earth.

[@maicohann1658]

I haven’t heard this beautiful christmas song……

[@classicaldeb]

Ain't it glorious? Truly sublime.

[@777leighx]

Did this guy really conduct such an amazing kids choir together with grown men? THIS IS AMAZING, WHY HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF HIM UNTIL NOW!!!!?

[@howardhadley9347]

Yes, he is amazing

[@edmondbeatty9309]

What sweeter music can we sing to our Lord Jesus than praise His name in joyful song

[@al-desmonddavies9710]

A reminder of soprano days. God bless.

[@andrinichristiana7910]

10 years ago & now this song is still glowing in my heart.

[@suziq105]

Beautuful and touching! Brings me to tears always.

[@Israbit]

This is one of the most beautiful things iv'e ever heard!!! So soothing & serene... Thanks for uploading ! :)

[@loverdover64]

it was absolutely stunning. and he taught us so much - he's an absolute musical genius :)

[@christophercook9693]

Lovely! Can't believe it's been 10 years

[@16dutch]

John Rutter has proved himself to be one of the better composers of this time - if not the best. This song is so beautiful, pure and fragile in melody and lyrics and for me it can compete with any of the old songs really. Well sung!

[@livrosseries9081]

Magnífico. Músicas que fazem elevar o espírito. Parabéns Coral do Colégio de Cambridge!!

[@Wolf-pm4hy]

I am shocked look how young the kids are! I can not believe they are that calm!

[@BenjaminGessel]

+Wolf The director knows what he is doing... :)

[@Wolf-pm4hy]

BenjaminGessel Sure does.

[@influencer8757]

_the director knows -- and even these gifted ones know something._

[@hollyarnold5958]

They are calm because they know their singing is important. It is the finest music they can offer to praise the Lord.

[@WilliamVanLawson]

Check the same song by InQuires. The 2005 performance is faster but then the ending is not cut off. One interesting thing is that the tallest treble singer in the middle of this 2008 performance is the shortest 2005singer on the left. I always think it is interesting to see the growth in the singers.

[@roberthargrave573]

Beautiful music sang by a brilliant choir

[@spiritdei]

Great work you contributed to a classic.

[@chiefslief1886]

Gosh how beautiful!! thank you!

[@christygum3384]

"Out of the mouth of babes, though hast perfected praise."

[@Bouncybon]

At 1:35 we catch a glimpse of the powerful Rubens painting "The Adoration of the Magi". originally painted for a convent in Louvain. It was obtained for the college chapel in 1968.

[@HannahWaeni]

Ethereal... Love all of John Rutter's compositions. Bringing me close to Christ.

[@MrsHillGreenlaw]

MERE WORDS cant describe the way I feel when I hear and sing this song!! I LITERALLY flow tears!!! :^) I love it with ALL of my being!!! I CAN LISTEN TO IT FOREVER! WHAT A WAY TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF A KING! :^) My favorite parts are The TBB Stanza,Both of the SSAA stanzas and the VERY END!! :^)

[@lorrainemurphy2010]

No matter the season, John Rutter's music is always 'sweeter'! Happy birthday, September 24th!

[@81048107]

Absolutely sublime, thank you for uploading. I am ordering John Rutter CD from Amazon. Jim, Montana-USA

[@jackwalkerjrmusic]

Gorgeous

[@sue200012]

Much appreciated.

[@GAILandROD]

Incredible. Angelic voices here on earth.

[@influencer8757]

_thanks to the composer, to the conductor, to the choir boys!_ thanks to the uploader, also for providing all the background info.

[@jprtoledo]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@charlottehuang1207]

Thanks

[@lamorlayefrance]

Very nice - it warms the heart to see the singers and observe their diligence. They are serious and care little for making a show. The tender age of these young boys offers yet some hope for our sad world.

[@suseen99]

Chills, every single time.

[@vinyalonde]

This is breathtakingly beautiful. Thanks for posting this truly wonderful performance.

[@bobandkelly]

my small family group is giving this a crack. This version is definitely the benchmark!

[@flyingfisbeefilms]

That was a wonderful rendition....thankyou for posting

[@neckeliesaliyu889]

What sweeter music can we bring Than a carol, for to sing The birth of this our heavenly King? Awake the voice! Awake the string! Dark and dull night, fly hence away, And give the honor to this day, That sees December turned to May. That sees December turned to May. Why does the chilling winter's morn Smile, like a field beset with corn? Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn, Thus, on the sudden? Come and see The cause, why things thus fragrant be: 'Tis He is born, whose quickening birth Gives life and luster, public mirth, To heaven, and the under-earth. We see him come, and know him ours, Who, with his sunshine and his showers, Turns all the patient ground to flowers. Turns all the patient ground to flowers. The darling of the world is come, And fit it is, we find a room To welcome him. To welcome him. The nobler part Of all the house here, is the heart. Which we will give him; and bequeath This holly, and this ivy wreath, To do him honour, who's our King, And Lord of all this revelling. What sweeter music can we bring, Than a carol for to sing The birth of this our heavenly King?

[@JustVern]

Their diction is so clear that one could easily pick up the lyrics just by listening to them, bit thank you for posting this.

[@Apriluser]

Thank you.

[@Reaction_60]

What is the final line sung in this video? It is an addendum to the lyrics you posted.

[@jonbaldwin]

@@Reaction_60 just a repeat of the last line

[@Reaction_60]

@@jonbaldwin that's what I suspected but wasn't sure. Thank you.

[@Bigvoicemovie]

Amazing voices.

[@Poopaloo55]

Anything but. Then again, I've been to your channel.

[@thatsmeinthepic]

Marvellous, thank you!

[@hayleysalisbury1470]

Absolutely stunning.

[@taiblademaster]

i love this song, thank you for posing it!!!!

[@mexicano1409]

Very nice!!!!!!!

[@spritelybird]

It's so beautiful.

[@kjeanne72]

This is unbelievably beautiful! And haha half of us who commented on this are doing this for concert choir at our hs..obviously had quite an impact on us :)

[@timothyj1966]

@7927jackpark most definitely he deserves it... I am so glad you wrote to her.., what a great idea. I am from Canada and have love his compositions and arrangements over the years... they are stunningly beautiful. Visiting England next June for my first time - can't wait ... would love to visit Cambridge if time allows.. maybe one Christmas Eve I will fly over and que in line to catch this service.... one can dream.... cheers

[@SherriSLC]

Thank you for posting this! We just got back from Cambridge where we went to evensong at the chapel, and I wanted to hear some of the music again.

[@kingradiosclero]

You are very good and Rutter is a true genius! My choir sang "Candlelight Carol" with a new arrangment. Write this down on the research: you will love it for sure. Corale Novarmonia - Candlelight Carol (J. Rutter)

[@Poopaloo55]

Oh my...just beautiful.

[@davidcesar428]

good music to remember all those young men that died on this veterans day 11/11 of 2015

[@orianamunoz8885]

This is so beautiful! Those little boys can hit higher notes than I ever will hahah #Altostruggle

[@whitegirlcooking7514]

+Oriana Munoz I feel your alto struggle so hard D: then again we can hit low notes some sopranos cannot :D

[@influencer8757]

but his are the young gifted and trained specialists who are just thought to produce such angel sounds _(basso is better suited for Luc... who also gets a chance to express himself)_

[@williamripley3192]

Very peaceful and modern sounding.

[@mikewalsh6168]

What sweeter music indeed. I'm trying to persuade my choir to this. Rutter's tunes are great for sight reading practise on Tube. Many of videos have music notation.

[@Bouncybon]

It seems the men of the choir at the time of this recording (2008) had a wonderful quality of vigour and intensity. (I imagine today's men are similarly committed - it is, after all - a great choir.) Peter Stevens, the young organist here in 2008, is now Assistant Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, London (2015) working with Martin Baker.

[@themagicmusician94]

it's fantastic!!! i love it

[@TheGiselle769]

Love this piece Rutter!

[@tomwestbrook]

My favorite Christmas music. It’s perfect (or as close as it gets).

[@aiqi411]

Gorgeous!

[@888ivandf]

so beautiful...

[@411johnnyjay]

As a Catholic, I enjoy the music of John Rutter probably more than any other Catholic composer/songwriter I've heard. Beautiful melodies. Mr. Rutter deserves knighthood for his contributions to liturgical music. I hope he is knighted one day.

[@tichobekker2]

i get to sing this on my 18th birthday with the schoolquire, it's so beautifull!!!!!

[@clydedavies6393]

well sung, very pure.

[@gwalaus]

I have heard John interviewed fairly recently, and he appears to be a thorough gentleman, as well as an accomplished composer of attractive, accessible music, deserving of any honours that might be bestowed.

[@11tvbuff]

This song is just as peaceful as heaven! That's why I love it!

[@lady000kaka]

Cambridge is my dream.

[@loverdover64]

I'm singing the Mozart Requiem under the direction of John Rutter this June in Carnegie Hall, NYC. I'm so excited! :)

[@viewfromwilmington]

This video is a nice companion to the video of Rutter's Nativity Carol. Quiet, yet very moving.