Stephen Paulus: The Road Home (King's College, Cambridge)

[@glennrudolph3863]

Seven years ago on October 19, composer Stephen Paulus succumbed to complications from a stroke he suffered the previous year. I met Stephen once back in 2001. We were two of five composers who had works commissioned by Brady Allred and the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh for their Christmas concert that year. I was certainly the least well know of the group, but Stephen was so gracious toward me - he was exactly like I thought he would be. I have always been so very fond of Stephen’s music. The anniversary of his passing falls exactly a week after my birthday, so I find it inescapable that I remember him every year. His beautiful setting of The Road Home - tune from the Southern Harmony Songbook of 1835 with this poignant text by Michael Dennis Browne - is a fitting way for us all to remember Stephen this day. We miss you Stephen -

[@chriskoziarz3821]

Pure beauty. Especially solo boy. His accent, his flow above the choir is better than any other SOP soloist I've heard in this piece.

[@sindrers202]

He litterally made me cry ❤️

[@arlenebarton9424]

Beautiful

[@asdadssad2381]

Beautiful this was played on my grandpa's funeral

[@viewfromwilmington]

Stephen Paulus's music is a gift. KCC, they are not just for Christmas any more.

[@dianeberson7849]

I don't mean to sound morbid, but I love the message and performance of this piece so much, I've directed it to be played at my memorial service.... whenever the time comes.

[@w.johnbauer7268]

As a long-time singer, I greatly appreciate the fine quality and beauty of this performance,

[@tomarmstrong1281]

All I can say is, "Lucky kids." I was moved almost to years by the beauty of the soloist.

[@aronhiroshi1]

Tell me, where is the road I can call my own, That I left, that I lost So long ago? All these years I have wandered, Oh when will I know There’s a way, there’s a road That will lead me home? After wind, after rain, When the dark is done, As I wake from a dream In the gold of day, Through the air there’s a calling From far away, There’s a voice I can hear That will lead me home. Rise up, follow me, Come away, is the call, With the love in your heart As the only song; There is no such beauty As where you belong; Rise up, follow me, I will lead you home.

[@margueriteportalier4990]

Aron Yuen Merci pour les paroles. Cela permet d accompagner, à notre modeste niveau, ces chanteurs de genie

[@vernonatease3453]

Thank you

[@capeman7500]

A stunning performance that captures the essence of Paulus. The soloist is simply magnificent!

[@dingiswayolungu4338]

The most beautiful music made. Bless

[@Canuckmom128]

Such a beautiful piece by Stephen Paulus - and, as always the Men and Boys of Kings' NEVER disappoint. Really Lovely and Inspirational.

[@billbrockman779]

Our choir sang this for the offertory anthem this morning. I had never heard it before; it’s beautiful.

[@jonahkinney7423]

These kids truly have a gift they sing like gods Angels

[@mikkelsv4804]

Simply heavenly! This song touches my heart in such a close way talking about Home.

[@jmichaelbellenger]

What a totally class act....you men and boys are a gift...rich full voices. Love the song and perfect choir to sing it...thanks.

[@lanca001universityofminnes7]

An exquisite performance. Beautiful!

[@blulaguna18]

I love this choir so much. It must be such an honor. I would listen to them for Christmas

[@williamripley3192]

Beautiful! Simply the best sound .

[@stevecarry6016]

Absolutely beautiful, guys Thank you.

[@chakkriza234]

I love King college choir.

[@matthewbanfield8119]

This is absolutely beautiful. Just heavenly to listen to!

So beautiful, so awe-inspiring, so mystical. Thank you for releasing this video on KZbin.

[@davidbrookes9430]

Absolutely beautiful, and the solo vrs 3 out of this world.

[@margueriteportalier4990]

Tout simplement magnifique.

[@georgefelty6357]

I had the priviledge of singing this beautiful work with the Sacred Music Institute Choir at Indiana University under the direction of Dr. walter Huff back in June of 2017.

[@Kiraiko44]

The only hymn that truly moves me

[@timreynolds5659]

When I heard this, I knew the tune immediately as coming from the tradition of American shape-note music, but I couldn't place it. After a little digging, I confirmed that the tune is based on "Prospect" which can be found in "The Southern Harmony" (p. 92 bottom) and in "The Sacred Harp" (p. 30 bottom). According to both books, the composition is attributed to "Graham". According to Warren Steel ("The Makers of the Sacred Harp"), nothing is known of this composer. In these two tunebooks, the text is by Isaac Watts and fits well with these words. Watts' first stanza is: "Why should we start or fear to die? What tim'rous worms we mortals are; Death is the gate of endless joy, And yet we dread to enter there."

[@ericcommarato7727]

Very reminiscent of the southern Negro Spiritual sung in the southern states pre, during, and post American Civil War. God save us all.

[@stephenvanas4580]

Magnificent and sensitive performance. Well done.

[@davidbrookes9430]

Absolutely wonderful- this has such beautiful music and words.

[@billytobias7024]

Brilliant soloist!

[@gthalen]

Straight to the heart.

[@RunescapeMusicVideos]

"Your cerebellum-mission control for body movement-becomes more active. Your brain flushes with dopamine and a tingly chill whisks down your back. About 50 percent of people get chills when listening to music. ... Music, it seems, may affect our brains the same way that sex, gambling, and potato chips do." - from Google. This is what happened to me when I listened to this. Truly beautiful

[@ryanhunter2987]

I believe this gorgeous song is about the state of your spiritual home (not a physical place) The Road Home by S. Paulus Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo Tell me, where is the road I can call my own That I left, that I lost So long ago? All these years I have wandered Oh, when will I know There's a way, there's a road That will lead me home Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo After wind, after rain When the dark is done As I wake from a dream In the gold of day Through the air there's a calling From far away There's a voice I can hear That will lead me home Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo Rise up, follow me Come away, is the call With love in your heart As the only song There is no such beauty As where you belong Rise up, follow me I will lead you home Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo

[@oniteniola5555]

beautiful... I'll be joining you guys soon

[@BinaryTechnique]

oni teniola Good luck my bro and always keep our Lord first.

[@sharonwarrington9817]

Awwwwww absolutely beautiful..never disappointed x

[@hepzebahsu]

Thanks for posting - never heard it before. Lovely.

[@daytripper9222]

SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!

[@carspotter_near_hh]

It's so beautiful ( I'm a metal fan )

[@orionbarbalate4350]

I've been waiting for this.

[@benedictentrampas7061]

Is that what they call descant? It really is beautiful to listen to if done correctly.

[@IWillHaveThePastaThanks]

The (solo) treble singer is singing the descant for this song. It is a higher pitched version of the song; the upper part of the vocal range required of the rest of the choir. In other words, the descant is sung “above” the other singers who sing the principle melody. Its lyrics and tune are usually an additional/alternative and counter melody to the choir’s harmony. It is usually sung in the final verse of a hymn. A descant is sometimes described as a more ornamental part of the song, which lifts it to another level of emotion, feeling and meaning. It reaches the listener’s heart and mind more intensely, introducing then leading to even more of an uplifted spirit and reason to praise. However, its intention is not to detract from or “take over” the choir’s contribution. Rather, it used to complement it. The word can also refer to the more highly pitched instruments in a musical group.

[@DavideBucci92]

so great! Thanks a lot King's!

[@YuLinKuoYuLin]

I feel warm ❤️

[@aalmeida7429]

Perfect

[@Jonesybear6]

Love this

[@delaneymavica3167]

2:57 gets me every time

[@litoboy5]

great !!!

[@janetjuberg8871]

Thankyou thankyou for exquisite tone and also finally for having neat black folders.

[@kimberlyglunz1383]

Our community is performing "The Road Home" this Thursday night. This is such a beautiful song and so well done here. Our choir would like to slow it down and put some feeling into it, but the director is going by the instructions!

[@arvindabharat8862]

Nice

[@27mondo]

And now you can understand why there was a "castrati," especially in the European classical tradition.

[@suewix8401]

what is the name of the treble soloist.

[@TheArtikae]

I'M TELLING YOU. This song is about a dog who got lost and the comes back home. Analysis: Tell me, where is the road I can call my own, That I left, that I lost

[@benjychilders5948]

😇🤌🪡💎👑

[@canmorsunbul5635]

bunu dinleyip benimle aynı dili konuşan varsa yanıt bekliyorum, az muhabbet edek hehe

[@joshuafraga4738]

Is the soloist still part of the choir?

[@emmyyang4339]

No, this was 4 years ago so he would have left a while ago.

[@nope24601]

Actually, this is the first piece I've heard them not sing well. It's technically accurate, but without the soul of the song.

[@mr.booker9263]

I agree, Simon: I hear "soul" in abundance here...such beauty.

[@axc5013]

I thought they sung wonderfully. But then again I play cello and I'm absolutely terrible at singing.

[@rodrigoorrego7866]

I desagree too. Heavenly Earthly interpretation. If you can better, show us!

[@yordankaacosta2849]

I have found a very moving rendition by Conspirare and Melissa Givens. I feel the same as you Rob. After listening to Conspirare and Melissa Givens, I would say this king's college rendition is beautiful, but lacks the soul.

[@O-sa-car]

While this piece sounds best by a collegiate/young professional American choir, and it may not be the perfect match for them, they still did very well.

[@sunstrine]

beautiful, but i didn't feel anything. try instilling more feeling into this song

[@victoriawidjaja8177]

You don't look prettier Wesley

[@nazarenoriveromesagonzalo346]

Is funny the fact that they doný have any black, latin, arabian or indian student, everybody are so white hahahaha

[@emmyyang4339]

There are several Asian choristers if that’s what you mean

[@petjor01]

Look again pls 🤦‍♂️

[@IWillHaveThePastaThanks]

They do.

[@kanekode6818]

a cult of white british who can sing high. Great.

[@bonniehare2372]

You are a true racist.

[@joesoy9185]

But they aren't all "white".

[@IWillHaveThePastaThanks]

Jealousy is a disease. Get well soon.

[@worldnotworld]

It's fantastic