Rachmaninoff - Bless the Lord, O My Soul

An inspiring piece by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Performed by the Robert Shaw Festival Singers.
Conducted by Robert Shaw and can be found on the CD titled "Vespers". You can find it on amazon.
Lyric Translation:
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
blessed art Thou, O Lord.
O Lord my God, Thou art very great.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord.
Thou are clothed with honor and majesty.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord.
The waters stand upon the mountains.
Marvelous are Thy works, O Lord
The waters flow between the hills.
Marvelous are Thy works, O Lord.
In wisdom hast Thou made all things.
Glory to Thee, O Lord, who hast created all!

[@stanhamluck]

As a choir member in a small town in Pennsylvania, and a convert to Orthodox Christianity, you will never hear more beautiful music than that of the Orthodox church. It is beautiful and prayerful and touches your soul. Sometimes, I think the angels are singing with us. We are a small choir with limited talent, that somehow pulls it together every Sunday and Holy Day. Orthodox Liturgical music brings a bit of Heaven to us on Earth.

[@classicbird2627]

How beautiful, how devine. Russian orthodox choral music should be declared a world's cultural heritage.

[@garysandiego]

I never knew before this evening that Rachmaninoff composed for the church. Amazingly beautiful.

[@MsSeverozapad]

I am Russian and I myself sang in the choir. This is the second time I like, as a foreign Choir performs Russian Orthodox chants. Quiet, light and lofty, so that the soul calms down and soars into the heavens.

[@RyanBednarzPiano]

only God could inspire such perfect music.

[@WellOfWisdom]

Although I'm an atheist and therefore do not believe, I have to say, I cried my eyes out upon hearing this wonderful piece. It lifts me into a transcendent state of mind. Truly a thrilling experience from my favourite composer of the late romantic era.

[@aviatorman8]

WellOfWisdom hope you are a believer by now.

[@lisaconsecratedtogod682]

Well of wisdom I pray you are a believer now. He created us with a desire to know Christ. He will make you complete and will remove the emptiness from within. God bless you.

[@richardmohr9428]

If God wasn't real, you would not have reacted as you did. Start going to an Orthodox church. If you are faithful, you will be rewarded.

[@philopateer7616]

Hi bro after 13 years of your comment !!! Are you still here ?

[@ModPapa]

It's never too late brother. The reward for the Vineyard is the same, and enough.

[@paulwilliams9207]

My wife always starts to cry when she hears this very beautiful and holy piece. Thank you for this lovely video and God bless.

[@willtheperson7224]

If there is ever a hymn I listen to while thinking of my sins to the point where I want to cry I just listen to this.

[@josepablo1514]

Rachmaninov was always a very good composer, his music has a sort of sadness, overall all those composed when he had to get away from revolution. His piano, vocal and some symphonies have a marked Tchaikovsky taste, we have to remember that was Tchaikovsky the Rachmaninov's mentor and the one who gave him new airs to compose and helped him with many of his works.

[@kevinjohnson8311]

sadness? no. reverent, yes.

[@richardjordan3735]

@@kevinjohnson8311 right...not sad at all....just enraptured in God's Ineffable Glorious Beauty Majesty and Power!

[@hwhamlin]

This is the echo of the sounds of Creation.

[@alinpaulin]

Благослови душе моя, Господа Благословен еси, Господи, Господи, Боже наш, возвелихчися, еси зело, Благословен еси Господи, Во исповедание и в велепоту облекся еси Благословен еси Господи На горах станут воды Дивны дела твоя, Господи Посреде гор... Станут воды

[@angelab8237]

Grazie ❤

[@zeddiec]

This gem of a song helps to prove that the greatest, most powerful and most emotive instrument of all is the human voice. Beautiful.

[@thomespinos4148]

I'm sitting here listening this this beautiful music with tears of joys rolling down!

[@Iggy473]

This beautiful up-lifting music seems to touch the soul itself. To compose music like this has to be a gift from God

[@korlock3000]

Each time I listen to this piece it gets a little better. I've listened to it over 100 times. My brain is going to explode its so beautiful.

[@pomonaproserpina9880]

Absolutely divine! Rachmaninov must have been heavenly inspired to compose such amazingly beautiful music!

[@christoperfect]

Rachmaninoff was a genius. This is too beautiful. Thanks for uploading. :)

[@PrinceAmac]

The first time I heard this recording of this song I had tears in my eyes at the progression at 0:40. I then began laughing because I couldn't imagine how quickly a song could move someone to tears. There was so much deep emotion within Rachmaninoff and we are blessed to have his lasting emotions in the form of beautiful music.

[@xtremenortherner]

IMHO this is music from heaven!

[@SuperDilemma]

All to the glory of our beloved lord jesus :') I just look forward to one day if God willing, enter his pure and wonderful kingdom to listen to these loving and wonderful songs forever. Praising our Lord in all eternity for Gods gift of salvation :D

[@jeffreyhoward6319]

The music of the Orthodox Church is amazing!

[@NicoleDraws642]

Apr

[@NicoleDraws642]

Dr hopper👍

[@somewereinwisconsin]

Yes!! Agreed!!!

[@MissGreenInHell]

Дуже гарно!

[@PhilipBarkhudarov]

Actually this performance is by the Robert Shaw Festival Singers, an American choir, recorded in France. I understand the main low bass was Glenn Miller (no relation to the jazz Glenn Miller or to Vladimir Miller). I've heard him sing the Vespers live with a different group, and its a pretty incredible voice he's got.

[@caroleburkhardt5120]

Glenn is an incredible oktavist and as beautiful as his voice is, he is even more so as a person. I feel so honored to have sung with him on several occasions.

[@PianistCor]

I am not blinded, but rather have the light of Christ in me. Men that do not follow the word of God, the scriptures. Jesus talks about these men as having a veil over their eyes from Satan so that they cannot see the truth. They do not follow the word of God but rather traditions of man that contradict the word of God. My veil was lifted four years ago when I read the New Testament and decided to FOLLOW God's word! Praise God!

[@dezangerman]

I sang this most exalted piece several years ago, the bass 2 and 3 parts. Heavenly.

[@TheJamesalden]

This is one of my favorites from the Vespers...Thank You!....

[@Nomad1718]

I just realized something. I have many sins on my soul, some very grave. And yet, in spite of that, God loves me still, and at the end of the day, I have more good in my soul than bad.

[@nyoffnyoff]

Nomad1718 confession is the best sacrament ever, healing

[@stevenking6168]

My friend, it is such a gift when we realize our need for forgiveness. All of us have come far short of what our Father in Heaven requires. That is why Jesus came: to pardon us from our sins and raise us back to life. None of us can hope our good will be enough to make up for our bad. Only the Spirit of God in us can make us righteous. But like you said, God still loves us and wishes us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus, our only hope. Biggest Blessings

[@zacariasdelalcazar8873]

That's not how that works. If you say this for salvation, salvation is not won by merit, reward in Heaven is. Salvation is a gift from our LORD. Otherwise, even if true, the relative goodness/badness in our soul ultimately changes nothing.

[@heterodoxx5300]

Confess and be forgiven

[@MrAnthonieify]

Thank Lulu Luou, for this beautiful choir music,singing from Rachmaninoff.. As a singer for years...and listen to this beautiful choir... I can say with Rachmaninoff, "Bless The Lord,O My Soul!'' Greetings from the Netherlands, Ton

[@TroystonB]

The Lords words made into the most heavenly music....This man was touched by the divine spirit of the Lord

[@trinidadpatlan6597]

dear LULU, THANKS FOR THE POSTING, WE NEED THAT FOR CONTINUE WALKING IN THIS HARD TIMES._LONG LIFE TO YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU TOO. 10P MEXICO . SALUDOS

[@Skendi217]

Thank you for the pictures, especially for the picture of a pregnant woman!! It fits in perfectly, as a miracle of God's creation. This composition is also a miracle, it touches your soul. Truly, thank you, and God bless you!

[@jeffwarren8154]

These divine voices seem to come from heaven itself, wrapping the hearers in a Holy Spirit embrace, and forcing out the cares of this world, and elevating above the fray.

[@Worick_]

thanks for bringing me here.

[@raderadovic8506]

Very nice!!! Otlično!!! Odlično!!

[@peacedee255]

So glad I found this recording. Especially at this very difficult time (pandemic).

[@THEMGOROTH75]

...EXTRAORDINARY, INCREDIBLE, DIVINE PERFORMANCE!!!

[@somebodyswatchin5]

Whomever doesn't appreciate the visuals accompanying this exquisite music and choir ~ Just walk away from your monitor~ Don't watch, just listen. No need to denigrate the owner of this channel; it is their right and choice to depict this music any way they choose and to turn away, is your choice.

[@WarzSchoolchild]

Music like this makes the eyes water, and takes one's breath away! Thanks for uploading, I must buy a giant box of tissues if I hear more like this!;-)

[@nadaschka]

Our choir is going to sing this piece next term and I'm so looking forward to it!! But it will be quite a challenge. Äta oschen otschen krasiwui!Spasiba balschoi!*

[@27freetime]

Beautiful . Praise be to God

[@29057011]

Величайший пианист и композитор двадцатого века.Это не подлежит сомнению. Это признано везде. Второй и третий концерт можно слушать каждый день.

[@JustMeNoOther]

I'm not catholic, I'm Christian, but I always enjoy this kind of magnanimus opus in music. God Bless !

[@richardmohr9428]

Listen to Orthodox Christmas music this Christmas, such as the Nativity Kontakion done by St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Minneapolis. Find the English text if it is in Russian or another language.

[@hans-jurgenbrietzke9496]

Какая красивая работа. В России лучшие хоры в мире. Пусть они служат миру, а не просто подчиняются деспоту.

[@bobbocesu19]

i'm an athesit, but i can really apppreciate music such as this. Makes one wonder about spirits and this song can really touch you "soul" so to speak...

[@ceili]

Man you said exactly how i felt when i heard this song, Thank you

[@bonniebluelass161]

Thank you so much for this gorgeous video. 12 years after you posted it, here I am! I just ordered the CD.

[@MrRagtimer]

This is for sure one of the most touching choir piece I've ever heard.

[@fearlessesther]

Awesome is OUR GOD`` The GIFTS he imparts to we humans, SOME greater than others. This is one of the GREATER! Most soulful and heardrendering.

[@PinkCitronnade]

Thank you for listening! I am happy to share this with so many people!

[@qkrzazzang1]

Gosh... beautiful parallel 5ths in the bass.. and that d minor chord in 2:53 is just.......... awesome

[@alinpaulin]

Благослови душе моя Господа! Благословен еси Господи!

[@ronyboots1]

It's been a while now, but I still listen to this while I study. This music is perfect for studying! It gives me so much peace and calmness. I just put this song on repeat and just keep studying. Thank You for posting this piece. I really like this version. It is very smooth and done with perfect vocal tuning!

[@zach5011]

On Earth as it is In Heaven ..

[@likeatide]

Thank you for posting this music in which human warmth meets Divine Bliss. The photos are lovely too, like visual captions to this deeply rewarding music.

[@orlinoflores]

bless the lord o my soul

[@paulbusmuth8878]

thanks Lulu Luou for the sharing

[@meneerinlognaam]

Such a beautiful piece, such a wonderfull composition, such absolute emotional tranquility, such a LAME text, such a CHEESY video

[@canopuscanopus7257]

Csodálatos!

[@azizdad]

thanks a lot , God bless you

[@jean-vitalpetit5291]

Beautifull !

[@susankenneally4618]

Truly beautiful.🌹🌹🌹

[@kpp01]

Concur with christoperfect. Thank you for taking the time to put this together and upload it. Truly, God's gifts to us are sufficient to sustain us (what wonderfully evocative images you've , and His grace is sufficient to save.

[@tonb9459]

Amin, thank you Lulu, for the beauty from this sacred song!

[@JiRocket]

Not everyone in that sense, but everyone who initially believed Christianity and then truly was transformed by the God's love

[@eromadrol]

Blessed are thou, Lulu Luou, for posting this !

[@boshgezenyan5935]

this heals me. thanks you for posting

[@MrSwadds]

Let all mortal flesh be silent.

[@edipangerapan]

Thank you for posting.

[@elenanoumilelini3930]

Wonderful performance.

[@ccdg1066]

Absolutely gorgeous.

[@ZIG191]

images are breathtaking music is heavenly i wish i were in a cathedral to be swallowed whole by this gorgeous music

[@brisasde7]

Lot of depth and beauty...thanks

[@AmythstMuzik619]

♥ LOVE ♥ ...because "Like" is completely inadequate!!!

[@JRF1961]

Beautiful, that is all that can be said!!

[@yunhee93]

Beautiful

[@estelleleroux1826]

Amen!

[@joshuamanley8886]

Pretty. I like the basses at the end. In between C and D-flat.

[@wdeadman49]

We are always learning and will still continue to learn after this life. I am a clairvoyant and I see the Other Side and my loved ones who have passed on being very happy and content there. God loves us all that He provided everything for us after we pass on from this life. He loves atheists, prostitutes, thieves, etc....All He wants us to do is to love one another and love Him with all of our hearts, and by loving one another, we are his disciples, because God is love!!

[@alinpaulin]

Господи, Боже наш, возвеличился!

[@uruundforever9946]

Dieu existe mes frères et sœurs. Quelles autres preuves chercherons-nous encore ? Il est Le Seul qui peut inspirer de telles paroles accompagnées d'une telle mélodie

[@53Vitor]

Simply divine!

[@kishinasura1504]

Glory be to Him on Terra

[@imadinosaurrawr7667]

I love this music. We sing this at my church. Sound a.tad different lol

[@FiveCentsPlease]

It's available on the CD titled "Rachmaninoff: Vespers"-- Robert Shaw Festival Singers.

[@PinkCitronnade]

Thank you so much for your comment!

[@patrikjonsson3387]

This (i assume the Telarc recording=Robert Shaw and the Fesival Singers as a hint for me) is as always with Telarc above average! However you feel like sitting at the back row in a very large auditorium! That will challenge your room and equipement. Nevertheless: The sheer quality of this phonogram! The Choir, and recording tech. Wow! Just so you know i'm refering to the actual phonogram and not this youtube link. Needless to say that that the publisher has taste. Even if this was after the legendary SoundStream era!

[@BloodySerpent]

@briceljdrago WOW thank you for telling me about this version. It's amazing!

[@lionhead7497]

@ross1991p It was the Holy Spirit which made you weep, He is alive, He is all abounding beauty, He loves you and offers Himself and His Kingdom to you for free

[@PianistCor]

Yes, this is true.

[@DonSair20]

True, I did some research about it. Glenn Miller has an incredible voice, you can find him in another video called "Vox Ann Arbor - Extreme Singing" singing a a powerfull C#. Respects to Vladimir Miller an even better basso!

[@PianistCor]

The word of God says: "... received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11 and: "And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?" Mark 12:24

[@stchoukine]

astonishing, fantastic it is at the same level as Russian greats choirs!

[@fritzkreisler3902]

ein sehr inniges werk

[@PinkCitronnade]

Robert Shaw Festival Singers, I updated the video info in case you have anymore questions

[@PinkCitronnade]

@BloodySerpent It is sung by the Robert Shaw Festival Singers. Its off the cd called Rachmaninoff: Vespers

[@NEHersch96]

this must be what heaven is like

[@PianistCor]

The Earth USED to be a perfect place to live until mens hearts turned FAR from the Lord....Jesus is coming back and one day there will be a NEW EARTH and it will be PERFECT! :-)

[@BloodySerpent]

@PinkCitronnade I have the one from Vespers but the one I have is a bit different, it has a soloist in it and mostly male voices.

[@Orimbar]

I'm crying for all the Japanies right now!

[@malcolmcolemann]

@ross1991p Hear hear (or is it Here here). One of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard in my life - and which I only came across five or six months ago - is the first movement from Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf's Sinfonia No.4 in F Major. If you've never heard it then check it out (in the dead of night is best). And his requiem is pretty damn good too!

[@OrangeSodaKing]

By far the cleanest recording, and it has every bit the expression and heart as a Russian choir, but I miss hearing a single alto sing the solo line, instead of a soli as done here... Still, this overall is my favorite recording of this piece.