Árstíðir - Heyr himna smiður - Choir in a public Train-Station

Late at night, after their sold-out concert at BuergerBahnhof in Wuppertal (D) ARSTIDIR performed a spontaneous Chorus in the great hall of the station on September, 15th 2013.

[@nicolarushton8122]

I have listened to every version of this song I can find on the internet. This song will never sound better than it did this night in this train station with these men.

[@armyof12monkeyss]

Did the same, couldn't agree more.

[@elysemcclure148]

Same. I listened to 37 versions on iTunes after coming across this, but they all sound either too overproduced or thin by comparison. It's more soulful with just a few guys in an echoey place.

[@robertkraciuk2753]

its so beautiful

[@lh7669]

I think I first heard this in 2012/2013 whenever it first hit KZbin and nearly ten years later I still get goosebumps!

[@cazique]

Literally the same here, and I agree with you 100%

[@TheGloriousNosebleed]

I believe the tall lad holding the bottle is doing the bass section, and he is doing an utterly fantastic job!! The tenor is also pristine.

[@sheneedsmoresleep]

Holy crap Ive never seen this clip in higher quality 😮 Shame it was cut, but still glad there was a clearer recording

[@DarkMandalore]

I need a 10 hour version of this.

[@DevilleQueen]

Step One: Find the link for the this site at the top of the page (the URL) Step Two: Type repeat after the word 'youtube' and before the . in .com Step Three: Press enter... and have fun :)

[@Woodwose88]

Anything by Jeremy soule.

[@Horse-and-Butterfly]

heard this sung by an Icelandic chamber choir in a random camping spot in the middle of florence at 3am. similar situation. it has stuck with me since. I want this played at my funeral.

[@FarewellChorus]

It's a shame this caught the recorder off-guard. I have yet to find a version of the song as good as this one - these guys have the perfect arrangement, great acoustics, and they perform very well. Such a tragic waste the only full recording was made with a potato. Still, though, thank you guys for capturing this much of it. I can only hope one day they'll revisit this song in a place with good acoustics, though my understanding is they've had one or two band members leave since this performance.

[@mattsteelephoto]

+Brenton Baker They're on Spotify, Amazon, and iTunes now!

[@Snabader]

This video inspired me to get a better phone.

[@maejohl]

The full version of this stunning 'performance' is also on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2XHhWt8f5d6e5I

[@deyc3]

There's like five other people with their phones out. Where are the other recordings??

[@TomasPrevendar]

if you REALLY see go on youtube and see the OTHER take from a woman from her cellphone and you clearly see THIS TAKE is taken on TOP of the line DSLR camera with mike... the other takes are on phones rubbish and it was like 5 years ago Jesus do you even know how things electronics were then???

[@TheRealSkeletor]

These harmonies literally bring tears to my eyes, every time.

[@cromeo187]

This is so heavenly. What a blessing for everyone who hears these beautiful voices.

[@LovedWonllc]

Played this just once, and the headphones had earned their cost. You can hear the resonances, basic recording of an impromptu concert be damned. Gorgeous work and acoustics. Swoon worthy.

[@emilieluffkin2767]

OMG sounds like angels

[@Ohiohillbilly80]

Through these olden hymns , you can hear the desperation , struggle and uncertainty and longing for a better life and they looked to the Lord to save them . This hymn was written for God. Your jaw drops , your knees get weak and tears feel your eyes knowing our Ancestors needed hope and cried out to God to be saved in song . This song is voices of harmony and harmony voices will always sound better than just one voice alone . Plus they should have them do this hymn (recorded in that same kinda acoustic place) for the next Elder Scrolls game :)

[@NorsePaganFrost]

No they shouldn't, it's not about Talos, unfortunately. Or in 11th century Iceland, the song was not about Thor or Odin, unfortunately.

[@mmspeedy09]

That's exactly what I felt. I'm still trying to stop crying.

[@johnbarker95]

Your words are very true.

[@pie189]

***** If someone recorded this for elderscrolls they would wonder why they are singing about a Christian god in a game that does not contain him. People would also be offended if they changed the lyrics for the game turning something that's sacred and of religion into part of a game simply made for entertainment.

[@Ohiohillbilly80]

Good grief!!! I was just saying the Hymn is a powerful expression of the human heart . pie189 Amazing Grace was actually called "Amazing Slave" and I don't see a lot of fuss about it . It's a beautiful song and music regardless if in a train station or a video game it moves you . Thanks to all the people who didn't get offended by my comment .

[@RenatusChristoph]

Hark, Heaven's Maker what every poet asks; That thy mercy may come to me softly: Thus I call to thee, for you have created me; I am thy peon and you are my master. God, I call upon thee to weep for me; to remember that I am fragile and thus need you the most. Oh, drive out the roots of my wrath generous and above all every sorrow that has taken hold of my heart's fortress. Reach for me, o' mild one, when I need you the most Preferably every moment in the world that you possess. Send us, son of the virgin, the beauty of creation and all aid from thee right into my heart.

[@lmaxwell9751]

Are these the lyrics? That is beautiful!

[@jarls5890]

@@lmaxwell9751 Yes. The hymn is from 1208 - written in Iceland by a chieftain on his deathbed. The text is what it was in 1208 - the music is a newer composition.

[@tombrown3072]

Beautiful. This is Nordic culture embodied in a sound.

[@SwedePelle]

More like Christian culture unfortunatly

[@ingwiafraujaz3126]

@@SwedePelle Not exactly. Icelanders were only recently Christianized when this song was written in 1208.

[@philruu]

that dark sound at 1:13 always gives me shivers, HEAVENLY!

[@DamfinoMR2]

The first video of this was the first time I heard this hymn. 1:13 in this video is where a tear finally escaped in the original I watched. Truly amazing stuff here..

[@SummonerOrthan]

I agree that bass ugh

[@vampyran]

colonforsecs It is a Christian psalm, so calling it heavenly isn't wrong in this instance :)

[@giovanniverrelli2996]

The chord at 1:13 is so beautiful because it is a suspended. Theoretically it is a clash of dissonant pitches with a consonant chord. Some how, magically it creates this gorgeous sound

[@giovanniverrelli2996]

The chord at 1:13 is so beautiful because it is a suspended. Theoretically it is a clash of dissonant pitches with a consonant chord. Some how, magically it creates this gorgeous sound

[@nathanfeeney8579]

Can they just do a concert in the train station. Never gets old

[@74p]

Yes, on 07 Aug 2023! Almost 10 years after. Will I see you there? I got tickets ...

[@CrazedIcelander]

holy shit they are i hope they stop at the train station again and rerecord this with proper recording equipment

[@74p]

@@CrazedIcelander , it IS in the train station! Get yourself a ticket and I will see you there?

[@Omfgwhtavid]

I wish they would release a version of this in a place with similar acoustics without all the noise, I know they're hard to come by but c'mon! There has to be somewhere!

[@BeckyVillarealbeckyreadbooks]

This is beautifully done and in a perfect place for the acoustics.

[@rp6809]

I can't explain how I feel, but it's SO AMAZING.

[@sylwiaufnalska8050]

The hymn "Heyr himna smiður" translated into English (from Wikipedia): Hear, Smith of the heavens, what the poet asks. May softly come unto me thy mercy. So I call on Thee, for Thou hast created me. I am thy slave, Thou art my Lord. God, I call on Thee to heal me. Remember me, mild one,[1] Most we need thee. Drive out, O king of suns, generous and great, human every sorrow from the city of the heart. Watch over me, mild one, Most we need Thee, truly every moment in the world of men. send us Son of the Virgin, good causes, all aid is from Thee, in my heart.

[@TheGgghhhsss]

the hymn is about 800 years old and Icelandic is one off the oldest language still spoken in Europe, because it is the closest language to old Norse that is still spoken, and has similar grammar rules as German.

[@dabouye]

Helt fantastisk! Takk for et storslagent landskap av toner og melodi Árstíðir. Hjertelig takk!

[@Hooga89]

It's funny how the word "Árstíðir" is practically the same word in my language Norwegian, which is "Årstider", both of which mean "Seasons", though granted they are pronounced vastly different, I love how I can see the ancient link between our countries, even in language.. Also, beautiful hymn, I love it!

[@niwi7072]

Also applies to swedish/sweden, and I couldnt agree more!

[@MartinTraXAA]

Not that strange at all seeing as Icelandic basically has the exact same origin...

[@basuchianu]

And ... surprise, surprise: Similar to danish an faeroish

[@zerker12312]

Same here. Jag är från sverige;) är 25% norsk 75% svensk

[@ChaplainVagn]

But your language changed over the years while icelandic was still using the old norse and technically is still just the old norse but just tiny diffrent

[@danrubcov]

So wonderful and touching... I wish I were there when they performed this thing..

[@SuperAfroman17]

you were there and you are now

[@MartinTedder]

I can't stop crying

[@SageSmokes]

Simply divine! That guy in the beige t shirt's diaphragm extension is bodacious! Look at his stomach when he reaches for the big notes.

[@leviicrazed]

***** the guy in black with the blond hair? cause the other guy in black was definitely doing the high notes right?

[@Gman6755]

Thanks very much Lompebroed. Those words are very touching. What a great song!

[@LeAsylum]

This is simply beautiful.

[@diegocinco5]

Beautiful, I stop to feel the magic!!!!

[@maneldrugo]

:O sooo damn amazing!!!! pure talent

[@laz9533]

That last chord gets me every time

[@cynthiabarnard1596]

oh what a comfort in these pandemic stresses.. thank you!

[@yourshadow05]

what you hear as you walk towards the light....

[@capitalcj8461]

MillerSNK the light doesn’t seem that bad anymore

[@AriannaHiraeth]

had the same thought!!!!

[@gunzorzz]

Not the light. VALHALLA!!!

[@Dethious]

So beautifully mesmerizing!

[@karola1773]

so sweet... and in my hometown station. amazing guys tx alot!

[@young20091000]

The Hymm is "Heyr himna smiður" Which translates to "Hear, smith of the heavens"

[@LadyRocknessmonster]

Seriously his voice is amazing.

[@justinw947]

every time i watch this performance im left speechless....aside from wondering if that dude regrets wearing a shirt that tight.

[@Knobracon]

Thank you for the better quality!! Sounds so cool

[@joanbroadfield799]

I love subways and music. Perfect together.

[@katiegrav]

Very beautiful. Thank you.

[@Myfootyoass]

I was looking for this video! For years !!!!

[@kyriakizafeiriadou7681]

Just amazing!!!!

[@JonEastling23]

The viking in me is summoned. Thank you! About to cry, love humans!

[@24Mansfield]

I find it hilarious after they sing, the dude goes right back to drinking what looks like a beer lol

[@hewhoseeks3608]

24Mansfield they are good people. nothing wrong with enjoying a beer or two

[@elleybee7081]

Absolutely other-worldly!!!

[@bromike144]

Incredible so beautiful man

[@sniperslim]

Listen, smith of the heavens, what the poet asks. May softly come unto me your mercy. So I call on thee, for you have created me. I am thy slave, you are my Lord. God, I call on thee to heal me. Remember me, mild one, Most we need thee. Drive out, O king of suns, generous and great, every human sorrow from the city of the heart. Watch over me, mild one, Most we need thee truly every moment in the world of men. Watch over me, mild one, Most we need thee, truly every moment in the world of men. send us, son of the virgin, good causes, all aid is from thee, in my heart.

[@nebrascanebrasca]

Wykonanie pieśni "Heyr himna smiður" (Usłysz, kowalu niebios) miało miejsce w niemieckim Wuppertal. Jej oryginalny tekst napisał w 1208 roku islandzki wódz Kolbeinn Tumason. Oto tłumaczenie hymnu na język polski: Usłysz, kowalu niebios, o co prosi Cię poeta. Niech Twa łaska przyjdzie do mnie łagodnie. Wzywam Cię, bo mnie stworzyłeś. Jestem Twym niewolnikiem, a Ty moim Panem. Boże, wzywam Cię, byś mnie uzdrowił. Pamiętaj o mnie, łagodny. Potrzebujemy Cię najbardziej. Odpędź, o Królu słońc, Szczodry i wspaniały Każdy ludzki smutek z miasta serca. Czuwaj nade mną, o łagodny. Prawdziwie potrzebujemy Cię w każdej chwili w świecie ludzi. Poślij nam, Synu dziewicy, dobre sprawy. Cała pomoc jest od Ciebie, w moim sercu.

[@daltonernst2549]

Wow what calming sounds

[@zenbanjo2533]

A beautiful gift

[@enthrallingusername]

1:12 Wow! Goosebumps.

[@user-it5vg9us6t]

Gorgeous

[@skorpio5i11]

piękny Hymn, piękne wykonanie...! Gratuluję i pozdrawiam :)

[@stringlars-811]

this is heaven for me.

[@falltheman]

so that was amazing

[@martine2u]

I wish they would record this live, with slightly better equipment, but no microphones so you can hear the echo. And if they could close that door so you don't hear the train announcement, even better 🙂 I've listened to many versions of this song, and this is by far the best. It has an ethereal quality that cannot be reproduced elsewhere. The best combinations of voices and voice colors, the perfect acoustics that enhance each voice (from the highest to the deepest). It is truly stunning. If there is a god, this is how you could reach its realm. Divine.

[@ciara7362]

this made me cry

[@0135172990]

In this medieval song, I hear the beauty of ancient Catholicism emerging from the rant of Ice....

[@under88Me]

+George Arokia Savariar The song itself is not medieval, it was written in the 20th century, only the text is ancient.

[@YukonCorneliusMJH]

I don't want it to end

[@petemason3336]

this shit played with my head.

[@Gman6755]

Thanks Sigurjon!

[@Awkwardtunity]

That base really makes this sound like it’s more than humans singing.

[@emilvelicu6044]

They should do it again in a train station or a church and record it profesionally , would be great !

[@DevilleQueen]

I just realized one guy doesn't have shoes on, haha :)

[@Laikalister]

listened to this on spotify, this is better than the one on spotify

[@chansherly212]

la musique de dieu! j'adore , les acoustiques sont magnifiques dans cette gare

[@jean-rockdesrochers6564]

sa me fait vibré

[@Tampanda]

Dude singing the high notes looks like an Icelandic Patrick Bateman.

[@goodsir2551]

Which one? I don't see the resemblance? I might be bad sighted

[@Tampanda]

the one with the slick parted hair in the dark blue button up with grey pants whose back is facing us in the beginning

[@adam2point051]

reservations at dörsía

[@benstiller5054]

The one to the left

[@iggyr3689]

Dear BuergerBahnhof, maybe you can post the video in full? the official video has crappy audio albeit the wonderful sound, and your video is excellent but it doesn't show their performance from the start Sincerely, me and probably lots of others

[@BuergerBahnhof]

Hi Iggy, they surprised us all with their "encore" . So, this is all I got, sorry. On FB you can see, we are doing now official (free) concerts in the hall. facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.764830703578305.1073741879.150382138356501&type=1

[@iggyr3689]

Oho, good one, keep the good artists coming then :) And maybe if arstidir comes there next time you can ask them to do it again and show all of it to us here hehe

[@scwfan08]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYikkIukfNeobNU This full video is from an Austrian a capella band. But it's awesome nonetheless.

[@TheSmiler62]

Guys......Awesome.....;) ;)

[@tomaszsidorski2047]

Greetings from poland ❤

[@R3tr0humppa]

Another perspective, yay! :D

[@eirikurjonsson2909]

His name is Hallgrimur - he also plays the cello when they perform in concerts - I think he is a barinton singer - for a while I thought he was singing the deep bass voice but I guess it's one of the three guitarists.

[@poisonated7467]

Idk what that rumbling is at 1:03, a train probably, but it sounds as if the heavens are roaring.

[@jean-rockdesrochers6564]

génial

[@petemason3336]

pop group sings an 800 year old hymn, hopped up on beer, these guys rock

[@jean-rockdesrochers6564]

jus a coté vivre se moment présent

[@jean-rockdesrochers6564]

je pence que les gens aime avoir du nouveau il ya beaucoup d'énergie d'en l'air

[@amyharney4188]

I can tell who the bass singer is by the way he leans his head forward to loosen his vocal chords to get a deeper note

[@09IpodQueen]

This was beautiful! my favourite dude is the one drinkin a beer. what is his name???

[@shawnastan5136]

[@belzebu123]

that guy has no shoes !

[@pie189]

I cant unsee that

[@amandafortin8929]

He rarely wears shoes during his performances. Funny quirk of his

[@RecklessInternetting]

I know, bro. I cried too. I cried like a little bitch.

[@thedevilsreject23]

Where can I get the vocal score arrangement they’re singing? It’s slightly different to the SATB hymn version

[@qweuio]

hooray better sound quality

[@bennemann]

If you're looking to hear a song very similar to this, listen to Ola Gjeilo's version of "Ubi Caritas". Thank me later.

[@mode3517]

lol dude is chillin with a beer in hand.

[@jean-rockdesrochers6564]

jaurais voulu etre a leur place

[@Gman6755]

Would love an English translation of what they are singing. Anyone here who can do that?

[@colincartwright7009]

I am assuming red shoes is the baritone. He has the most nihilistic face out of all of them lol

[@semproser19]

He's also holding a beer in his left hand lol

[@fiachraswaz]

Guy with the beard looks like a drunk who heard singing and decided to join in for the craic

[@crescitsubponderevirtus7617]

Vikings the soul of Vikings !!!!

[@sigurjons]

you can see the english translation in this version of the song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ-uepqZmL5jb7M

[@petemason3336]

who cares what imaginary religeous thoughts you falsely impose on the author. surely the important thing is what it makes you feel. I just admire the skill, and the fact that one guy has no shoes. respect.

[@SeroGrave]

Just curious, what language is that?

[@Ioner66]

Oooooold icelandic. I think the hymn they sing originated from a text of the 11th century if my memory doesn't trick me right now ^^

[@SeroGrave]

Is it a hard language to learn?

[@Spaenskuverkefni]

SeroGrave definitely very hard :)

[@SeroGrave]

I'm really interested now. Though, I just found out what a hymn is and I'm not much the religious man.

[@krykkeroev]

SeroGrave Its Icelandic

[@dukio-03]

Why is one of the guys not wearing shoes

[@lepinkainen79]

is this the Odin view?

[@NorsePaganFrost]

Nei, det er en kristen sang dessverre.

[@dustywilson5461]

Someone tell the band, they should re-record this professionally and put it on an album. Amazing performance, but the noise and poor sound quality ruin the experience.

[@CrossCuntryFranco]

They did -- with Anneke van Giesbergen. Doesn't really sound the same as this amazing version, though. But still, better that recording than none at all!

[@jackiemeggesto1515]

Arstidir is a bad way to transliterate the name of this group, which is Árstíðir. The Icelandic character eth (ð) is not pronounced like an English 'd', but is rather pronounced like the "th" sound in the English word "then".

[@Fuar11]

the capitol is written like a D though

[@deadvirgo]

wow. that was the shit.

[@putadelsol]

skyrim 2 intro...

[@Geomemnon]

Lol. Skyrim is part 5 of The Elder Scrolls.

[@Ioner66]

mimzou Hardly. The elderscrolls series is numbered in a linear fashion and has no trollolo numbers involved like FF. TES I: Arena TESII: Daggerfall TESIII: Morrowind TESIV: Oblivion TESV: Skyrim That said....Elder scrolls uses orchestral ensembles and not sexy icelandic choirs (lol).... so psh...eat that +Geomemnon. xD

[@Nornagast]

A Skyrim intro about Jesus?

[@Nornagast]

***** Thanks but I've already pledged my soul to Sheogorath.

[@NorsePaganFrost]

Nornagast Why not both?