Sissel Kyrkjebø, Paddy Moloney & Kalle Moraeus - Shenandoah

Norwegian soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø performing "Shenandoah" with Irish musician Paddy Moloney and Swedish musician Kalle Moraeus at a TV-concert in Drammen Theater, Norway in 2001. Moloney died on 11 October 2021, aged 83.
Sissel, the international singing sensation and national treasure of Norway, is established as one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos. Her angelic and powerful voice has made Sissel a national institution and she has sung all over the world, selling over ten million solo albums. She has contributed haunting vocal tracks for the soundtrack to Titanic and The Lord of the Rings, and has been performing duets with singers like Charles Aznavour, Andrea Bocelli, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Mario Frangoulis, Josh Groban, Brian May, Neil Sedaka, Bryn Terfel and Russell Watson. In 2005, she was knighted by the King of Norway, as the youngest ever to receive this honour. And in 2006, her album 'The Spirit of the Season' with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir went to number-one on the Billboard Classical Charts, and received a Grammy nomination. A very remarkable voice that only comes once in our lifetime.
"Shenandoah" (also called "Oh Shenandoah", or "Across the Wide Missouri") is an American folk song, dating to the early 19th century. The lyrics may tell the story of a roving trader in love with the daughter of an Indian chief; in this interpretation, the rover tells the chief of his intent to take the girl with him far to the west, across the Missouri River. Other interpretations tell of a pioneer's nostalgia for the Shenandoah River Valley in Virginia, and a young woman who is its daughter; or of a Union soldier in the American Civil War, dreaming of his country home to the west of the Missouri river, in Shenandoah, Iowa (though the town lies some 50 miles east of the river). The provenance of the song is unclear. Click on CC for subtitles.
The song is also associated with escaped slaves. They were said to sing the song in gratitude because the river allowed their scent to be lost.
The Shenandoah area made many parts like wheels and seats for wagons going west. These parts were assembled in Conestoga Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and settlers set out in Conestoga wagons down the Ohio River, on the Mississippi and west up the Missouri River. Lyrics were undoubtedly added by rivermen, settlers, and the millions who went west. With possible origins in Virginia, noting that its title is also the name of a Virginia river, the song has been considered for Virginia's official state song.
Sissel, the international singing sensation from Norway, is widely regarded as one of the finest and most talented sopranos in the world. Her crystalclear voice has made Sissel a national institution in Norway. Sissel has sung all over the world, selling over ten million solo albums. She contributed the haunting vocal tracks for the soundtrack to Titanic. She has been doing great duets with singers like Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Bryn Terfel, Jose Carreras, Russell Watson, Mario Frangoulis, Charles Aznavour, Neil Sedaka and Josh Groban. A very remarkable voice you will only hear once in your lifetime.

[@sisselfan]

See how others react when they hear Sissel perform this song. Playlist with reaction videos of KZbin users responding to "Shenandoah": kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6CWiJyoaaich8U

[@Ozmulki]

Agree. The best version ever!

[@crunchy2k]

Bizarre response from an Asian. What is this sisselfan in color?

[@giora150357]

With Sissel singing the World is a better place.

[@sifridbassoon]

I just realized that this song is the American "Danny Boy." Both sing about someone having to leave home. So sad. So much loss. I think that as you get older, you appreciate the people in your life who are gone. Unfortunately, sometimes that can make this song excruciatingly painful. 😭

[@moranplano]

And very sad...but in a beautiful way.

[@fsinjin60]

They are both sea shanties which do not mention the sea.

[@kathleenalarid1150]

My son just left for the military one week ago. This song is so beautiful but still, it makes me sad.

[@mergenocide]

@@fsinjin60 It's kind of ironic, the idea is that Shenandoah was meant as a shanty for working on barges on the river, hence "you rolling river". And while they are called sea shanties as they became popularized in the mid to late 1800s on "the sea", the earliest evidence of sea shanties were actually from around the 1806 from slaves in Martinique, and slaves pushing cotton up and down the Mississippi river. So it's kind of full circle.

[@justforthemusic90]

The Newsroom brought me here and it brought me tears. Both the scene and this song made me all emotional. So sad!

[@MarcAmbrosia]

Loved Charlie!

[@quinceygirl19]

I loved Charlie♥

[@justforthemusic90]

Brynna Caffrey Me too!

[@karilindsay3670]

I'll be back in a minute. :'(

[@danielprestonjones]

All the feels, man all the feels. Watching that Newsroom scene, then listening to this. Its just to much.

[@tomclayton9358]

I love her voice and like very much that she doesn't paint he face.

[@GaryWells-sr2rf]

❤ I grew up singing this song for 60 years. This blows my mind. The melody is perfect. The singing is angelic!! 😢 something is in my eyes. Rest in peace Paddy 🙏🏻

[@billdouglas2936]

One of the most beautiful and talented people ever to hail from Norway.

[@dappy848]

She is incredible and then Paddy starts up. This is one of the best pieces of music on record. The whistle is haunting.

[@allenjones3130]

Sissel is one of the greatest singers of all time.

[@thomassmith1080]

Hello Allen. How’s your day going?

[@donloughrey1615]

I've watched this many many times. Sissel is a gift from heaven. This time I shed tears when Paddy's face was shown. R.I.P. Paddy Maloney.

[@tedsteele8154]

Likewise, I understand

[@fatimaursulaursula3147]

Não falo português, mas SISSEL e uma.das obras Divinas de Deus!

[@fatimaursulaursula3147]

Me encanta 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@StephenRArchambault]

Same. Gift from Heaven!

[@richardhale3451]

Unbelievably beautiful rendition of the song in every regard. I have never heard the tin whistle played so beautifully.

[@user-ls3lc4cp1m]

Sissel still has a voice like an angel

[@deananderson6057]

SISSEL , YOU ARE AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOUR SINGING, LOVE U Deano from NZ.

[@declanallen9912]

RIP Paddy Moloney

[@danielperry8221]

I've been hearing this song for over 60 years-best version ever-thanks.

[@jimsitko2392]

Truly a voice from heaven. I've heard many renditions of "Shenandoah" and nothing can come close to this one. With Paddy and Kalle at Sissel's side, the team was perfect. Sorry to hear of the passing of Paddy.

[@luisaascari1246]

An Angel that has come here to help us to survive

[@djbillybopdjbillybop2817]

Great song and singer also the late Paddy Moloney of the Irish Folk band The Chieftains sadly passed away on October 12, 2021, in Dublin “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

[@floydfarless8448]

Amen. Teach the angels to sing the old songs.

[@johndaley3464]

I haven't heard such pure voice ever am 75 and love all types of music, am blown away by this

[@Aikidobear129]

I grew up listening to this song being recorded by many, many talented artists but none sing it with more feeling than this beautiful lady. God blessed her with a gift and she's sharing it with us- for that I say Thank You.

[@stevenedwards2162]

Heaven must be missing an Angel

[@ritadebeer9614]

Oh man what a God given voice!!!

[@henryhorner3182]

The perfect antidote for the mass (liberal) insanity of today's America.

[@hmackie6823]

I am 61 years old now and yes...this is the greatest female voice I've ever heard...and I've heard most!

[@hmackie6823]

Leann Rhymes comes close

[@marianwalsh6297]

U are so right she is perfect

[@hmackie6823]

@@marianwalsh6297 if u like that,my favorite male singer is Otis Redding...especially the 1967 Monterey Festival songs

[@patrickmarmorat1126]

Judith Durham voice is also perfect

[@hmackie6823]

@@patrickmarmorat1126 I also like Judith and The Seekers

[@davideitutis450]

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VOICE I'VE EVER HEARD AND MY SECOND MOST FAVORITE SONG OF ALL TIME.....

[@shaileshmanjhi9797]

Can I ask your first favorite song mam ? @DavidEitutis

[@davideitutis450]

@@shaileshmanjhi9797 BLUE DANUBE

[@bigdmac33]

Oh my goodness, I can feel the electric going down my spine.

[@davidmixon7379]

Dear Sissel, Thank you very much for Your version of Shenadoah It is the best. Your sound is amazingly clear and the heartfelt Feeling is wonderful. I'm from California and I am living in Fairfield Iowa a university town. I have heard all the folk singers . Your version of Shenadoah is by far the Best. Thank You For the opportunity To Hear such a Heavenly Voice.

[@michaeljordan3422]

Omg Such A Beautiful Gorgeous Voice Brilliant Performance Love You To Bits Princess XX

[@saintjohnno]

First time listening to this version of Shenandoah .. This ladies voice is pure magic.. grabbed my attention from her very first note ... From the land downunder..

[@brooke4627]

One of the finest and most touching versions of the American classic folk song. Shenandoah has been one of my favourite songs for many a year - and not without good reason. Some mysteries are forever.

[@TheShoottheradio]

I'm from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Very beautiful song.

[@sisselfan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4ipY3uBi9hmY8U

[@billsmith7873]

From NoVa and love the Shenandoah Valley

[@lynprayerfulvigilantdiscer6923]

A foretaste of Heaven... the voice of an angel 🌈🙏🏻🌈

[@luckyluciano2395]

The most beautiful combination of words to describe a voice that I've ever seen.

[@luckyluciano2395]

@Henry Horner how do you know? I've had the misfortune to seeing the other side. I dealt with cancer since age 12 and now I'm 25. During one of my brain surgeries I saw something beautiful. I didn't want to come back. I wanted to stay. But I was being pulled back. As if I were being pushed. The misfortune of it is I came back. I wanted to stay

[@luckyluciano2395]

@Henry Horner come to find out I flatlined due to a massive drop in blood pressure. Now mind you, under general anesthesia, you don't dream. Any dream you have is you being not fully sedated. I don't know what it was.

[@donaldmatthew4980]

Hi Lyn, that'll do for me. X

[@stevenavisky4031]

The energy of Sissel's voice is astral. Thank you.

[@hmackie6823]

perhaps the greatest female voice I ever heard

[@sisselfan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpDHqqSCbtSSes0

[@henryhorner3182]

She may not be the greatest. But can rightfully take her place with the greatest.

[@leshall6844]

How soul filling, how wonderfully the voice of this lovely lady soothes the heart. Thank you for adding some joyful moments to our sad, crying world of hate, greed and meanness.

[@noriemeha]

yes, sometimes she is almost messianic

[@SANTIAGO636]

Great to have the Chieftains playing with her...That Irish sound is unbeatable

[@noriemeha]

Yes Paddy on whistle is from the Chieftains. The fiddler is Moreaus whose brother composed the Koppangen tune.

[@justabaker5609]

I have listened to thousands of songs in all genres and her voice is without a doubt the most beautiful I've ever heard.

[@Serge_Korr_Music]

I don't have any words!! That's so... And thanks so much for the Titanic!! I'm sure Mr. James Horner was very pleased!!

[@pmartin7397]

This has got to be the most beautiful rendition of this song I've heard so far. Her beautiful voice and the plaintive Irish tin whistle make it an evocative experience.

[@sisselfan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4ipY3uBi9hmY8U

[@patoconnor8256]

Agree entirely. Sissel's voice is second to none,and PADDY MALONEY of the CHIEFTAINS group on the tin whistle, is the icing on the cake.

[@saulatizado6148]

I love. her,I love her songs, stay safe always

[@betsyhall5094]

What a voice!! Love the emotion she puts into this lovely American folk song!!! I have always loved it. My brother used to sing and play it on his guitar--he has since passed and is in God's arms.

[@jeremydow1432]

Alms also always amen

[@frankgarrity3424]

Just LOVERLY

[@AndrewDunlap77]

Growing up in Kansas City which sits on the Missouri River , I first heard this as a young boy. It’s haunting melody takes me back to my youth and evokes deep emotions

[@andyr3674]

Most beautiful and haunting version of this beautiful song, it brings to life the past with allits horror, romance, and those that wore blue, and those grey. God bless you america.

[@thomassmith1080]

Hello dear. How’s your day going?

[@davidcostello776]

You will not hear a better rendition of this beautiful song,also the great tin whistle playing of Paddy Moloney, just gorgeous.

[@henryhorner3182]

I can do without the sillly whistle. It detracts from Sissel's singing.

[@SilentBob731]

The more I listen to her , the higher she climbs on my list of "Favourite Voices of All-Time". Truly amazing. 😉

[@jackjohnhameld6401]

I have heard Shenandoah sung by more than one American baritone, but now I'm sold on Sissel.

[@abrogard142]

total beauty. and the expression on her face ! Like she knows. It all. Your heart. The effect she and her voice, the music, have on you..... Never seen her before I didn't know.

[@noriemeha]

Abrogard, she is an Aladdin's Cave of musical discovery.

[@abrogard142]

@@noriemeha Sure is. And check that penny whistle - making transcendental pure music.... totally in accord with the piece and her voice..

[@rayhoward8188]

OH BOY BRILLIANT 👏 👌. RAY TWELVE STRINGS U.K 🎶

[@carolbozek1625]

Her beautiful voice and gentle style put me into a state of grace and peace.

[@noriemeha]

I don't need drugs when there is this voice to give me grace & peace.

[@ketilliland]

Rest in peace, Paddy and thank you for the music.

[@lizgonyul]

So beautiful. Thank you.❤

[@alanmurray9861]

I keep coming back to this

[@salobrena6442]

this never gets old

[@wallacebentley6655]

73 yoa and couldn't agree more. This is the performance where I discovered her and still treasure it.

[@joshuafarmer3467]

Her voice would make me go to Heaven. Jesus God she has a soul of music. Makes me sing myself. Beautiful.

[@hoborock007]

Ditto... couldn't say it better myself

[@conniewolf7300]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@michaeljordan3422]

Omg Breathtaking Best Version Ever Beautiful Brilliant Performance Love You Princess XXX

[@peterhoughton]

Always a pleasure to listen to this lady, what a voice

[@idleonlooker1078]

What a magnificent and beautiful voice - as crystal clear as a fresh alpine stream!! It is a privilege to listen to her sing!! 👏👏👏👏👏 🥰👍

[@ciararespect4296]

Great Playlist you have

[@idleonlooker1078]

@@ciararespect4296 Thank you!! I hope you enjoy listening to some of it. I like listening to good music from all parts of the world. To me music truly is an international form of communication. 😊👍

[@ciararespect4296]

@@idleonlooker1078 same here. Good music is good music plain and simple!

[@hoplong61]

She has a very beautiful voice

[@sandragilbert8875]

I’m at a loss to say anything, just pure perfection ❤🌹💐

[@user-bj7ld1yp6w]

I always like to hear different singers singing this song. I really liked this artist.

[@1allanbmw]

Several years ago, I was in Gettysburg PA. A painting in the round, of the battlefield that had been in storage for almost a hundred years, had been restored and was housed in a new building that had not been there the last time I had visited. A man & his mother were speaking German and I listened ( my 2nd language is Dutch). So eventually I asked what they thought of it all. He was a high school history teacher, so his interest was very keen. I know how I felt in Holland about places where history had unfolded, and I reflected on my own feelings there and then. So fast forward to a European rendition of musical Americana: This music... is so deeply embedded, I think, in the American psyche and experience that not everyone who performs it, does it justice. THIS rendition, is moving and stirring to the soul. I've loved this tune since I was a child. And with a hint of European flavor, this is by far the best version of a very American musical "prayer". I loved it! Thank you for posting it!

[@henryhorner3182]

Discovering Sissel is one of the best highlights of last year. I keep returning and playing her music over and over again now.

[@noriemeha]

Yes, lockdown would have been more miserable without a daily input from that voice.

[@jamescasement6635]

Yes I found her during lock down this is the best version of my favourite tune absolutely mesmerising

[@michaelbrand8279]

Beautiful performance! RIP Paddy Moloney--a big loss to the Irish music community. :'-(

[@wallacebentley6655]

This is so often my go to song when I need comfort and peace. Never tire of it and her perfect voice.

[@iansargent1769]

Superb rendition of this tune Sissel's stunning lyrics and Paddy's haunting tin whistle.

[@mademoiselledusfonctionell1609]

Have you heard it whistled? I first heard this song in Jan Lindblad's version. He was a wildlife photographer, juggler and bird whisperer. I love that version as well.

[@robertlassiter907]

This is the most beautiful rendition of this song I’ve ever heard. I’ve heard countless people sing this and not really heard it until now. Beautiful!

[@sisselfan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4ipY3uBi9hmY8U

[@robertlassiter907]

@@sisselfan Thank you very much! This woman has the voice of an Angel. Bless you!

[@davidmcclellan9621]

I reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia, America. I have heard many different vocalists singing their interpretations of that above tune from the Great American Songbook. I have to opine that Sissel Kyrkjebø's interpretation(s) of the song "Shenandoah" ranks among the most heavenly, indeed 😃😃😃😃😃. From what I understand of Sissel Kyrkjebø, she is a Norwegian soprano who comes from Bergen, Kingdom of Norway. And Sissel can sing with an angelic voice in the English language 😃😃😃😃😃. Sissel is a benison in the musical world 😃😃😃😃😃🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵. May God bless her, and her family 😃😃😃😃😃.

[@hmackie6823]

perhaps the best version you will ever hear

[@andrew5184]

What compels humans to compose such pieces? The lyrics, the tune, the instrumentation. I love it. It feels like one of the ways we respond to beauty and longing.

[@jmchez]

Listen to Placido Domingo singing Mexico's, "La Golondrina". You get the same feeling and, again, makes you wonder what drove someone to compose something like that.

[@larrylamb3480]

This is one of my favorites Sissel sings !

[@larrylamb3480]

This song brings tears to my eyes and I don't know why ! I guess because it's so poignant !

[@larrylamb3480]

AMEN !

[@johnbaker3016]

It's been said God comes here to hear how music sounds. That's truely said.

[@SilentBob731]

Beautiful Song, Beautiful Rendition, Beautiful Lady. Edit: It was Aaron Sorkin's "The Newsroom" that brought me here.

[@pauldaly2522]

Boooommmm!!! Just simply blown away

[@gabriel-constantinpopescu5252]

A wonderful melody, a wonderful singer lady.

[@oldsoldier64]

Beautiful. Why would anyone give this a thumbs down?

[@NROS2012]

There is no cure for stupid.

[@marcphelan9883]

People who are dead inside

[@steveblanco7494]

Angelic voice. A beautiful Celtic performance adds to this Masterpiece. Thank you.

[@tonyc6815]

One word... PERFECTION!!!!

[@sisselfan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpDHqqSCbtSSes0

[@tonyc6815]

Being Italian that's one of my favorites

[@jerrymichaelcrowe1917]

I remember this song from when I was a child watching the movie. Beautiful beyond what words can describe. Plus Sissel's singing is so healing for me.

[@joycephilip1]

Paddy was so gifted to be able to produce such delightful music on such a simple instrument as the tin whistle. I feel honoured to have known him through work in the '60s. Sissel is a dream voice!

[@RobertSJHu]

Aloha to Sissel for your divine gift of song and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Am 79 years old and love your singinging. Your singing has extended my fragile human life and I thank God for you my kind human angel !!!!! Robert S.J. Hu June 17, 2021.

[@RobertSJHu]

Hi! again Sissel for your blessed song of "Shenandoah." Gratefully, Robert June 24, 2021.

[@user-ge9xu7mw5o]

Как же приятно слышать. Как будто я в другом мире ❤

[@Chain987]

Istina. Neka druga dimenzija.

[@gregautryphoto]

I've lost count, the number of times I've watched/listened to this. Always brings tears

[@danmart1879]

God must have been there with these musicians and soprano. A highlight of the human spirit.

[@TheyStoleMyHandleAgain]

This is the most beautiful version I have ever heard. This was my late father's favorite song.

[@Me2Lancer]

Sissel, what a breath-taking performance.;-)

[@donalroberthaughey4072]

Thank you Paddy Moloney, your magical music will live forever.

[@noriemeha]

He was our living connection to the great Sean O Riada who would have approved of Sissel.

[@constanceweinberger3078]

I was privileged to have heard Jose in a solo performance seven rows from the stage; I am still in awe that I was so blessed to have heard him in a live. He is a very humble singer, no pretense ..just Jose. What an honor for Sissel to have had the opportunity to sing with such a gifted voice.

[@larrylamb3480]

GOD has touched her vocal cords ! With the assistance of angels she passionately sings to our souls !

[@fezzik7619]

I’m so sorry you believe that but I’m afraid to inform you it’s just a combination of genetics and a tremendous amount of training on her part. The credit all goes to her.

[@buckjohnson1119]

@@fezzik7619 I’m pretty confident she would disagree with you.

[@fezzik7619]

@@buckjohnson1119 that makes no difference. She’d still be wrong.

[@buckjohnson1119]

@@fezzik7619 Only to Lucifer’s legions that look for miserable gnashing of teeth invasions, of all that is good.

[@fezzik7619]

@@buckjohnson1119 wow. Time to take your medication

[@blocksjunge]

Only one word: the best

[@anthonymiley188]

You can tell by her face and eyes that she is totally engrossed while singing this song .

[@terrellprice6627]

Heaven blessed us all for the musical, lyrics and absolutely beautiful sing. A blessing from God through these extremely talented beautiful human beings.

[@pauljohnson7450]

It's always a thrill to hear Sissel sing. She has the most beautiful voice I have heard.

[@chs6467]

I suspect that Sissel never decided on one particular music genre because she wanted to sing every beautiful sing that was ever written…Oh gosh what a wonderful singer!

[@AaronApanui]

She's a versatile singer indeed, who is not confined to songs from any particular genre. She is able to handle pretty much any song while putting her own elegant touch on it. Quite difficult to find this nowadays.

[@louiscrowe8699]

@@AaronApanui last

[@noriemeha]

She's not a snob musically nor, thank goodness, a diva.

[@beefydude169]

I have watched this rendition many many times. Whenever I listen to this piece, which is my favorite American folk song, Sissel's voice will always move me to tears. Oh, those good old days.

[@JCNNM]

This lady sings like an angel

[@salobrena6442]

pure genius

[@thomassmith1080]

Hello dear. How’s your day going?

[@mituldaniadventureJunkie]

, . What a beautiful Song!! Majestically sung.

[@johnwoulfe3118]

Nobody will ever compete with this rendition, Sissel is fabolous and Paddy adds to it's appeal with his tin whistle. R I P Just the perfect background to one of the finest songs ever written. Heard it for the first time while driving through Indian country in South Dakota almost 20 years ago. 👍

[@carolbozek1625]

Condolences to Sissel and their other musicians on the loss of Paddy. 🙏🏽

[@noriemeha]

Paddy & Sissel were good friends ever since Paddy discovered her and that voice.

[@trondvollset2113]

The best voice ever

[@johnburns6422]

It is my most favoured films of all time ,I am in my late late seventies i have viewed the film a thousand times or so ,James Steward Brilliant .

[@joem1413]

What a voice, she has it all.

[@ronharris7335]

Most glorious voice from a beautiful woman.

[@stevedow2508]

Beautiful! R.I.P. Paddy.

[@Tearloch]

RIP Paddy lad .. what a beautiful performance