Stephen Cleobury (1948-2019)

[@katherineb.3140]

I live in rural Texas and am very blessed to have my own land. Oftentimes when I am on my tractor (which has a cab) I listen to your choral music. It’s about as close to angelic as I can imagine. This is the time where I am praying to our Lord Jesus. Giving thanks for his blessings. The choir music just really is so beautiful. The gift of song by God. I wish Sir Cleobury were alive. I would have liked to have told him what the music has meant to me personally. For all of you at Kings College it is personal for Sir Cleobury was a big part of your community. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead. Your Sister in Christ, Katherine Mountain Springs, Texas

[@claireforestgreenorgangeek7882]

I wish Sir Stephen was alive too. I would have loved to have played the organ for him. I don't sing very well but I am an enthusiastic amateur organist; I love the organ so much I call it "the love of my life". I would have played FOREST GREEN (& several other English hymn tunes that I love) on the organ for him. This (FOREST GREEN) is the best tune ever sung by the world's best choir! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHvUmKamrZpqeZI

[@robinharris3425]

The influence a choirmaster can have on a boy cannot be underestimated. As a choirboy in a small church choir I was taught by the choirmaster (a tenor) how to sing. He was strict and stern when necessary, and made sure that we understood the essential values of life. Psalms 15 and 121 were given especial attention. On the rare occasions when he demonstrated what he was getting at we were stunned by the strength and clarity of his voice. Such people ( I can't distinguish between the two choirmasters) are few and between, but those few are never forgotten by those boys.

[@shandecemauia8014]

Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us for all of these years! The pure and angelic sounds of King's College choirs have lifted my spirits and soothed my soul again and again. You will be sorely missed.

[@justindoyle8531]

A wonderful tribute to a very special man. On 24th December this year there will be an extra poignancy to the words of the bidding prayer ‘Lastly let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light...’. Thank you, Sir Stephen, for everything you did for us all.

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

That line of the prayer always made me cry. I will really cry this year, because of Stephen & also because I lost a good friend on August 6. I never had the good fortune to meet Stephen but I think of him as a friend anyway, ditto for Sir David Willcocks. I became an Anglophile back in 1994 after hearing my first CD ever of the Choir of King's College. They are the world's best choir. This year's Nine Lessons & Carols will be bittersweet.

[@amapparatistkwabena]

How tragic this news. We have lost a great one, and yet are so blessed to have lived at such a time as during his mastery. I simply cannot imagine choral music without the incomparable contributions of Mr. Cleobury. RIP, Sir. We are richer for your service.

[@Londonfogey]

I feel privileged to have briefly met and spoken with Sir Stephen after Evensong at King's a few years ago. One of the giants of Anglican music.

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

I'm sorry I never met him, & I'm also sorry I never saw the beautiful King's College Chapel. I am not able to fly (not even to another state, let alone overseas) because it gives me barotrauma (my ears pop). I am an American Anglophile.

[@Londonfogey]

@@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506 It is a stunning building; what always strikes me is how narrow it is compared to its height. The fan vaulted ceiling is amazing. But at least you can enjoy the many great KZbin videos of King's College and its choir at any time!

[@wferdinandofficial]

A lovely and noble man. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory, with all the saints - and most especially Saint Cecilia.

[@michaelfarmhand]

So sorry to hear this. The choir of Kings has lifted many souls, including mine, over the decades. May Stephen Cleobury rest in peace and be raised in glory

[@williamdias6487]

I'm sad to hear Mr. Cleobury is gone...he will always be remembered.. thank you for all the effort in the choral music sphere... regards from Brazil São Paulo.

[@JeffChristensen1]

Rest in peace, Sir Stephen. Thank you for the gift of wonderous music during your time with us.

[@Snakesborough]

Prayers from the Netherlands. A sad message. Versa est in luctum cithara mea. But his great love for music is still alive. Requiescat in pace.

[@facitenonvictimarum]

I can't believe it. I'm shocked and saddened. I admired him so very, very much. His music brought me closer to God, without a doubt. Go with God, Stephen Cleobury.

[@Three60guy]

Stephen Cleobury was loved world wide. Rest in peace. A tribute from Wisconsin USA.

[@Ricardo1961D]

On Earth we are devastated by such losses. We will recover with the help of glorious music from such masters. And from today forward Heaven will have better music than ever before. You can count on it.

[@timothyj1966]

So very sad to learn this! Have followed him through the years mostly Radio December 24th Live, and replays here on KZbin. He was a fine conductor and raised Choral singing to a Fine Art. Rest In Peace from Canada.

[@johncourt3451]

Surely he goes to a great divine reward. His ministry of music has blessed thousands of us.

[@thomasholmes5343]

Ein Meister ist von uns gegangen.. Danke für das Leben im Dienste der Kirchenmusik weit über die große englische Chortradition hinaus! „..there‘s a voice I can hear, that will lead me home.“ May he rest in peace!

[@Knappa22]

Psalm 150: O praise God in his holiness, praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him in his noble acts, praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him in the sound of the trumpet, praise him upon the lute and harp. Praise him in the cymbals and dances, praise him upon the strings and pipe. Praise him upon the well-tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath, praise the Lord.

[@carolienvanboven2504]

Such a loss. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with you all in these days of saying goodbye to this noble man. I am sure your beautiful voices will accompany him on his journey ... God bless you all.

[@Tamadehenzhan]

Lieber Maestro S. Cleobury, Gottes Segen und danke für Ihre meisterhafte Musik.

[@estudiopay]

The best recordings of Handel's Messiah. God bless you dear Stephen Cleobury.

[@gotham61]

Oh no! I saw him conduct the choir just a few months ago at their last concert in the United States under his leadership. A very sad day.

[@denhamk]

Hammerschlägen M cancer 😔😔

[@Panhorst]

So sorry to hear. Praying for family and friends in Jesus name.

[@neilroderick2481]

Stephe cleobury was not only a fabulous master of choiresters but a wonderful human being. Rest in peace great man.

[@AntPDC]

RIP Stephen. You brought great pleasure to many. I'm rather shocked.

[@gdkufchak]

With deepest sympathy and a profound sense of loss. Rest in peace.

[@searchingforbutterflies]

Lord, may Stephen Cleobury rest in peace with Your angels and Your Son. Please, I pray you. He deserves Heaven, he was amazing

[@avikatt]

A huge loss.. An angel passed away.. Rip sir Stephen cleobury

[@S4mb3r]

Fitting for him to pass on st cecilias day, massive condolences

[@GZ9090]

May you rest in peace. God bless you! Thank you for everything you did for Kings College and the great British choral tradition at large. A truly great man!

[@BarneyLeith]

So sorry to learn of Sir Stephen's death. A great musician, appreciated across the world!

[@margielyons6282]

So Sorry to hear of this Loss. A great Conductor and Musician. He did so much for the Great Kings College Choir and was so professional. Condolences and Best Wishes. 🎵🌲🎵🌲

[@DLJ2890]

his inspiration will live on in those, many, who were inspired by him.

[@adienromarirez2309]

Another stalwart has been called to rest from his labors until the trumpet call shall sound. Sleep in peace, great one.

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

I am so heartbroken. Even though I never had the good fortune to meet him, I thought of Sir Stephen as my friend because I love, love, love the Choir of King's College, Cambridge (I am an American Anglophile). I am so sorry he died. RIP Sir Stephen & I will send green balloons to heaven for you as I have also done for RVW & Sir David.

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

How can anyone dislike this? That's sad. This is a very touching, moving tribute to a great choir director, & it gets dislikes? Whyyyyyyy?

[@KaribaTube]

Very very sad news! I'm happy I saw him live for the first time at the Centenary Carol of Nine Lessons. Sing on Stephen, with the angels and saints. RIP

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

I never got to meet him *cries* I really wanted to, because the Choir of King's College Cambridge is THE BEST CHOIR EVER.

[@KaribaTube]

@@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506 so sorry about that

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

@@KaribaTube Thank you so much.

[@cluckcluck6494]

Oh my...may his soul rest in peace😭😭

[@samshearman5251]

So sorry to hear of his passing.

[@tommorris3688]

Great man, Dr Steven Cleobury. Keeping the tradition in the Cambridge College Chapels with traditional choral music is a rarity. Most CofE churches these days are into trendy modern music with guitars and electric pianos, and short choruses/songs.

[@GAR23LOVMUZ]

‘What A Sad Day For Music’ R.I.P Stephen Cleobury..

[@leorenier1]

Rest in peace.

[@maureenwhiteley2052]

May God grant you eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon you. Sincere sympathy and prayers. R.I.P.

[@k.auan2375]

Rest in peace great Men.

[@jungjinbaek]

What a sad news. May he rest in peace. ❤

[@mallorga1965]

Descanse en paz, Maestro.

[@nancyhobson9710]

Rest in Peace, Sir.

[@sc57bot]

Oh, no. Sad sad sad news. Heavenly angels transport him with music as beautiful as he has given us.

[@Eowyn77]

Very sad to hear this. May he rest in peace!

[@markemanuele1929]

Rest in Peace

[@captainie1]

a beautiful tribute

[@rickythe2nd63]

May God rest his soul.

[@litoboy5]

R.I.P.

[@betsabedonoso5539]

R.I.P

[@temitopefaleti7053]

Deeply upsetting; when I saw this on YT earlier on, my heart sunk. Prayers and condolences for his family, this university, its past and present members & his friends. God please quicken the day when this horrible disease and harsh treatment will be gone as this news is too common 💚💙 :'( :'( :'(

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

Yes, too many people are getting cancer. My favorite band director at my alma mater high school died of cancer in March. And I have lost a few relatives & several friends to cancer over the years. Too much cancer. It's awful.

[@temitopefaleti7053]

@@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506 prayers and condolences for you, your family and loved ones. I nearly lost my mum in 2015 & an uncle in 2017. Mum lost her cousin in June to prostate

[@JWP452]

:( His performances of Messiah were transcendent.

[@alex21081977]

Requiescat in Pace. Amen.

[@Yetibytes]

His name and music is well recognized in the chapels and halls of Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

Oops, I forgot to put these multilingual statements in the condolences for Sir Stephen (forgive my brain fog). King's College Choir est 1) maximum chori mundi, 2) mellieur choeur de monde, 3) migliore coro mondiale. No, I am not fluent in foreign languages, but I do love them.

[@JedShura]

For me, Mr. Cleobury's conducting (and rendering of music), was completely devoid of "stuffiness" (a shortcoming unfortunately often found with the interpretation of "traditional music"). I am a true fan of Bach, Faure, as well as modern and avant garde classical music, and think his legacy of recordings will be a tremendous guide on how music can move forward - and stay fresh.

[@claireakaforestgreenorgang9506]

Sorry if some of my comments are redundant. Oops!

[@stephenkunst7550]

Our world has been given over to the musical fast food of pop culture. It is especially sad that those who should be the leaders and adults in the room are more interested in making music a throw away Kleenex. The clergy of our churches are some of the biggest offenders, with their big screen TV screens, bouncing balls leasing the hymns and garage bands issuing their three chords.

[@pianomanuel]

I met him

[@wesleyneo]

.

[@recitexpressif]

Rest In Peace.

[@litoboy5]

R.I.P

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

Rest in peace.