The King's Singers - Spem In Alium

[@gordonepema722]

Six guys singing 40 parts, perfectly coordinated - the tech, the music, the voices - as amazing as it was beautiful.

[@talamioros]

I heard the University of York chamber choir perform this in the octagonal York Minster Chapterhouse, positioned around the audience in the centre in their eight choirs. The effect was astounding. You can really hear the music being tossed back and forth and actually moving around you, and when the 40 voices come together in complete harmony for the first time it felt as if the heavens had opened and we were being physically lifted up by the sound. Amazing. Unforgettable.

[@darrenpratt2322]

That sounds amazing. I would love to hear this piece in such a setting.

[@hagenbutte]

Genuinely one of THE things I hope to experience one day.

[@emmanuelleserrano9719]

How lucky you were. Such a magical moment to live

[@bramstrijbos]

Quite possibly the most beautiful music ever written.

[@rh449]

"The ending was perfect!" Yes. Yes, it was. Just like every other note in this peerless performance of one of the greatest pieces of English sacred music ever written.

[@emmanuelleserrano9719]

A true national treasure ! One of a kind !😍😍🤩🤩

[@pachenha]

Oh my God, they are really singing the 40 parts! It's SO beautiful, I don't have words to describe it...

[@rickylumo8666]

I used this recording to help me prepare for a live performance. Definitly a highlight of my choral career and a thrill and honour to sing live. The acoustics of a church do necessitate a somewhat slower pace. The physical and mental challenge of finding and keeping my place in the glorious wall of sound was a real joy and we all felt a sense of wonder and accomplishment throughout.

[@eldritchcroon]

This is by far the clearest, most precise rendition I've heard. Also the fastest. Choirs tend to go for a big, slow, resonant sound, which is impressive, but I prefer this clarity.

[@charritedehaut]

Eldritch Croon I feel the same.

[@tiyanenxumalo7402]

One of the most beautiful pieces ever written!!

[@alicesantagostino4458]

You can never hear this masterpiece too often!

[@NickJay]

I don't know about the ending was perfect .... that whole performance blew me away, as the saying goes. Just an AWESOME performance from these wonderful singers!! My only regret is that I'll never get to see this 'set' performing live. I'd give anything for that right now.

[@pivoterfrommars]

This is the most beautiful music I've ever heard in my life. The King's Singers, I love you!

[@xxxabsoloxxx]

Now when I got my hands on this song, I was speechless. I am addicted to this song. I have listened to it about 2000 times and I still find new parts in the piece. You get the full effect with headphones. To the Kings Singers, you gentlemen are truly blessed with a gift from God. May you continue to make holy music with your vocal gifts. Thanks.

[@Revelation319]

I suddenly have the urge to play this recording on the largest pair of speakers I can find, and just revel in the utter glory of this particular piece for the rest of my life. I wish I were forty people so that I could sing this by my self. I absolutely love this song. So much. I think it's safe to say that I've been struck dumb by it. It certainly has turned me into a bumbling idiot. I'm hoping it's only for a short time but if it was permanent, what a way to go.

[@Maddie-ci7ur]

Revelation319 this comment sums up how I felt when I first heard this piece... nothing will compare, ever.

[@numap4701]

NOT OF THIS WORLD. Near perfection. Thank you

[@MrJdsenior]

Yes, what's scary is pretty much everything they do, IS. I've had the opportunity to hear them twice in concert, from about 20 feet away, at church (First Pres., Orlando) which actually has decent acoustics, at least did then. They were un-mic'd, no accompaniment (obviously) and sounded EXACTLY like they do on their disks (sans the AMAZING reverb at some of their cathedral settings ;-( ). In four hours of music, I heard not ONE mistake. And they have a repertoire of about 2000 songs!

[@DavidNesbit_theTHINKER]

You're a very lucky chap to experience the King's Singers in concert, at this time l can but dream of such an outcome.

[@17primemover]

Still here in September of 2024…

[@helenasolares]

After listening to this a countless number of times I feel the urge to comment but find myself speechless. The musicality, the perfection, both technically and vocally. One of the best interpretations I've ever heard of this motet. Thank you King's Singers for giving us this magnificent gift! I think I'm in love with you! :0)

[@claudinerollannen3509]

MERVEILLEUX, un chant apaisant, réconfortant. Ils ont dû travailler dur pour arriver à un niveau pareil. MILLES MERCI.

[@Lilika0Angel]

C’est magnifique. J’ai l’impression d’entendre un chant d’anges ...

[@saraholst1974]

this is magnificent! and to see them sing while recording, so focused and expressive, is just fantastic! I believe this is the best quintet in the history of the king singers! thank you!

[@archimedes93]

I HAVE JUST LISTENED TO THIS PIECE AGAIN AND COULD LISTEN TO IT ALL DAY LONG. I LOVE DAVID'S TOP PART AND STEPHEN'S BASS PART. THE WHOLE PRODUCTION IS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!

[@UkeOne]

OMG!!! I didn't think it was possible, but I have a whole new appreciation for this musical masterpiece...what a 'magnificent' rendition and 'perfect' accomplishment as only the King's Singers can do! After this, is there anything they can't do? Geez, I LOVE these guys!

[@Racheal-t9w]

Visited here May 4 2024

[@AdenosinePush]

God I would get lost and turned around so fast if I had to play something like this, you gentlemen are absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for letting the world hear your music on KZbin!

[@Floyd123able]

This is my favorite vocal recording of all time. There is nothing I know of that rivals it's perfection and power.

[@Mark26111984]

This is just magnificent, if not heavenly. I can watch this music piece day by day, hour by hour. I've got the 'from Byrd to Beatles' dvd whereon it appears, and I have to play it regularly. The more I listen to it, the better it starts to sound. And all that just sung by six men. Bloody marvelous. I could continue trying to explain all this, but there would simply be not enough room to write it. And the end of the song. Great great great chord.

[@OlmoHerediaBlanco]

Probably the best multitrack recording ever. Bravissimo!

[@miriawilliamson]

Soy Chilena, vivo en Santiago, es un deleite para el alma poder escuchar la perfección en voces tan preciosas como las de ustedes, muchas gracias por compartir este maravilloso talento!!!

[@Madhatter1781]

"The ending was perfect!" Please, it was all perfect!!

[@GAR23LOVMUZ]

A Triumph Of Modern Recording Technology. And Six Glorious Voices Of The King’s Singers ! 🎶

[@davidnesbit6710]

Such a joy to once more pass the time away with the King's Singers and such an enjoyable performance. And isn't it lovely to see their facial expressions right at the end frame as they all conclude their individual parts. A fine performance of an exceptionally difficult work!

[@longeaton34]

Oh this is just sublime. Perfection, absolutely glorious. Enough superlatives now, I have heard many recordings of Spem and a true 40 part rendition will naturally have its imperfections - and this is part of its appeal. The King's Singers have used technology to a magnificent effect to wipe out any blemishes- 5 double choirs of eight and all their own voices. I guess this was doomed to success! The final chord is just an orgasm of sound! Truely wonderful.

[@tristram2005]

non ho parole, sono perfetti. cosa darei per cantare solo una volta in mezzo a loro!

[@TomMouse]

This is my favorite version bar none, especially with the ringing drone-backed ending chords --- ooo --- that gave me chills!!!!!! Thanks!!

[@thierryfontenay3770]

No doubt, only technical tricks can turn 5 voices into 40 ! But, the voices, here, are human in the best sense of the term, they are true, moving, near perfection (meaning : talent and hard work)... Amazing performance and result.

[@alcelticdragon]

this is a piece of art thank you et bravo the king's singer

[@Bluesuffolk]

This is my favorite rendition of this piece. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for you guys, and I hope to become even half as good a singer.

[@IvikosDigital]

Heavenly. This is an excellent version, very well balanced compared to other versions where the upper part registers completely drown out the lower bari-tone and basse. It is always amazing when the melody carried by alternating the soprano and counter-tenor ( alto ) is surrounded by a rich warm basse and completed by the tenor and baritone completing the chord. this is the style of the great tallis. The music of heaven.

[@wenglishsal]

WOW this is absolutely stunning... Vocal perfection I think in my humble opinion and sublime harmonies... Well sung Gentlemen.. well sung indeed... *sighs deeply and closes eyes* :0)x

[@ancsa56]

Breathtaking! I would imagine this music on my wedding ceremony. :)

[@antoniofernandez-albalatga5731]

Soberbio todos:interpretes y obra.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Herbertus-q5d]

Wow!!!!!Respect on the people who sang this. It's very cool.❤️❤️❤️

[@gardinerlance105]

first time I heard this motet I felt my insides stirred. Now having heard them sing it, I feel like a Bond martini. bravo

[@yasami1]

Bravo, bravissimo! Kings Singers! So good to hear, how you are attuned to each other! ... and your brilliant voices! The first time, I close to always hear the text. A good peace of brilliant music! Thanks!

[@ajhoncantara]

This is perfection incarnate. I'm in awe. Thank you lifting a superb piece of music to even loftier heights.

[@Castrumpet]

heaven... pure perfection.

[@LPH216]

Truly a beautiful piece of sonic art. It sounds so different with all men than with women and men. Wonderful!!!!

[@bobbiemay6867]

Amazing. This has to be the ultimate recording.

[@ConejoHeroe]

I love this, so, so much. I don't even really know why I'm commenting, because there aren't words to describe it.

[@Emmelle37]

It's fabulous ! I've just discovered The King's Singers yesterday evening, fortuitously, and I 'd like to listen to them the whole day ! I'm going to share this video with all my friends. I have no words for saying what I feel. Thank you very much, King's Singers. I hope I'll be able to see you in France one day.

[@garyhinkle5736]

What A Magnificent Gift Of Music 💜

[@huldakolbrun]

Goosebumps all over. Thank you.

[@zandiler9010]

Perfection.

[@lydiavanderkruijt4781]

Very beautifull. This is perfect!

[@gerlinooo]

i've listened to a lot of performances of this, but the way the perform the part "et omnia peccata hominum" is absolutely breathtaking!

[@twangbarfly]

Wonderful - thank you! The ending was indeed "perfect", as was the rest of the piece!

[@TheGabriel2503]

Music is back ! Outstanding !

[@StarbaseSierra1754]

It's so good, I've listened to it nearly non-stop for 2 hours.

[@marsupiclassic]

magnifique - magique - bravo les King's singers !

[@bisratezra8247]

Great! Well done, KS.

[@azindn]

I love this version that is so different in color from the multiple voice 40 voice et al. versions.

[@musicallyspeakings88]

Yay the sound is back. Brilliant!

[@Ladynipchick2]

Brrr, beautiful. Probably my favorite version.

[@seppstefano]

What a great performance!!!

[@kristianrivera7549]

"Spaaamm iiiin myyy eeeemaaaiil"... Is beautiful though :)

[@ThembinkosiKhumaloTim]

Beautiful

[@ameg2707]

lovely...

[@stienvanbrussel]

this is heaven

[@krisk1650]

Wonderful!

[@mezzodolce]

Wow. Simply exquisite.

[@gillengland4061]

Wonderful

[@aveguevara]

BRILLIANT!!!!!!

[@vitrey1314]

Simplesmente sensacional!!!! Fones no ouvido com o volume máximo, quase chorando! kkk Mais uma vez admirado com o trabalho de vocês! ALfenas/MG - BRASIL

[@javierfajardo205]

In the minute 2:46 I heard an OK. An oversight.. Anyway this is the best interpretation I've heard of this work. Bravo !!

[@OlmoHerediaBlanco]

Yes! "Okay, okay" haha!

[@DavidNesbit_theTHINKER]

Javier Fajardo You must not overlook the Tallis Scholars' truly wonderful rendition either..equally good / better / best.. l leave the evaluation to yourself.

[@javierfajardo205]

+David Nesbit You were Right!! The TS interpretation is better but i prefer this tune to hear/sing it.

[@BunyasMom]

Exquisite! Thank you for posting.

[@StarbaseSierra1754]

It's so goof, I've listened to it nearly non-stop for 2 hours.

[@KayHarpaGone]

"Spem in alium", for all of you : I have never had hoped in anyone but Thee, God of Israel. Thou who art growing angry and will hear prayer, Thou eliminate all the sins of men in tribulation. Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth, look down upon our humility. Spem in alium nunquam habui, praeter in te, Deus Israel : qui irasceris et propitius eris. Et omnia peccata hominum in tribulatione dimittis. Domine Deus, Creator caeli et terrae, respice humilitatem nostram.

[@DavidNesbit_theTHINKER]

Kay Harpa Agree indeed! Supplication from the sinning meek to the almighty God.

[@vincentiusrex]

Grātiās tibi prō verbīs Latīnē.

[@NickJay]

Are those the latin words being sung in this piece, Kay? I've been trying to find a recording with lyrics so I'll have to listen again. Not that I need an excuse. :)

[@KayHarpaGone]

@@NickJay qu’est-ce que tu veux que je te réponde ?

[@NickJay]

@@KayHarpaGone Nothing it's fine. I wasn't asking a question. :)

[@LPH216]

Beautifully done!

[@Eglucci]

Amazing!

[@LukeDisleyMusic]

0 Dislikes speaks a thousand words! Beautiful and Epic at the same time.

[@745penguin]

These guys used to come and sing at my school all the time

[@AnitaL93]

This is amazing!

[@Stuckenmacht]

Live on September 18th in the Berlin Philharmonic online concert hall. AND the Symphony of a Thousand, Mahler's 8th.

[@ChristopherRyanHypnosis]

The ending was perfect! lol

[@Madhatter1781]

If any piece of recorded video or sound makes it to another civilization in the universe, I truly hope this is it.

[@marisololveramorales9569]

Amazing

[@kevinbluesnow]

One of my favorite interpretations of spem in alium. Very impressive considering that it was performed by all males.

[@brookeggleston9314]

In Tallis' time, only *males* were allowed to sing in church!

[@PadmeP]

@@brookeggleston9314 But there would be choir boys or castrato for the soprano voices. I don't know how The King's Singers manage it.

[@brookeggleston9314]

@@PadmeP Some trebles elect to train as countertenors when there voices change. Many countertenors are naturally bass baritones. My choirmaster could sing all four parts. He just couldn't figure out how to sing all of them at the same time!!😎

[@tonaljedi]

This is mind blowing...and just 6 voices...and I have (mistakenly) been only listening to the Magnificat version for the past couple of years...more fool me

[@titusbeertsen]

6:17 ... so beautiful change of colour!

[@eltrompo83]

@Emmelle37 I've been a life long fan Emmelle and I'm always glad when someone else discovers their music. You will not be disappointed!

[@irinam8709]

it's a kind of magic

[@jamesmackayNL]

A slice of heaven on earth. Prepare to cry!

[@amaster1991]

7:08......HEAVEN

[@ScottishgirlAnnlorie]

WOW...

[@tonaljedi]

i love this music

[@jean-louisgravrand7389]

Comme promis les King’s Singers bises Pilou

[@GAR23LOVMUZ]

Magnificent🎵

[@timmots]

Every day deserves a spem moment

[@PointyTailofSatan]

It was supposed to be 80 voices, but Tallis ran out of ink. lol

[@KayHarpaGone]

PointyTailofSatan no, it's also called the 40 voices motet

[@StephenHutchison]

That's what they call a "joke" in some quarters, Kay.

[@deusexmusica803]

@@KayHarpaGone r/wooooooosh

[@riohenry6382]

Tallis was so ahead of his time. Wonderful, wonderful music. I’ve never heard a Tallis piece I didn’t love

[@GuyVeyer]

I love Tallis and those royal Singers !

[@jonnsmusich]

Yes, Wonderful. And the Tallis Scholar's version too. But David Wilcox and the Cambridge Choir still seems to me the most magnificent rendition. Even if the recording sonics are not as clean as these.