The Lord Bless You And Keep You - Lutkin - performed live by Octarium

Octarium performs Peter Lutkin's "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" live as an encore.
Krista Lang Blackwood, artistic director
Listener's Choice concert, February 2011.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord lift His countenance upon you.
And give you peace.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you.
And be gracious unto you.
Amen.

[@Kopelt07]

This was the exact version that my choir would sing every Friday before everybody went off to do whatever they were going to do for the weekend. It started because of a tragic death and so our director decided that he would like to bestow the blessing to us, and us to each other. We always held each others hands and it was always a memorable time. To this day, it's one of my favorite songs ever.

[@SaneTheBro]

Klein High School?

[@ohkaygoplay]

I have a similar experience. This song holds special meaning for me, too, because of choir.

[@trejea1754]

My church choir is singing this tomorrow as we do whenever someone is moving away and receives a blessing during the service.

[@claudiacoleman1194]

What more beautiful blessing can be bestowed on our fellow creatures in this world? Knowing God hears every prayer and He will always be with us, cradling us in His loving arms. Praise God!❤

[@DainGerrUsss]

Even when I was a child, this music moved me. But now, as a recent widower, it makes me weep bitterly - in a "I'm happy for my wife who is in Heaven" kind of way, if that makes any sense to you. It is SO very bittersweet.

[@sandysuzy68]

It makes sense. As Christians, we do not grieve as the pagans do, who have no hope.

[@creativeplanetjanet]

They are singing the Aaronic Blessing: The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." - Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 Can you even begin to imagine how many times it has comforted so many since that ancient time?!

[@samuelasamoahboateng4306]

It really has.

[@nangoyiondya4590]

Amen

[@deondrej.jackson8129]

The relationship between the altos and the tenors on the Sevenfold Amen part is just beautiful

[@ohkaygoplay]

Being an alto, can confirm. :)

[@antoinettebazikos7439]

As well as the Sopranos!

[@ekaterini2957]

We used to sing this at graduation for high school. Stopped due to the obvious. Sad. Thank you for bringing back memories -- I still catch myself singing this at odd moments -- 26 years later

[@Reid-yy5nw]

The piece was composed by our very own Peter Lutkin, first Dean of the Northwestern University School of Music (1895-1911). It's so special to us alums.

[@6460471]

this was the benediction at my wife’s funeral several years ago. so beautiful

[@Theboysrollupat1]

This piece was performed religiously at our church. Thanks Peter.

[@landyphillips7915]

Never met a tenor who does not like this piece there is a point where you just know everyone is in sync and its so beautiful.

[@binomo5334]

But the bass very strong dude

[@buzznatzke2996]

From another tenor, I concur wholeheartedly. This has been my favorite piece since high school, nearly 50 years ago.

[@ev4875]

Yes. It’s a wonderful line. I love singing it!!

[@alstewart9212]

my high school choral teacher studied under Lutkin at northwestern. she taught us this great peace.

[@brandenburg2388]

This is so lovely. I hope to sing it during my next cell group meeting as our dismissal song....

[@ohkaygoplay]

As a former octet alto, this resonates hard with me. You guys sound like us. I miss my group. :)

[@user-wn3rb9ui2l]

I never tire from listening to Octarium directed by Krista Lang Blackwood.

[@themusicalgoff]

Every year in High school choir we would sing this at the end of our first and last choir concert. It was so moving, this is my favorite piece of all time. No matter what mood I'm in this always cheers me up and reminds me of when life was easy. Thank you Ms. Alibon and Mr. Lee of Birdville High School

[@creativeplanetjanet]

For years I had the privilege to sing alto in a small church choir (about 12 members). We sang this so often I can still remember it by heart. A Capella is my favorite for this piece and this group does it exquisitely. It is very moving and tends to bring tears for me (even while I sing it or listen to it).

[@samprincedaniel]

At last an American choir with beautiful heavenly voices that doesnt do excessive vibrato !! This is out of this world. Simply beautiful

[@MarieLabellarte]

This is one of my favorite choral pieces to sing. I just can't get over how beautiful it is

[@loganm5756]

No literally!!!!! We just sang this for are country choir festival and it's so gorgeous and just so amazing

[@loganm5756]

No literally!!!!! We just did this for are country choir festival and it's just so amazing!!! What part did you sing?

[@nerdguru86]

This sounds absolutely beautiful...I remember singing this my senior year of high school and I still remember...I sing tenor

[@davidfrench5407]

We sang this at the end of every choir concert, and choir alumni would come up and sing it with us. I was a baritone...

[@kathyhouston9428]

I sung it in my senior year of high school also. I'm older than you and I remember it and love it. I'm a soprano. Blessings to you and all who reads this. 😇😇☺

[@sandysuzy68]

It's been over 50 years and I heard my old high school's choir still sings this. It is the perfect commencement song.

[@whodashpianocovers]

Is it only me who still hears that very very very low end note for the bass part???? That was so so so sick! Definitely nailed it!!

[@TheSpoonunit]

I think you missed a 'very' out ;)

[@bunkyman8097]

I hear it but I don't think its written that way. Alright for the low bass!

[@dvdcommunications]

Yes, the low C. Although not written, I am glad he added it! It really provides an awesome foundation.

[@daddychill1027]

they are singing this in Db instead of C@@dvdcommunications

[@CarlJohnson-ou3yr]

Yes I heard that low bass. He nailed it!❤

[@James-qu4sx]

My first boss sang in church choir. His answer to my question was, "I sing shortstop, between tenor and third bass." His wife played the church organ and gave me piano lessons. He interviewed me and gave me my first job in 1972. I called him up to have lunch with him. We never made it; he passed away a year ago. This beautifully sung hymn reminds me so much.

[@levygonda4081]

Thank you very much Lord for the life and multiple blessings, you are awesome GOD

[@connieunruh1045]

Beautiful! We sang this arrangement for our high school commencement every year. It is my favorite. Much better than the John Rutter version.

[@normagilpin7841]

The arrangement by John Rutter is every bit as lovely and inspiring!

[@sandysuzy68]

Ditto.

[@stoogel]

Yeah I much prefer this to John Rutter's setting, which isn't as cheesy as his normal style but lacks the harmonic depth of the Peter Lutkin one.

[@ms.sassypants2366]

I remember singing this at the end of each cantata we sang in Bible School in 1987. I still remember my part... I was a soprano. ❤

[@ohkaygoplay]

I still remember the alto part. My high school choir and the octet I was in sang this in the late 90's.

[@beverlybochenek8845]

That last alto amen phrase gets me every time.

[@gerry5943]

I just can't stop listening to this beautiful blessing, sung by beautiful people with beautiful voices! Thank you and God Bless to you all !

[@cjmcquien1044]

Friends sang this beautifully. I loved it. They called it Carolyn's song...my hymn to the world...especially for friends who inspire me!

[@adrianemichellevlog6403]

Y'all betta sing!!!

[@gerry5943]

I watch and listen to this every day without ever tireing of hearing it. Your harmony is so flawless and beautiful it just makes my hair stand on end. Thank you so much for posting this absolutely beautiful musical masterpiece!

[@cliffankersen617]

Built a wire figure of this song. One of my favorites of all time. Recall hearing and singing this for decades and decades.

[@esthermireku7138]

Beautiful

[@markisraelarpia3896]

Bass 2 is superb!!! Awesome blending. Everyone did his/her part well.

[@renatoperezpizarro7439]

I sang this number 60 (sixty) years ago at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania and loved it. I still remember the bass line. This is a beautiful rendition. Thank you for posting it, Octarium.

[@kelvinwong8449]

God! you are beautiful. Just the "Amen" is already done beautifully. Amen!

[@jessicalefebvre9683]

I remember when I went to a non denominational Christian camp we would end our sing and share time and our weekly concert with this song. Even when I was a junior in high school we finished our spring concert with this so this song is a very special one in my book.

[@rogerhuss1969]

This must be how the angels in heaven sound when they sing! Simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing this!

[@mreudeco]

Beautiful. Greetings from India 🙏👍

[@rodrigochacon667]

I finally found the sound I was hoping to hear. Thanks for uploading !!

[@basicaa]

“The Lord has said to me in the strongest terms: ‘Do not think like everyone else does. Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you. Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else. He will keep you safe.” (Isaiah 8:11-14 NLT)

[@melliemel32]

Judi Harbin be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind... God is awesome, we sure aren't supposed to think like the world! God bless you!

[@zeliaclaro7763]

Judi Harbin 8

[@BenjaminMankowski]

In college, this was the ending for most of the performances we did. I graduated mid year, and the usual choral director was on sabbatical the first half of the year. The substitute didn't do this song once, not even at graduation. 11 years later, I found out the church choir I joined after getting married does it every year the last Sunday of choir season. I love it, even though it always gets me choked up.

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Excellent.

[@Dan_Letters]

This is one of my favourite hymns and to be able to hear all the parts blended together in perfect harmony fills my heart with joy. Thanks for sharing this

[@melliemel32]

We learned this version in high school choir & I always loved it! I'll break out and sing it every now and then, but got some words wrong. I . just decided to look it up today. Praise the Lord!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@annbitler2653]

I love the blend of the voices! This scripture songs brings back wonderful memories from going to my Grandmother's church.

[@levygonda4081]

The Best, super amen

[@stacymcdonald9775]

this song was my high school graduation song that all the choir seniors song for the last time together

[@isaiahdeleon6281]

10/10 performance great voices ❤

[@lavernebur4085]

I love this song and I love this performance! Back in the ‘70’s my siblings and I sang this song in our high school choir. This rendition is how it was done by our choir, beautifully! I miss those days! ❤

[@Nikolaus706]

Very beautifull emotions of love music for the grace of God

[@jeremiahwat1]

This is the first choral piece I ever fell in love with. When I'm done with school, I'm going to conduct this :)

[@nerdguru86]

same here.... Ahhh choir days...

[@elaineseufer966]

+Jeremiah Watson And I too fell in love with this very much too. In fact, a vote was taken, and the first 8 measures were painted / drawn a wall in the choir room. I'm not sure how long it remained on the wall after 1982. I had the pleasure of seeing it there for my last 2 years in H.S. / Choir.

[@imaIslandboi]

Hey man.Do you have the chords for the choir?

[@jeremiahwat1]

@@imaIslandboi I don't know the chords, but if you want the sheet music for choir, it's available for free on IMSLP. It's old enough that it's royalty free music.

[@imaIslandboi]

@@jeremiahwat1 Sorry man, yeah that's what I had meant, the sheet music for the choir. What is IMSLP bruv?

[@donzan9]

Pure and beautiful !!!

[@CelestialChoir]

I love this good old church blessing, a setting of the Aaronic Benediction--the blessing of the Levitical priests--found in Numbers 6:22-27. Lovely rendition by Octarium! Thanks for uploading this gem...

[@JackBond1234]

Love the sound of that bass in this song.

[@b.freddyhu5864]

My friend sent this to me after finding out our grandma passed. Thank u Jon.

[@AzzkzzaZZ]

Goosebumps all over listening to this. What a blessing !!

[@caralynnluster]

My high school sings this song every spring concert as a wrap song and it's the first 'church' song I've ever fell in love with

[@gabby9003]

Sang this beautiful song with Freed Hardeman Madridals 1969-70. One of my favorites.

[@deeannaedens7749]

This is beautiful.......one of my favorite songs I remember singing in the Madison College choir !

[@levygonda4081]

The Best, Thank you Lord

[@erinserb]

absolutely beautiful!!!

[@KeithRowley]

Delicate. Beautiful. Thank you.

[@rockgodstu]

Awesome. Maybe the best choral piece ever.

[@elaineseufer966]

I am so in love with this Score. !!

[@andypaza3471]

beautiful majestic song....and i luv it so much...luv from indonesia

[@veronicaashby5645]

PRAISE BE TO GOD ALMIGHTY I THANK YOU LORD EVERYDAY FOR YOUR LOVE AND BLESSINGS AND ONE OF THOSE BLESSINGS IS THE INTERNET ALL THE PRAISE AND GLORY BELONG TO GOD THE FATHER THE SON JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT 3 IN ONE AMEN AMEN AMEN.

[@samuelasamoahboateng4306]

Someone is here in 2020 to still say this is beautiful

[@suzannepooler3448]

This is absolutely beautiful! My dad was choral director and teacher for years in Salem, MA. This arrangement was sung frequently at the close of concerts, midnight mass, caroling, performing at nursing homes, etc. So many wonderful memories. Now that dad has passed and we are planning his funeral my copy is no where to be found (I literally had it in my hands sometime in the last 2 months!). Bonus, I didn't realize I still had it in me to sing the soprano part! Gotta find a way to at least play this at the funeral home or the church!

[@corbin102699]

We sing this before our concerts in my choir class xD and i gotta hand it to you soprano is pretty freaking hard to sing :P

[@gerry5943]

Suzanne Pooler My deepest Sympathy's to you Suzanne !

[@davidfrench5407]

+Suzanne Pooler My high school (of many years ago) sings this as the last song of every choir concert, and invites choral alumni on stage to sing it with the current choir. It's been done exactly the same for decades at my school.

[@constance717]

Suzanne Pooler FYI. it’s the first hymn contained in the excellent book “then Sings my soul, 150 of the worlds greatest hymn stories”. Highly recommended.

[@garlandmagee6945]

As I listen to this beautiful song, I find myself hypnotized ,playing it over and over again. Voice of angels, haven't heard a angel before but i'm sure they would sound like the voices of this song.

[@tomwagner3640]

My high school choir - Westchester high school in Los Angeles - has performed this song religiously for decades. I was one of the baritones, and reading some of the other comments below made me think about how individual yet melding each part is. The Sopranos, the altos, the tenors, the bases… All had very well written parts that were fun to sing and blended beautifully. I still can’t listen to this with a dry eye, and it’s been over 40 years since I sang it. God bless you, Robert Wood, our openly gay director for making this part of our yearly repertoire.

[@gerry5943]

Sweet !!!! Gave me chills. Thank you

[@rhwesley]

beautiful singing

[@paulstrater5792]

The Shaker Heights High School in Suburban Cleveland, Ohio had a small choral ensemble called "The Chanticleers", around 25 singers, in the mid-80's conducted by John Everson. This was the final piece sung every year. It always brought chills while singing it. They show up again hearing this small group of performers. Thank you so very much for posting this video.

[@jeanneroberts7692]

John Everson also was the choir director of Orange High School in the sixties and I sung this as well. I am surprised he left Orange High School since he was there for many years.

[@jeanneroberts7692]

This is also known as the priestly blessing in Judaism or at least part of it.

[@EmmieTuesday]

I would love this sung at my funeral, if someone is kind enough to hold one for me. Hopefully sung by older voices. Young voices are nice, but I’d like some folks around my age, voices with meat on their bones.

[@shermankids2486]

Not dead yet right?

[@GordonNaumann]

Best version I’ve heard yet!

[@andreadow4705]

praying for the Lord to bless him and keep him, bless you too.

[@petermulomba7010]

Soothing and assuring

[@lizmassey68]

Your group brought my father's music to life - thank you for existing and creating music like this.

[@TheDaytonDragon]

Lovely!! THANK YOU!

[@edieb1313]

beautiful!!!!

[@erhuga77]

So beautiful !

[@micahvidyasagar5789]

Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you.

[@garryland5153]

So very beautiful. I learned the tenor part in high school...... 1968. You all did such an outstanding job. Perfectly beautiful.

[@savitachauhan8885]

So peaceful, thank you

[@kennethkugelman2977]

Absolutely beautiful

[@anisleisela2819]

i feel blessed with this song .....

[@margysk]

This is absolutely, absolutely beautiful!

[@shalomima]

Gorgeous. Thank you for posting.

[@DeevenaJemima]

Very beautiful! Praise God..

[@keithlinde8381]

i sang this at my final choir concert in HS called out benediction. balled my eyes out. brings back some unbelievable memories. thanks for the post

[@rollingstonecold]

This brought tears to my eyes. Amazing. :)

[@conniechan3280]

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU IN YOUR LIFE WITH BLESSING AND INTERCEEDING SPIRIT .

[@gerry5943]

Exquisite and beautiful ! Thhank you for posting this !

[@dianadomingues9285]

Beautiful...

[@laurapohan8503]

omg, I love this song and all of you sang it very beautifull, thanks its a blessing :)

[@geoffwoodford]

unbelievably amazing, wonderful, the artistry of the voice creates magic...in the air

[@Leofiora]

perfect performing, thanks!

[@meirishguy]

Now that is what I call FLAWLESS. Bravo! Beautifully done. Thanks for posting.

[@DaughterinZion]

Beautifully done! Amen...

[@copperddavis2763]

Truly beautiful, Octarium