University of Richmond 1971 Choir - Shenandoah

This is the original recording of Shenandoah as arranged by James Erb for a tour of Europe by the University of Richmond choir in 1971. This recording was made in Cannon Memorial Chapel at the University of Richmond on a spring afternoon in 1971 by the choir with James Erb conducting. Special thanks to Dale Berryman for placing this information on KZbin

[@KirbyKnight]

I’ve sung this piece more than any other single piece in my life. It was and is a signature piece for the William & Mary Choir and at concerts alumni are invited to join in singing this. It’s an amazing arrangement. I got to sing with Dr. Erb one year and I told him how much I loved it and he told it was Lawson Gould’s #1 all-time best seller.

[@lightofthejul]

One of the most beautiful heartfelt versions I have ever heard of this mesmerizeing snd hauntingly sad songs ! My love will always be in the Shenandoah ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@skeleton718]

Love singing this arrangement. - Another W&M Choir alum

[@Natsmab]

RIP James Erb. Your arrangement is beloved by many. - A William & Mary Choir alum.

[@pricekgk]

When I was in high school I heard at Richmond's Mosque what I think was the premiere of James Erb's ethereal arrangement of Shennandoah. He spoke from the stage using yellow legal pad paper about writing it. Then, I went on to college at U of R, and so loved singing it under his direction.

[@sigelfamily6475]

In 1987, I was part of a James Erb organized University Choir trip to Russia, then still the USSR. Hands down the most historical, eye-opening part of my 4 years. It was a joy to sing under Dr. Erb.

[@RemyHocAge]

Thank you -- this is my favorite version of this beloved American folk song. The voices & the arrangement are loveliest I've heard.

[@upsilontube]

I had the privilege of singing in the University of Richmond choir about ten years after this recording was made. A joyful remembrance of a true mountain top experience.

[@kentsnyder8664]

Fantastic. Sang this as a baritone in the 1991 Washington State Concert choir. Great memory, great arrangement.

[@nancyklein4990]

I remember singing the ditto masters of this after the tour as he tweaked it for publication. Next week, on March 23rd 2017, the Old Dominion University Choir will be singing this on the Isaac Stern Auditorium Stage at Carnegie Hall, a fitting tribute to James Erb. It is a privilege to bring it to life through the voices of my own students.

[@mercedes.etcetera]

Amazing. One of my favorites by far. Thank you for sharing.

[@lkfollansbee1]

Thank you so much! I sang under Jim Erb for years, and this was one of my favorites. Have yet to hear a better arrangement, esp. the tenors at the end! Any hope of hearing any others?

[@ragefilledvergin]

Are you THE Laura Follansbee, the Harvard Law grad????

[@pianodoir]

Original and best.

[@TheColorHopeIsBlue]

My mom was practically his apprentice, no lie. :)

[@oddvegan9797]

The vibrato I think ruins it .

[@solicitr666]

I don't think it's vibrato so much as a rudimentary recording setup (two mics into an early-70s home tape deck) not able to contend with a very live space's reverberation