Let my Love be Heard - Stellenbosch University Choir

Jake Runestad
Credit: Recorded by Rondo Media (S4C) at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2018

[@asangaisaiah9021]

Each song sang by this choir gives me goose bumps. Who feels same??

[@AWWx2]

Yes, I had never heard of this choir or even this university before yesterday; now, I am in choir heaven listening to them all day today.

[@blackbeekeeperbbk4809]

I love them. Just came across them and can't get enough of them.

[@nozukobatyi5991]

Yoh I know what you mean

[@patricecharbonneau2438]

I feel the same, specially for this one...

[@profMaximvs]

This choir is UNIQUE! Amazing conducting, amazing choroists, amazing repertoire. Congratz, again, to the Stellenbosch University Choir.

[@Frfrei2]

The singer crying at 3.30 of the video is a summary of all the emotion and talent involved in this spectacular choir performance. Something magical and unforgettable!

[@001zicoshoneTV]

You are right

[@MrLtd78]

Indeed! Literally had tears at the same time in the song. So much emotion from each singer 🤍

[@machelconsidine5754]

and as a singer, that moment is so incredibly powerful and beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. I always connected to all humankind in a very cognizant way and my love pours out with my tears.

[@HAENDELCharles-cm6wr]

3:30

[@eastwestcoastkid]

The young man in the back raising his hand ..this ..this ❤️😭😢

[@ThatoMalema]

I’ll never forget the feeling I had getting off that stage after this song. SUC Family!🖤🖤🖤

[@haibo2499]

nathi siyakuthanda

[@lenie.kreide4350]

What we get is just a small glimpse of the emotions you can live through while singing. So I cannot even imagine this bond of love you and the other members might have experienced. Thank you all for giving us these minutes to enjoy, it's absolutely beautiful. I have no words to describe it.

[@mjlynch2842]

Speaking from experience with another choir, this song is an emotional beast to sing. You guys did amazing.

[@banjoman44]

You guys were so good. Just amazing.

[@Pearly056]

I have known that feeling too many years ago. I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with the choir and the director.

[@abbyg7600]

nothing in my entire life will be better than the fact that I was sitting in the audience for this performance. insane.

[@stevennelson7628]

Abby G You are most fortunate and blessed...

[@laurencopenhaver5366]

It could be life-changing I think. I'm from America but it's something I really hope to be able to do. Somehow. Someday.

[@BH-nm4xl]

@@laurencopenhaver5366 same same

[@TheFdesatge]

Listening to this after 14 days in COVID quarentine in Dublin, and crying my eyes out

[@nelestockx2569]

the unprecedented beauty these young people create touches me deeply and gives me hope and joy in these anxious corona days

[@TheFdesatge]

they're such a blessing

[@johnmichael5221]

♥

[@aprylcullenmusic]

Literally doing the same now wow 😭❤️❤️

[@PatriciaGoodsonpianist]

I hope you have fully recovered by now. :-)

[@robertdierdorf484]

I am so moved by the obvious fact that many of these singers are singing through personal grief. This is an amazing song, and I’ve heard many recordings of it, some of them superior to this one in the sense of flawless technique. But none of the other versions have spoken to my heart like this one. The singing is wonderful, but the personal expression is beyond belief. I wish everyone who sings at all would learn from Stellenbosch that music without heart is just pleasant noise.

[@lenie.kreide4350]

Have you heard the version that is uploaded on the channel of Jake Runestad? I really do recommend it. It is extraordinary and wonderful.

[@J-Strength1]

The one from Jake Runesteads page is truly pain driven and it's beautiful

[@aurelius210]

"music without heart is just pleasant noise". WORD.

[@markdelange7120]

I am a chorale singer of 50 years plus. I’ve never experienced such personal expressions by singers. My tears come every time as i am drawn into there expression.

[@pearljantjies2562]

Moved. By voices of angels

[@songzhang321]

Angels where you soar Up to God's own light Take my own lost bird On your hearts tonight And as grief once more Mounts to Heaven and sings Let my love be heard (heard) Angels where you soar Up to God's own light Take my own lost bird On your hearts tonight And as grief once more Mounts to Heaven and sings Let my love be heard Let my love be heard Whispering in your wings Ahh Ahh Ahh Let my love be heard Let my love be heard Let my love be heard Let my love be heard Let my love be heard Let my love be heard Angels where you soar up to God Ahh Ahh Ahh Ahh Ahh Ahh Let my love be heard

[@armealoeil]

Thank you so much for the lyrics ! I sing with them and cry with her monetheless, each time... And even with what is happening all around the world right now, I can sense Humanity' beauty. And the day will come when we will be able to convey beauty of that quality in our heart like there's nothing else.

[@Tommeadowcroft]

The song starts off gently: a prayer, a tentative hope that,, in the midst of grief, love will be heard. The low bases are singing the 7th of a major seventh on each of the "heard"s, very unusual. It lends an uncertainty, an unsettled tone. The tenors and the sopranos sing their melodic verses, an entreaty to angels, but the uncertainty lingers as to whether love will be heard amidst the grief. Then at the heart of the piece, the men start towards the bottom of the range, softly chanting their request as the the women evoke the prayer going to heaven. The chant grows in pitch, tempo, and volume, and the request becomes a demand. Their love WILL BE HEARD! Then we have a denouement returning to the original theme, leaving us with some of the original doubt. This is an emotionally powerful song for the chorus singing it, and hopefully for the audience in front of it. Having sung the climax at full (controlled) volume and expressiveness, it is difficult to collect oneself physically and emotionally in a couple of seconds to sing the denouement softly, at a much lower pitch. I feel for the young woman seen crying; you can't really sing well and cry at the same time (cf. Hathaway in Les Mis), so you have to try to keep it together, but everyone who has put their full emotion into the climax wants to cry at that point; I know I did.

[@waridinyakfie7044]

What pray was so sorrowful ??

[@chrishewittpiano]

Thank you for this summation. You've described it beautifully!

[@markdelange7120]

I cry every time I watch her. My own griefs come to surface and his hard. I prefer this to therapy or drugs. I’m a singer of over 50 years and this is the goal to connect your listeners to your music. In the group I sing to over 70 million people in 49 countries The notes and cards that come in over the singing of simple hymns is overwhelming. So worth it!

[@homonaledi640]

Thanks for remind me why I hate school

[@sionehefa3458]

Thank you so much Tom. You have expressed what I could not after hearing this magnificent performance. Much respect to you and to Stellenbosch Choir. (06 December 2021)

[@DAcaveman100]

There's a moment in every Stellenbosch University Choir song, that magic happens, you hear God, and you cry or at least gulp. ❤

[@keiththomas795]

Had the privilege of being present at this performance and was of the opinion then that this must be one of the best choirs around. Musicianship, sincerity all evident.

[@obengmbele1013]

3:33 That girl is in tears , this song touched me. Obinim from Ghana 🇬🇭

[@kaneda5438]

hard to watch without getting a tear by yourself.

[@sibusisomathebula4002]

There's no nation beautiful as SA, look how beautiful it is when all the races do one thing in common and in harmony... please let's not allow politics disturb our love as South Africans... I love you and you and each of you...

[@chesterdonnelly1212]

There is a minority of each race that hates. But the majority loves, and then we have people like these students who are bright and talented and full of hope. One cannot watch this and not be full of hope.

[@sonofsoweto]

@@lamintouray7386 yeah Afriforum didn't get the memo

[@jean-luclemaitre1157]

I have a dream

[@sonofsoweto]

@@jean-luclemaitre1157 wake up

[@andilesibawu2711]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊👏👋👏👋👏, united we stand 🤞👋

[@chrishodgson6302]

Stunning work. The lady crying sums up the emotion this choir can produce in creating a brilliant piece.

[@Fortune_Masha]

A man will only cry a few times in his Life... One of those instances, is while listening to the Stellenbosch Choir... :-)

[@XandroJM]

The emotion is just so strong 😢😢😢

[@marie-lacosteagoh8958]

👍👍😢

[@carlpreller215]

Put your headphones on & put it as loud as possible. GOOSEBUMPS for days! 💚

[@Njord78]

3:30

[@robris72]

Well said!

[@Nut871]

Me too!

[@flarkityt]

No matter how many times I listen to this, I still wish we could hear the true reason for those tears

[@markdelange7120]

Ii just wanted to hold and comfort her. She comforts me in my grief. So much Grief

[@rhoca_sings]

I just lost my dear 93-year-old mother when I found this. The voices of the choir spoke directly into my grief and lifted me up and carried me as though they had wings, granting me comfort and peace, if only for a moment. Thank you SUC 🙏🏽

[@nicolablackmore7937]

One of the most beautiful if not the most beautiful choirs I have ever heard. Their sound touches deep inside and leaves a sense of peace. Thank you so much🙏❤️

[@thomaspseudonym2981]

The slight increase in tempo and accelerated rhythms in this performance makes this feel more urgent compared to other performances of this piece. It feels like the singers are desperate to have their love be heard. They aren’t sending for the recipient to receive the message, they are sending a message out, praying that the receiver is there to listen. This interpretation is my favorite presentation I’ve ever seen of this piece, definitely helped by the perfect skill and emotional power of the choir. Absolutely amazing!

[@vboydyful]

this is one of the most beautiful pieces ive ever heard in my life. Truly singing to the angels.

[@cck523]

“The sea of a beautiful chorus shall sweep o’re the troubled land.”

[@tlhalefodlamini802]

Each time I am here listening to this amazing choir, I cry. God bless South Africa🙌

[@BNMS-P]

how's this not hit millions of likes?

[@chimakalu41]

3:31 I think this is the best song i've ever heard. It is like a view of heaven. Amazing. The one girl was overcome with emotion and was crying while she sang. Excellent choir and conductor.Props 🇿🇦

[@phulusongwenya]

This choir is so colourful and beautiful. People that sing with their hears and their entire bodies.Wow! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@odwamagqabi7454]

2:50 ... they sound like angels crying 😭♥️ x...

[@AnDy-ht5st]

It does and since u said it that way I cried

[@Joythealchemist]

i am sobbing tears right now i never heard somehing so emotionally stirring . this is a glimpse of heaven .

[@LeonVanDyk]

Is this not also a fantastic demonstration of the beauty of youth

[@teunvandesteeg7836]

You are an oasis in a rotten world. I live in the Netherlands but what a mess is it here too. The problems overwhelm us. The quality you show is amazing. You sing from the heart.

[@gerardslabbert4354]

Listening again to the wonderful music that sustained us through all the lonely, devastating months of severe Covid I am again humbled by the gift of music so movingly brought to so many by voices and choir masters like this world class choir. Long may their songs be heard

[@nomalilumsden2018]

They are so past notes and technique...artistry, communication and feeling.

[@Llewellyn2099]

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. ― Plato

[@Neilsowards]

this is one of my favorite quotations. thanks, Llewellyn.

[@tdbpaz]

There's no way I can keep myself from crying each time I hear this. I'm serious.

[@McommeM]

Me too man me too

[@ireneshettle2990]

You're not alone. I've watched it more than a few times, and it gets me every time.

[@markdelange7120]

Same here it’s so personal

[@johnflynn1918]

On Palm Sunday in 2023 it is still a beautiful hymn. Prayers from Ottawa.

[@BNMS-P]

I didn't listen to them, I listened to thier souls just beautiful. Today I'm having a great day.

[@kev211000]

Best song ever. That girl crying so powerfull.

[@tumitselane4567]

Shed a tear listening to this truly moving masterpiece.

[@sibusisomasombuka]

I can’t stop watching this video! Please come and perform in Johannesburg! I would love to watch the choir perform.

[@kropchik]

As a choir director: never heard such an expressive coral singing, perfectely balanced, genious arrangments and colors, how many colors! Amazing structural interpretation. Top of the top. Wish you perform the amazing Concerto for Choir by Schnittke. That would be the amazing.

[@sonofsoweto]

You missed the most important element

[@kropchik]

@@sonofsoweto Enlighten me please

[@sonofsoweto]

@@kropchik you claim to be a choir director?? Wow

[@kropchik]

@@sonofsoweto Singing by heart?

[@sonofsoweto]

@@kropchik exactly, a they interiorised the song and sang it like it meant more than just words. The words became flesh

[@devilusadvocatias]

If the rainbow nation in South Africa doesn’t exist, this is a beautiful beginning to a longing in these young voices. I hope South Africa hears their love. ❤️💚🖤💛

[@radomanjaka3185]

My safe haven...yesterday, today and forever...remind us how feeble and insignificant but important how we, human are!!

[@joellenrudolph231]

Nearly a year later listening and feeling the same.

[@thabanimahlaba9769]

Omg 😲 the sopranos so clear listen on headphones and be transported to heaven!!!! Edit: the entire arrangement oh my Lord chills. The faces the emotions wow 😱😱😱😱 South Africa 🇿🇦 forever!

[@stephenarendsechoralworksa745]

Stuck in quarantine and stumbled upon this. Everything about this gave me chills from head to toe. The depth of emotion still lingers even now as I sit in silence, trying to put into words how this music has stirred me... Tears will have to suffice...

[@johnflynn1918]

Beautiful on this Palm Sunday 2022 in Ottawa Canada. The Gospel tells of the death and burial of Jesus.

[@OlivierJPascal]

Comment vous remercier pour tant de bonheur à vous voir et à vous entendre? un bonheur qui me fait vous citer dans mon mémoire.

[@LizatHome]

Such total commitment on each face. So musical and wonderfully blended sound. I am in awe Maestro 💕

[@maddiegraves8403]

I love Runestad’s music. Honestly it’s just so fulfilling to sing. Love this performance!

[@wandilesebothoma6959]

i literally asked myself how do they stop themselves from crying

[@FnafFreakForLifexoxo]

When i sing it, most of the time i have to remember my voice will crack and that stops me xD

[@Briznanoth]

Breathtaking. Wish I had been there to experience this.

[@nkazimulozulu7813]

This song made me imagine how it will be when we get to heaven.Welcomed by beautiful voices were anxiety, depression fear and all the other things won't exist no more.Just peace of mind and no worries,this is amazing.

[@socialmediatv360]

can't stop watching this

[@andreeamiguel8531]

This choir motivates me to keep going in choir and hopefully one day I get to be in one like this I'm only a sophomore in high school but I want to continue doing this in college too🥺

[@stevekdaniel]

Yeah definitely keep doing that

[@1928374365]

I can't listen to this without starting to cry , such powerful emotions from all of them. Simply breathtaking, I sang in choirs for many years and know how powerful a piece of music can be. A joy to listen.

[@WHUFC71]

All I see and hear are Angel's singing!! This is what heaven must sound like all the time!!! Amazing and inspiring and beautiful!!

[@johannesneef1094]

I heard angelic voices, connected in the deepest harmony .... it was like in heaven on earth, thank you from my heart ....

[@leocassan6158]

This song is absolutely amazing! I’ve been watching this 100 Times and it put’s tears every time... this choir is really talented

[@aertoncalaca]

Thank you for soothing my soul. What an INCREDIBLE job! Warmest greetings from Brazil.

[@jarebuhhuber499]

Their beauty is not only in the perfection of the tone, or even the beautiful words...it is in the expression of love in each and every face even tears, as they project the love of Christ. Goosebumps and a heart filled with joy! Thank you!

[@chibaby800]

Wow this choir just does something to me I can’t explain

[@goinxnginx]

If you have earbuds or headphones, put them on and turn the volume up. Music often reflects the voice of Our Creator. Let us all take a few deep breaths...be calm, be still, and be quiet...forget about ourselves for a few minutes, and reflect upon those who are truly suffering...think of those who put themselves up to be seen, those who make noise, all the while frantically searching for "significance", or striving to claim some human measure of meaning and purpose in their lives. Sometimes those people are us. Let's reflect upon how our own hearts are hardened and unresponsive to the cries and the whispered expressions of love from the hearts of others. Think of the only concept and reality that propels the entire universe and gives meaning to our very existence - love.

[@cbbc4107]

Just found this,wow. It penetrates my soul, and comforts my heart. I imagine this sound accompanies the soul as it assends to God upon separation from this mortal experience.

[@laslasman1206]

Superb...u make SA proud!!

[@amysibanda777]

I would marry them all. The choir mastor is the best😍

[@mightyunitedstudentsfellow6886]

As for marrying them all 😂😂😂

[@stephenlowe7547]

A beautiful and moving performance, one of the best I've heard. A credit to all singers and their musical director. Thank you for sharing.

[@luckylamakey2735]

I first know this song when Madz sang it, and now SUC sing this piece, such a touching performance ❤️

[@Chrisxrischaks]

The emotion in this piece is beyond words.Deeply moving

[@blackbeekeeperbbk4809]

I love them. Just came across them and can't get enough of them

[@dannyrodriguez9340]

Que momento tan especial he vivido

[@ddjpictures988]

Still the best compilation of these choirs. They feel the music and also the message. I like that. Isn't there a follow-up compilation? They should continue as they are!

[@lyntonbell7604]

perhaps the most beautiful thing I've seen/heard. God bless

[@katiejeffers8360]

Jake runestad honestly knows how to put emotion into a sound and this choir just perfected it. the sounds of pure sorrow and hurt hit my ears and I couldn't help but to cry. this song is truly one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard in my life.

[@camilofuentespena7348]

I cannot resist the beauty this choir transmit. It's simply too much.

[@katiejeffers8360]

I'm absolutely in love with this!!!

[@_rogue_]

i have tears in my eyes, wonderful sung so soulfully you touched my heart and as always a wonderful conductor. I wish I could see you live..... but that is a dream 😔 thank you

[@johannesneef1094]

A song full of love ... I was allowed to hear a wonderful song ... it is so much joy that it brings tears to my eyes!

[@thabangsithole7648]

Ahhh... Goosebumps all around my body.

[@justynapiechel231]

Just like angels

[@erikapizzutto1976]

E' meraviglioso sentire le vostre voci che cantano all'unisono, esprimono il valore più alto del CORO che canta in modo sublime. Ogni volta che vi ascolto mi commuovo, mi regalate delle emozioni che a parole non riesco ad esprimere ma che arricchiscono il mio cuore e la mente. Il mio sogno è quello di potervi sentire un giorno cantare dal vivo e mi piacerebbe poter unire la mia voce alle vostre. Grazie per tutto ciò che di bello mi trasmettete e continuate a cantare e a regalarci EMOZIONI. Erika.

[@Spasiuka]

Eu sou portuguesa e entendi o que tu disseste! :)

[@stevejulietb1590]

Probably the best piece of choral singing ever!

[@ferdinandocoluccelli9574]

sweet, deep, light ... beautiful! I love you all, sisters and brothers. You are wonderful. God bless you

[@bruceforsyth2420]

I’ve just found this choir!! They are magnificent and the intensity and sensitivity in this piece is just wonderful.

[@margrietbrandsma000]

I hear you ... grace ... gratitude ... LOVE.

[@mcastrorodrigues]

And i have tears in my eyes...

[@nompilomkhulisi8761]

Amazing is an understatement!!

[@Annapatat67]

I have no words. Just beautiful.

[@Jay-mt8nj]

It literally takes my breath not even kidding. When I hear those beautiful harmonies it's just like BOOOOM.

[@dianejablonski1092]

Absolutely, genius talent. Perfect vocal perfect emotion perfect timing. Flawless Bravo Bravo Bravo

[@mjlynch2842]

No matter what group sings this song, I’m always crying by the end. No idea how I ever got through performing it (with a different choir of course). Runestad is SPECTACULAR

[@namibvocalsnamibianamibvoc4225]

These choir always takes me on a ride away from my worries..such great harmonies and splits

[@yivanimantshongo8825]

Its like my tears are constantly being pulled out of my sockets. And yes Im a man.

[@BNMS-P]

A Man with a soul for that there is no shame.

[@armealoeil]

And isn't that beautiful ?

[@cailip3010]

My choir was working on this song before we covid got really bad. We had almost perfected it for competition when they shut everything down. Still hurts :(

[@jacobfriskus4240]

Thanks for the music!

[@laragallizio5437]

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

[@goldenmbadhi60]

My lecturer played this video in class today and my heart was moved. I really felt and heard their.

[@beinthisspace4688]

I lost my two dogs in 2021. They were and are my everything. This song, by this choir, is the closest thing I can come to describe to anyone how much I miss them. How much I love them. How lost I am without them. How much pain I'm in. How lucky I feel to have been their momma while they were here. Thank you for this gift. I love you Buddah! I love you Lutze! I'll be with you forever.

[@cicalaurentino8893]

Parabéns a todos vocês lindo maravilhoso ❤

[@th3mbo]

Being directed by Runestad is one of the highlights of my life. Love this performance.

[@margrietbrandsma000]

We are heard. Heaven is here now. Divine grace. Finally. Relief. Joy.