VOCES8: Earth Song - Frank Ticheli

VOCES8 sings Frank Ticheli's 'Earth Song' at the VOCES8 Centre in London.
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TEXT by Frank Ticheli
Sing, Be, Live, See.
This dark stormy hour,
The wind, it stirs.
The scorched earth cries out in vain:
O war and power,
You blind and blur,
The torn heart cries out in pain.
But music and singing
Have been my refuge,
And music and singing
Shall be my light.
A light of song,
Shining Strong:
Alleluia!
Through darkness, pain, and strife,
I’ll Sing, Be, Live, See...
Peace.

[@JDBlack-gf9ok]

I'm a high school senior. Last year, our select ensemble performed this song. While learning it, we struggled and struggled until finally it clicked. Our choir teacher took us out into the rotunda at our school, which echos like a cathedral. We performed the song there, just for ourselves. By the end every single one of us is in tears. Those people are my best friends. I was ripped from them without warning by the virus. I'm headed to college next year, and I may never see them again.

[@geertjevalk3398]

I'm sorry

[@deborahmatherne4962]

That's when you know you've got it right!

[@abigaillui8261]

J.D. Black I'm a high school senior this year as well. We were going to have a concert a few weeks ago before our school abruptly shut down a week before they were planning from the coronavirus, so instead a bunch of us went to a stairwell and sung all the music we would have performed at that concert, and the others that got cancelled. It was an incredibly moving experience. It's amazing what making music with others can do even in these times. I hope you stay safe and that we get to go back to school soon and make the most of this year still :).

[@primaveraroll7998]

Were in the same boat my friend. I planned on saying goodbye to the teachers who have shaped my life and taught me to be me and how to enjoy being here. Knowing I'll probably never get to hug them farewell and thank them for everything they've done is devastating...

[@becksalas2618]

I am so sorry :( I also did this as a senior and it was SO HARD, but that was 5 years ago, I still talk to so many of my choir buddies! Just keep your head high through this and remember that music joins us all together 🥺

[@evahirsch7363]

This piece is exactly what we all need right now. "Through darkness and pain and strife / I'll sing, I'll be, live, see peace." Thank you all

[@4EyedAnimation]

Ya good we have Voces8 to count on

[@oliversealey970]

I’ve performed this song a few times now in the past few years and I’ve found out a lot about the piece. Ticheli typically doesn’t write his own lyrics but this song was brought about in a time of war. He had such a deep emotion toward the war that he expressed the pain the earth must feel, with his own lyrics. The first half of the song is about the pain and the second half is the “refuge” the saving grace of the earth that is music.

[@Lasse3]

🤢 stop it

[@jenmorricone4014]

​@@oliversealey970😭

[@kyguy3242]

​@@Lasse3Actually, you can stop with your negativity, thanks.

[@composerguy100]

This is sublime, and I'm honored by your beautiful performance. Thank you, VOCES8. You are a gift to us all.

[@andrewanderson7137]

I have preformed many of your concert band and choir arrangements and I have had the pleasure of arranging some of your originals for my middle school. Keep making great music.

[@Paul49Giloi]

You must have an amazing spirit to create something as beautiful as this. It is sublime.

[@jamesshadle7978]

Mr. Ticheli, I want to thank you for conducting "Sailing The Sky" at TMEA. It was my first All-State choir experience and you are my all time favorite composer. I had no idea that you were comissioned a piece and I was thrilled to be under your guidance. Again, thank you so much for the best performance I will ever be a part of!

[@carissak4156]

My high school choir performed this last spring after our area was devastated by a hurricane. I have so much love for this piece and respect for you. I used a line from this as my senior quote because I couldn’t imagine any other words being as representative of my last couple years of high school. Thank you so much for everything.

[@whispermoorthy5970]

I performed this piece with my select choir two years ago after a death in my family and it helped me get through that hard time in my life. Thank you Mr Ticheli for this beautiful piece.

[@georgiabundick]

We were supposed to sing this for our spring concert but we never got the chance... beautiful

[@Yatorine]

Same... we were gonna sing it for competition... so sad it’s canceled

[@rachellathem]

we the choir i’m in was supposed to do it too, i really do love the song

[@makennadickens3484]

Same :((((

[@JamesBond-fd6qg]

Don’t worry, when this is all over Choirs will go on! We’ll appreciate choir even more and it will bring even more people together! Can’t wait for the World Choir games in 2021, it would’ve been this year.

[@jaelyngray510]

Same😭

[@lichtloper]

Human voice: most heavenly instrument on this earth.

[@hannienoelle]

We began rehearsing this song for our spring concert my senior year of high school, not knowing that one of our choir members would commit suicide in February of that same semester... Our choir was absolutely devastated. Many days in 2nd period that semester were spent in tears. But we continued to rehearse this song and then sang it at his funeral. It’s so beautiful and still brings tears to my eyes. Jeremy loved singing & would have been proud of us. We’ll never forget him. 🖤

[@elizabethwagner]

Absolutely perfect for our broken world in 2020. Blessings to all in this hard time.

[@eastwestcoastkid]

Elizabeth Wagner and to you also..blessings and stay safe..

[@elizabethwagner]

eastwestcoastkid thank you, you as well

[@entusiastaX]

Elizabeth, espero que Dios nos ampare en éste nuevo camino tan arduo. Espero que estés bien y por favor, cuídate mucho... ¡cuidemonos todos!

[@christianlund2925]

This is so in tune the dissonance sounds like consonance

[@IntoL1ght]

As a choir member and an English major this sentence pains me. Their tuning is perfect though, I agree with that.

[@enzoenzo3776]

@@IntoL1ght for real

[@ridhomichael]

Sing, Be, Live, See. This dark stormy hour, The wind, it stirs. The scorched earth cries out in vain: O war and power, You blind and blur, The torn heart cries out in pain. But music and singing Have been my refuge, And music and singing Shall be my light. A light of song Shining Strong: Alleluia! Through darkness, pain, and strife, I'll Sing, Be, Live, See... Peace.

[@helenpanshin5589]

Thanks!

[@carolinecollett4349]

The words help. Thank you.

[@yordankaacosta2849]

Thank you.

[@giantupaz4746]

A beautiful song of unity and strength through music. It’s so beautiful, I missed performing this my sophomore year in choir 🥺💓

[@biblicallyaccurateangel2476]

omg there are lyrics???? :O

[@jonsimpson4329]

Best interpretation of this song ever!! Thank you for the intentional pauses between phrases. unhurried, emotional and moving.

[@craglabrake6802]

In our broken world right now and with so much heartache happening. This song is absolutely beautiful. No matter what happens, our human voices still sing.

[@RianeBane]

"Earth Song" was introduced to me at a high school district choir workshop I performed at several years ago. This song has gotten me through many difficult and stressful moments before now (one of several go-to pieces that include Erik Esenvalds's "Stars," among others). Now, I'm a soon-to-be college graduate facing a grim job market and confined to my home without contact with dear friends while struggling to complete classes online. The last week has been tough, and not being able to participate in choir classes made me forget how much music can help. But this performance gave me some hope and helped me to start off my day with peace and optimism. No matter what happens, no matter what hardships we face, there will always be music and beauty to be found in this world and to share with one another.

[@merissawoods2224]

I hope things get better :)

[@romannieuwkerk7462]

i feel the pain, and also... both of the pieces mentioned are AMAZING pieces. love “Stars” as well as Earth Song

[@BlinkerBinker]

I've been researching this song and listened to probably 50 performances, for me this is the most perfect version. It's slow, confident and assured. The contrast between the opening softness and the powerful allelujahs at the crescendo is just breath taking. Just so flawless and human at the same time, bravo!

[@rhiannaphillips5669]

We’re performing this song this year, specifically in our advanced choir. It’s a beautiful song, and as a senior who finally has a “normal” year, it hits me hard. I’m leaving and this will be one of the last things I ever sing with my fellow Chorale members before going to a completely different state.. will hold this song in my heart and hope the memory of this song lives on

[@richardseewald4739]

January 2021: Dear Andrea, El, Katie, Barnaby, Blake, Euan, Chris and Jonathan, I cannot thank you enough for this gift at a time when we all need the beauty and hope that you share. "But music and singing have been my refuge, and music and singing shall be my light" Thank you.

[@Koplod]

Compare this to all of those celebrities singing Imagine.....not difficult to deduce which is more elegant, appropriate and altogether uplifting

[@johnbeck207]

to be fair I don't think they were trying to be elegant

[@eglantined.t.1276]

why comparing all the time? let's just enjoy the music, all kinds of music :)

[@zaimzibran6601]

You see I read this, and I was like, you really don't need to be dissing pop because the act is important and it's bringing people together. Then I listened to it. They sang each line in a new key and I'm sorry but no, that is cursed

[@holdintheaces7468]

@@zaimzibran6601 Not to mention the lyrics are entirely inappropriate for the situation they were trying to bring some joy to

[@gibgabs2899]

What celebrities

[@graceclav1390]

To the 66 people that disliked this video... you clearly don’t appreciate good choral music

[@PassengerInMortality]

KZbin has proven that there are people in the world who are not satisfied with perfection.

[@GeorgiaPeach05]

The choir at my high school sang this song during Mass today ... so beautiful!!

[@BimBo._.]

We sang this in middle school choir. This is one of the songs that made truly fall in love with music, and I had almost forgotten about it until I saw a small clip of another school singing it. I’m so glad I found it again. This song was such a difficult song, but I felt so welcome in that choir. And this song was one we all loved and put our all into. This song will always have a special place in my heart.

[@Christianthemagician_]

I’m happy that we did this peace back in my sophomore year, life was great 💜

[@grvtyboyRC]

Absolutely the best version of Earth Song I have ever heard; delicate, patient - lots of dynamics and control.

[@garrettfranks1305]

In a world of uncertainty with war waging in one part of it, this song gives a glimpse of hope to those that are suffering from tyranny. I write this in honor of Ukraine and it’s people. May their dark days be given light once more soon enough.

[@latiecastro3873]

im a college senior. im terrified of the world before me as i get ready to graduate. i haven't seen my friends in over a year, but my freshman we sang this at an event that has lived with me since then. thank you, for bringing back to those memories of rehearsal with my friends, singing on the balcony for hundreds to hear and enjoy.

[@71259mark]

It is very difficult to pull off such close harmonies. You folks have such smooth, straight tones, you make it sound effortless. Bravo!!!

[@elleyjean7647]

Just today we performed this piece along with two others. Hearing this brings tears of joy and comfort, this by far was my favorite piece to play and I will forever love this. I am glad that my teacher has chosen this piece as one to perform for my last ever band festival as I am a senior.

[@the.retrochild]

i performed this piece in high school years ago, and when i’m missing being in a choir a little extra, i come back to this video because our choir also only had eight people

[@cathcort1]

Once again, holy sounds to heal us..

[@caseyacridge5143]

I’m a senior. I got to sing this an honor choir last November. Then my director loved the song so much he had our top choir learn it which was amazing. We struggled for a bit but then we got it and it was so good, we got to do one competition which we had to do really well at it in order to go our state comp and we ended up doing better then we thought and was so excited to go to State...it breaks my heart we didn’t get to go to state in April this year, this song was a piece that really got us going. Gosh. Music really just gets u

[@jonahduncan5617]

My school's select choir was going to sing this song for our Spring Concert. We had nearly gotten it down when we received the news that our school would close for pretty much the rest of the year. Although not a personal favorite, I wish I could've performed this song. It's what so many people need to hear right now.

[@chloerosa7167]

I’ve loved this song for so long. I’m an aspiring performer in the choral and theater realm of music. After being accepted into an advanced choir we went through some hardships and we continued to follow the motto of this piece. That music is peace and it is beautiful and our refuge. Thank you guys so much for doing this.

[@wesparkerguitar]

I've never heard this piece and NOT cried...... Bravo!!!!

[@TheNotehead]

Music truly binds humanity together in a way that nothing else can. There's a strong argument to be made that we actually have a biological need to make and experience music, or we would have never evolved the ability to make it in the first place. We must all-every single one of us-sing songs, tap a table, find some way to make music during these troubled times. Thank you, Voces8!!

[@1keithvincent]

Time seems to disappear when I listen to Voces8. I stop by to catch one short performance. An hour or even two hours later, I am still spellbound by the perfection of their performances. What a splendid gift to the world in these terrible times.

[@leylawelfley9739]

Wow. The top choir at my school sang this song last year while i was stuck in treble choir (required before trying out for any higher choir) and ever since i heard this song it has been my dream to sing it with them. After trying out I made it into that choir and hearing this reminded me of why i decided to join and how much i miss my choir family. This was beautiful it brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of my passion and my longing to be with them again but in the best way possible.

[@mainpopper]

Zum Weinen schön!!! DANKE für diese wunderbaren Klänge!!!

[@benny8638]

I sang this song when i was in high school, in my elite choir. i can't imagine what being a senior in high school must be like right now. i hated school more than anything in this entire existence, and i still do. it was the worst time of my life, but choir kept me going. i needed that whole year to come to terms with letting go of my choir family. my heart goes out to the choir kids that lost their senior year, and any kids that lost their senior year for that matter.

[@migproductions4045]

Heartbreaking perfection your performances VOCES8..echoes for eternity..x

[@annickderon9790]

bravo toujours aussi magique!

[@Ame-vo4pc]

😢 beautiful 🙌💖 god bless 🙏

[@nonnewtonian2357]

Ticheli is such an amazing composer and you channeled his work beautifully. Best rendition I have ever heard

[@DHdez98]

I've listened to and sung this piece many times already, I never get tired of it. Today you all have made me cry to it once again. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with the world. I'm a forever fan!

[@westonwittek8135]

THIS is what the entire world needs. No question about it. A massive thank you to VOCES8 for giving us the most beautiful content

[@charissahunt3363]

Another masterclass. Thank you! Brings tears to my eyes and heart. I got to sing this so beautifully with my choir. We did it proud. But, this is something else...

[@jomurphy1654]

Exquisite - that last repeated note - heart-stopping....

[@matthewrodriguez846]

I love listening for the overtones. This group has AMAZING overtones. A beautiful example. AMAZING WORK!!

[@samuelwardono8605]

I love the simplicity of this song, and yet it's also profound. Just as how there is pain and affliction, there is also love and comfort and that just so happened to be through music. Thank you guys!

[@kurtv4946]

indescribable!

[@BrianGawlik]

I can't get over 3:33. The descending line that speaks, "I'll live." That's so beautiful.

[@glorywilliams7155]

This song brought back memories from 10th grade singing in a choral clinic .. we were joined by another high school. .. I’ll be 20 this year.. man the nostalgia

[@malcolmmcnab3308]

Thank you so much @Voces8 for performing this song. You guys bring hope in a time of so much uncertainty❤

[@sydneygardner2811]

I've heard and performed this song so many times. I've always loved it but this video had me in tears in the first measure in a way that I didn't expect. It took me off guard, actually.

[@nedhorner]

I would LOOOVE to sing this.

[@kerotoin8968]

omg, this was the first song I ever sang in an advanced choir & i have such an emotional connection to it. especially right now, with all that we’re going thru in the world. ugh, i love it.

[@francinelangevin2833]

I'm a lycée school senior. Next year our known choir will suppose perform MAGNIFICATS kindliness in Montreal. By now, I I'm listening VOCES8 sings Frank Ticheli's Earth Song at the Voces8 Centre in London to show Spirit and the support' s VOCES of octuor. Gratitude pour cette beauté et ce moment de paix que vous m'avez insufflés! Merci à tous pour cet enregistrement.

[@gerhardoberlin212]

Eight voices - one harmony. Majestic like a big bell.

[@tobias185]

well done thank you doing this, thank you teck working crew to do such a great job

[@baristabev9517]

This is my favorite piece that I ever sang in choir. I come here to hear it and cry 10yrs later.

[@kassbayer]

I remember singing this in high school. We almost gave up until we sang in one of the stairwells in our school. Goosebumps and tears! One of the few good memories.

[@cogitoergosum3138]

To hear that song, sung by VOCES8,........ and you become a better human being. Thank you a lot!

[@annavomhinmelberg761]

Wonderful, thank you very much!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@sea-munkee]

I love this song so much. I never thought I’d see this being performed by one of my favorite groups. It’s beauty uncanny.

[@janhaviahire285]

sopranos are unbelievable

[@jazzblossom4122]

Everytime I hear them sing I have an intense desire to sing in a choir

[@joannahernandez9472]

this was the last song my choir got to learn with our director before he had to move to a different state and the message of this song is what he said we should always keep with us i wish we could’ve performed it with him

[@mischa2643]

Joanna Hernandez I did this with a director I adored in her final year as well, some 10+ years ago now. It still brings back wonderful memories.

[@jessicaderemer7044]

Thank you so much for performing this piece so beautifully!! This gorgeous recording brings me so many fond memories, so thank you ☺️

[@iykenwosu6295]

Voce8 is there to keep us alive during this trying times😌

[@stevenbommerez758]

Once again I'm blown away... such beauty, in your voices, but also in you as a person ! You're bringing a message and you're nailing it. Wonderful and thank you for that !

[@lynneconn6784]

My church choir will be singing this beautiful piece on Sunday. First service without masks!

[@kianasamiei2467]

I love this song😭I think the song When the Earth Stands Still by Macdonald would sound incredible as well. It’s an amazing piece

[@johnnycrocetti8986]

Both beautiful pieces and my favorites of choral music!

[@messerlee1438]

Невозможно без слёз слушать ваше исполнение. Это невыносимо прекрасно 😍😍😍

[@alisonalcock5218]

So beautiful, words, music and, of course, you VOCES8; What would we do without you?

[@moishemillerr]

You definitely hear the just intonation in this one!

[@user-gt3gr6bx8e]

I remember when I first heard this song . It literally had everyone in shock because of how beautiful the song

[@wcorbee]

I sang this song with Frostburg State University's chamber choir. When the professors mother passed away (she was the accompanist) we sang this at her funeral. Betty would always tell us to "Just say thank you, damnit!" So, thank you damnit!

[@jasonkirkland3927]

Singing this for the massive catholic mass at St Particks cathedral was AMAZING. Such an honor.

[@leighlowe7131]

What a gift from you to all of us today. Thank you for adding such beauty to the day, reminding me that as I contemplate things for which I am grateful, knowing the eight of you and your music is on the short list. Blessings to you all and please stay safe and well.

[@patrikpampanini8543]

Obrigado a Deus pela vida de vocês por nos proporcionar vivenciar como deva ser o Céu através do belíssimo canto... Muita luz a todos... Cássia, MG - Brasil

[@ElliottG1995]

*applauds for voces8* amazing... just the perfect song we ought to hear going through such difficult times.. ❤️

[@marialuciariccioli4971]

That's what we need... panic, pain and evil everywhere... music is powerful.

[@virtualpoboy]

Such a sublime enchantment of this expression! One cannot help but wonder just LUCKY we are to have been uplifted by this shimmering vocal performance that takes us from being human to our core spirit in 4:16 minutes! I realize the I am lucky enough to have such an experience. Composers who have written musical utterances that have lived and been loved by many far past their own time have not the privilege of being bathed in the golden sounds. These spirits make me weep in this sound, I weep for those who wrote but can't hear their creations casting magic on the listener by Voces8!

[@Kathleen19960212]

Forever mesmerized by the beauty and the message this song conveyed. This very piece has been my salvation in the darkest time of my life and somehow I feel that it is what people need most right now...whoever reads this, I hope that you are safe and healthy in this difficult time. Bunches of love 💞

[@ReboEelyak0610]

Absolutely stunning. Makes me wish I was singing with my choir :(

[@1dreamit2doit]

Marvelous.

[@laurenbach7430]

This brings back many memories to when I sang this in highschool. This was also the song that my choir teacher had used to audition for becoming the choir teacher. The song was quite effective and I still think about it every day.

[@blindingirisjake]

We sang this in the honors choir at the Bluegrass Choral Music Festival in Lexington, KY. Once in a lifetime experience, that soprano note that carries “in pain” shit had me tearing up I almost couldn’t hit my baritone notes. Beautiful performance.

[@jenniferlarson100]

I have a visceral reaction every time I listen to this. It is the most beautiful piece of music I’ve ever heard. Just, WOW.

[@jaywilson374]

Earth Song has been my favorite song for soooooo long! I was blessed to sing it in the summer of 2018 and my love for it has never changed. I’ve cried through my pain listening to this song! Hearing it gives me hope for the Earth, for myself, and for choral music❤️. Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@deltaadoodlez]

My choir old teacher showed us this video and said he believed that we could sound like this I’ve moved schools since then but I use his confidence in me and no matter what choir I’m part of I will always take his words with me thank you Mr. C

[@ebrukantemirtercan]

I’am writing from so far away and your voices reach us dear Voces8. We listen to when we feel hopeless, sadness and happiness.. So i am sure that you will be better in a new world after the storm. Love you...

[@xo_starboyy111]

Thank you so much. KZbin Suggesting this on my birthday. It’s incredible I love it. Earth Song will forever be in my heart.❤️

[@321bananas6]

We are singing this this year in my choir. We are going to learn it apart and come together to sing and record it when we can. I cannot describe to you how much we all needed to hear this song and have the opportunity to sing it right now. I'm very excited (and will probably cry while recording it, lets be honest XD)

[@clickerflight819]

Goodness I love Ticheli. We always played at least one of his pieces in band every year in band. I’m going to miss that when I graduate.

[@ilvailvandoniherde496]

Thank you Voces8! Andrea...the Voice-Queen...stunning...

[@johnezomo3868]

I found this extremely inspiring beyond words. Mind blowing, heart warming music that just pierces the soul and transcends mortal plains

[@MartyHendersonDVM]

Thank you so much for all this gorgeous content you've given us all during this crazy time in the world. Your music is the finest of its kind in the world and I am so thankful for you. I met you all in San Antonio, TX in February, likely one of the last shows you were able to do before having to quarantine. For my family and me it was a tremendous experience to see and hear you perform. Thank you!!

[@YananoBere]

Thank you so much for this gift. God bless you all and keep you during this difficult. 🙏🏾

[@danhoenn]

What a special moment. Had the pleasure of learning this song in high school and it’s always meant a lot to me. This is amazing

[@augustminer1413]

I loved singing this song my university is playing this ❤️😌

[@jerrysmith8421]

Absolutely sublime and so very poignant in these surreal days. Thank you for this beautiful performance and thank you, Mr Ticheli for this stunning composition.

[@elliottfatino9281]

i would love to see this group preform christus factus est or os justi meditabittur by bruckner. i feel as if they would be able to capture his chords in such a beautiful way

[@kristamoberly]

10 years later and I still know all the words and still cry. So beautiful