VOCES8 & Ringmasters: Shall We Gather at the River? arr. Blake Morgan

VOCES8 and Ringmasters perform 'Shall We Gather at the River?' in a new arrangement by Blake Morgan at the VOCES8 Centre in London. The session was filmed when the Ringmasters visited London in September 2023 to sing with VOCES8. Check out the Ringmasters' own KZbin channel ( / ringmasters ) for more collaboration videos from VOCES8's visit to Stockholm. More information about the Ringmasters can be found at www.ringmasters.se
TEXT
Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?
Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we ev'ry burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.
Yes, we will gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.

[@haleyerickson4203]

Starting a petition for these two amazing groups to sing together more often. Truly amazing!

[@Just_Sara]

Consider this me, signing your petition.

[@Ringmasters]

That's great to see that there's interest out there ❤. We have some pretty big plans in the making! Will let you know more in time.

[@gregssalamander.]

@@Ringmasters Please do, it’s much needed and appreciated

[@closmartins]

✍

[@ablebees_com]

Haley, if you haven't yet, you can start a petition on Ablebees requesting VOICES8 to bring these groups together for another video. Looks like there are plenty of people who would support your petition.

[@judahschultz]

I may have accidentally added another hundred views to this video… Maybe more!😅😅😅

[@user-jp3mm3pc6x]

Accidentally?

[@judahschultz]

@@user-jp3mm3pc6x When you listen to good music, it’s hard to tell how many times you hit the repeat button…😅

[@timothywolfenden4478]

Me too! Such a great arrangement and performance.

[@barbarahatalla3554]

Nothing accidental about that!❤

[@matthiascheah3519]

Same! Trying my hand at transcribing it by ear.

[@TimWaurickMusic]

Absolutely stunning singing from 2 of my favorite groups!! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@samevans4834]

Well, this is a pleasant surprise! Your music has blessed me and helped me improve in singing in more ways that I can count! Lord Jesus bless you, Tim!

[@hansmariusdyrnes8173]

What a compliment coming from someone as talented as you, Tim!

[@joshuawilson4818]

Can't wait for your 12 part Tim-edition 🙂

[@TimWaurickMusic]

@@samevans4834 Thanks so much, Sam!

[@TimWaurickMusic]

@@hansmariusdyrnes8173 Thank you!!

[@stephenrekas989]

This Blake Morgan arrangement of “Shall We Gather at the River” is beyond my powers of description. Even at the beginning, the sopranos and altos are already suppressing smiles because they know what they are about to deliver. Then near the end, the tenors, baritones and basses get the smile bug too. Alone in my little studio, I applauded-no doubt, smiling. Thank you Voces8 and Ringmasters!

[@MoominJude]

Stunning, the purity of Voces8 with the warmth and timbre of Ringmasters is a stellar combination.

[@4partharmony208]

That 9th in the last chord is just so ridiculously good. I could hear it was in there right away, but Andrea fit it into the texture so perfectly that it took me multiple listens to figure out where it was

[@james_subosits]

I had the same experience, it's the perfect little bit of extra color on that chord.

[@ratkillerthe]

Hello excuse me, I don't know if I'm hearing just an overtone of Andrea's voice or if it is indeed a high, high note she is singing... Can you tell me what note is she singing pls?

[@4partharmony208]

@ratkillerthe Molly's actually the one singing the high 5th (Bb? Someone help me out). Andrea's actually on the 9th below it rubbing against the tonic octave. You can hear it best right before the cutoff. It's a great example of arranging a big finish chorally. There's only so much you can do with a basic I chord (generally doubling the tonic root), but when you have more than four parts, adding a full-strength high fifth and/or a subtle 9th that doesn't disrupt the main chord can really unlock the ring and overtones of that chord.

[@Lorenzo_der_Ritter]

@@4partharmony208 yep, Bb. Totally agree with everything you say.

[@JimMeehan]

Wow! What a sound! Just when you think it's going to stay harmonically ... peaceful, things get very exciting. 😲 Congratulations to Blake for this arrangement, and thanks to both groups for such a memorable performance.

[@MatthewAHaas]

I was listening and going through, and got to a part thinking, oh that was a nice surprise. Then again, oh, that was an unexpected surprise, and thought it was a very nice choice. And then it surprised again! And then it ends in a way I would never have imagined from the start. What a wild ride of an arrangement! Loved it!

[@JimMeehan]

What absolutely slays me is Rasmus' A-natural heading into that bright, final E-flat chord.

[@user-jh7si2tz9n]

BIG TIME! @@JimMeehan

[@briannacox5965]

yessss its so good!! blake loves barbershop and it was genius to let RM go full barbershop at the end while perfectly integrating voces8's sound into it. amazing :)

[@DigitalMalePinUps]

Incredible arrangement, expertly sung, and MY. GAHD. 3:58 to the end? I can't remember the last time I heard something so utterly gorgeous and glorious. KUDOS to all!

[@UkeOne]

OMG!!! What an 'amazing' arrangement of this old-time favorite. The totally beautiful blend of voices by both VOCES8 and Ringmasters is 'sheer perfection': crisp, sharp and beyond stunning. Again, this arrangement is mindboggling...there is so much going on from start to finish. Kudos to Blake Morgan for his 'genius musicality' on this one. Likewise, I don't think one could ever find a grander vocal execution than by these two truly outstanding vocal groups. BRAVO...a thousand times over!!

[@RogerioDec]

As a composer and arranger too, I retreat into my insignificance every time I contemplate masterpieces like these, which transport us from earth to heaven, made by the magical hands of noble Spirits.

[@performingartist]

I can only hope as I teach my middle school and high school students that they will understand this. The intonation, the voicing, the harmony, the precision, the expression, the discipline it takes to get here... All of it. I hope one day they can understand and break down in tears at the sheer joy of it like I just did

[@scopie49]

My choir teacher from high school retired last year. I sent her another Voces8 song and she told me she loves them and that she got to see them in concert live. I'm so jealous. I wish there were more recordings of our performances in school. If possible I'd recommend recording all your choir performances for your students to listen to later on in life. Hearing my jazz choir from 13 years ago makes me cry but there's only one recorded performance that I'm aware of from 4 years of high school.

[@judahschultz]

The run that the basses do at 4:03 is just perfection! Can’t stop listening to this!

[@cherylpearce3380]

Oh my, Blake what a beautiful arrangement. This piece was so very uplifting I am longing for the day in heaven when I will sit with God and gather with all his faithful servants at the river and maybe we will sing this arrangement! As usual so wonderfully performed by both groups with such accuracy and joy. God bless you all and your wonderfully musical gifts.❤

[@pstern84]

This is an arranging masterpiece. The entire concept, from start to finish expertly done. In particular, there are separate rhythms moving through the piece as they ask each other, “shall we gather.” Then, at 3:32, they answer, all together, “yes.” It’s a powerful connection between the lyrics and music.

[@stevecole3192]

It may take hours for this smile to leave me. Ladies and gentlemen that was one of the most moving vocal arrangements I have had the pleasure of witnessing. Stunning. Simply stunning. Allow me to speak for the rest of the planet when I say well done, all. Blessings from Kansas~

[@angelalewis3645]

❤

[@connorwosmek216]

An incredible collaboration with two of my favorite groups!!!

[@rogers1861]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard

[@hoodandco29]

The christians really do have all the best tunes. Listening to all the singers putting everything into this performance, and watching them get such a buzz from the excellence of their ensemble is truly uplifting. Sublime

[@bobbiecat7139]

Oh wow! Voces8...heaven bless you. Ringmasters...first time I have heard you...fabulous! Thank you all for a perfect beginning to my day😍

[@Jman75137]

Funny to see such seasoned vocalists (Voces8) giggle with joy at the end upon hearing a barbershop quartet ring out a chord!

[@user-jh7si2tz9n]

Obviously - WOW! Wow, wow, wow! But the BIG wow is for the arranger Blake Morgan. This blows me away.

[@markwardonwords]

Listening over and over. A barbershopper in Voces 8 arranges a piece for quartet plus octet-absolutely loving it!

[@nelsonmartinmusic]

After seeing a clip of the ending on Instagram, I could not be happier to see a full video release. This is really special. Incredible arrangement, Blake! It's perfect for a collab of choral and barber shop professionals, as it taps into both of those genres while keeping the integrity of the original folk tune. Edit: As pointed out below, this is not actually a folk tune.

[@RobertAMRoss]

This isn’t a folk song-the composer is Robert Lowry (sp.?) & dates from 1800s US.

[@nelsonmartinmusic]

​@@RobertAMRossGood point. I guess I tend to think of it as a folk tune category, but you're right.

[@martinfalls6614]

Holy, holy, holy smokes, people. God bless VOCES8 & Ringmasters. I'm a writer, but words fail me now. Blessed Yule & Merry Christmas to all! God save our broken world and call us to service.

[@angelalewis3645]

❤

[@Apriluser]

Just a glimpse of what Heaven will be like. May music move us to a more profound hallelujah.

[@samr9696]

i nearly cried. oh my word what a stunning arrangement, and that final section was jaw-dropping. Voces8 and Ringmasters deliver AGAIN!! 😍 edit: the high Bb sounded initally like an overtone until i saw Andrea, WOWOWOW incredible

[@VOCES8]

The top Bb at the end is actually Molly this time! Andrea is singing the F below (9th).

[@falconbritt5461]

Well rock on, Molly!! 😁@@VOCES8

[@brooksrogers1975]

Nearly cried? I bawled my eyes out twice in a row.

[@samr9696]

@@VOCES8 they both have gorgeous voices, and with the tone so clear i couldn't tell! my favourite vocal group ❤

[@brad5286]

@@VOCES8 I didn't need to listen very closely to know that! The look on Molly's face on that Bb is Soprano 1 Diva Realness! Andrea and Molly are INCREDIBLE together!

[@sistavixen8218]

How well can we sing together???? Watch/listen to this. Mic drop!!!

[@justAbigailsinging]

This was so, so good. I’m speechless.

[@angelalewis3645]

Same.

[@CB-ke9rs]

Magnifico!! Blake, please, for the love of God, arrange more of these masterpieces !

[@theodoremann1461]

Blake... I don't know if you will read this, but your dad suggested I listen to it. Absolutely stunning! It is certainly one of the most beautiful arrangements of this favorite old hymn I have ever heard. It was an honor to have met you the last time you were here at our facility, and I hope to see you again one day. I listen often to the wonderful album you gave me. Ted

[@carloberdier5047]

Wow. I kept skipping past this for months, because I didn’t think I’d like it. Didn’t think the two styles would mesh. But what a stupendous arrangement. Wonderfully done!

[@Shepherdd__]

I got tears in my eyes just hearing this beautiful piece. Thank you God for creating those marvellous human voices

[@erikpaul7003]

Tears in my eyes, mates! Wow, so exciting to hear this. Great work, Blake. So wonderful that you have all the talent to make it ring out like that. Love this!

[@billow0612]

I love the combination of the softness by VOCES8 and that power by Ringmasters. Amazing harmony!

[@andreamcgrath7663]

Just revelling in the shared joy on your faces singing together. Let alone the beautiful sound! Thank you.

[@myless789]

I’m sitting in my room at 11:36pm…absolutely stunned…sitting on my bed not even knowing what to do after hearing something so amazing…bravo!!!

[@Charlies_Little_Corner]

The kingdom of heaven on earth begins with voices like these. What a soul moving performance.

[@kimmysophiabrown4807]

so gorgeous....we sang this around the campfire growing up...such a beautiful rendition ... as well as humorous to see the spirit of the two groups at the end, Voces8 so dignified and contained and Ringmasters uninhibited exuberance - all the voices gorgeous and exceptional.

[@hotzeplotz83]

It's really astounding how these two aesthetics of sound and vocal timbre are stitched together. I bow to the sound engineer and the ensembles. It's obviously a match. Would it work live?

[@larrymiller4]

Ka-BOOOM! The old American hymn (Robert Lowry) gets a never-before-known arrangement that is brilliant. thrilling, moving -- well done. Blake. After every presentation, I wonder, can it get any better than this? Somehow, you pull it off. very fitting contribution by Ringmasters, whom I'd never heard of before. Awesome climax. It could have been done only with these two groups together. Thank you! Already replayed it three times, and it chokes me up.

[@mcgitarz]

I was NOT expecting this when I read the title! It’s pure genius! Recorded and performed by true masters! WOW❤

[@BruddahSam]

OH MY GOODNESS......WHAT DID MY EARS JUST ABSORB?!?!?!?!?!?! THIS IS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@christianheidenreich3673]

This causes goosebumps, touches deeply. Yet full of depth, subtility and power.

[@avogrid296]

Burst into tears at 3:32. GLORIOUS!!

[@stevenschelling8452]

That is also where I burst into tears lol

[@KevinDHart]

That barbershop tag at the end, holy smokes. What a phenomenal combination of two styles of singing.

[@johnfenton3699]

I end up with this stupid grin all over my face every time I listen to this - and I have lost count of how many times that is. You can see how much they all enjoyed singing this; their joy is obviously communicable!

[@kimbatteau1]

WOW!! LOVE THIS!! Do more of this, Blake Morgan and Voces 8 and Ringmasters!! Can't wait!!....

[@JackStevenson5045]

Do more, Blake, you are an authentic talent. Keep going!

[@james_g_walt]

Two of the best groups today; thanks for sharing!

[@owlley]

truly breathtaking, that last note... WOW

[@neilpearson157]

I keep thinking that if I listen to this one more time it will lose its magic.... but it doesn't! The arrangement, singers and recording combine to make a really exceptional performance. The depth of the music leads me to find more with each play. Just wonderful.

[@cecilcoe]

What an incredible combination and stunning rendition!!! Blake did an excellent arrangement. But thr two groups delivered the very best revitalization of this old song. Love it! Love it!! Love you all!!!

[@joellecullimore3782]

I am so relaxed. This is so ethereal. I want to walk inside a cathedral and just stare at glass-painted windows and the architecture now.

[@nedhorner]

I neeed to sing with them before I die!

[@tomhargreaves8820]

Wow! You guys were having WAY too much fun . . . and it was contageous. I found myself grinning, and wow-ing, and had chills running up my spine. I was remembering how much fun I used to have, oh, so very long ago, before I was supposed to be serious. I loved the different harmonies, and especially the conversation between each group, then the blend at the end. Yeah, WAY too much fun! Thanks for the grins.

[@rjmorgan2]

Exciting! Joyful! Stunning! I just want to listen over and over! So good! Well done, Blake, Voces8 and Ringmasters!

[@waltsmith9583]

No words for such musical and spiritual beauty, Thanks Voces8. Thanks Ringmasters. Thanks Blake. Awesome.

[@Ltpboi]

Love your writing Blake, I just love soaking all the passion you share with your piece. Please make more

[@Max-jf5vu]

I love how excited Rasmus is at the end!

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

RIGHT?!?

[@markdemers3417]

I wish I could think of some way to say how knee-buckling beautiful this arrangement and performance are that hasn't already been said. Other than "Thank you", I just don't know what else to say!

[@stephandippon9973]

Congratulations for the performance AND this wonderful arrangement. The old hymn got a new wonderful quality. Thanks for sharing this video with us and - dear Blake - please continue with such wonderful arrangements in this setting! Greetings from the southern Germany!

[@facts2741]

One of the most spectacular arrangements I've ever heard. Special performance. Try not to cry.

[@jesse6301]

Amazing arrangement, Blake! This is one of the most amazing things I have ever heard!!

[@seansamuels7131]

Good Lord Almighty!! That was Beautiful!! Spine-tingles! This is most definitely a snipet of what Heaven sounds like! Ouf! Thank you!!

[@nedhorner]

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@williamtogonon1766]

the silent celebration from both groups were so funny and that ending has me replaying it trying to dissect every single amazing voice

[@dabeamer42]

This is absolutely a clinic in both singing and arranging. Hats off to all, esp. Blake.

[@lydiamoses6098]

A MASTERPIECE !!! .... Flawless...Exquisite....Sheer perfection from start to finish...Beautiful beyond words to describe...A brilliant collaboration of the finest voices.

[@nedhorner]

I loove this song sooo much!

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

Everyone is in top form here, but yooooooo I can specifically hear Rasmus loud and clear! This is SO GOOD

[@davidholley1702]

An incredible fusion of perfectly harmonious classical choral, barbershop quartet and gospel singing. Loved it!

[@shontzomania]

The collaboration we never knew we needed! I thought they were going to make Jakob post the last "Throne of God" until the end...and then breathed a sigh of relief when I wouldn't have to worry if he was going to pass out! What a wonderful arrangement.

[@KS-gz6ue]

Spectacular. Extraordinary. Thank you!

[@gibbo2410uks]

This is INSANE! Every time I listen to it, it seems to get better and better!! AWESOME guys x

[@sylviakonig1632]

Gänsehaut und ein Lächeln im Gesicht und im Herzen - thank you very much, Voces8 & Ringmasters🙏🏼🫶🏼🥰

[@gargaschmeeze]

So appreciate the work that went into this collaboration and see the joy it clearly gives you to share it with all of us is a gift I didn’t expect to get. Cheers and thanks!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤

[@ilyasiliya234]

What a beautiful new choral work. Opens the heart and soars! Blake Morgan knew just how much beauty and color he can spin from your sublime singing.

[@HobnobWithBob]

That tag deserves to played on one million speakers at 200dB! Fantastic!!!!

[@ianhendra4836]

Yes, please, and may I come to listen? Another Blake masterpiece...those key changes, wow, and the final crescendo...more please!

[@cng_bassmann]

Wonderful arrangement. Especially the ending. Wonderful range of volumes... I love that.

[@ernst4633]

Beautiful arrangement!

[@afganimani2282]

spotify please!

[@angelalewis3645]

I love this so much. ❤

[@angelikas.6700]

Wundervoll!!!

[@wilfredzwart2154]

WOW, what a amazing performance!

[@crglo7ver]

Starts so sweetly then it builds, and builds and builds and builds to an Epic finish!! Truly something amazing!

[@getsmart99]

Wiping away the tears ...just absolutely wonderful ..thank you..

[@timothywolfenden4478]

Stunningly beautiful performance and arrangement.....can't get enough of the depth and richness of the textures

[@suelyttle8205]

Magnificent! A joining of two equally talented groups in a wonderful arrangement that brings out the best in each.

[@jacobdayton5656]

I still can’t believe this collab happened

[@1pootle]

That profound but subtle physically visual rock of some of the singers at the end.. ! I've got goosegogs, I can only imagine what that must have felt like to be in that room, to sing this together, or to be part of the team present for the recording. I love that the Ringmasters bring an informality to the energy. It reverberates over to Voces8, and you can see them seeping out of their usual composure as classically trained performers. The arrangement is stunning.. the first part is my favourite.. it breaks down the weary heart.. taking it's hand to a place of safety. Just beautiful. Thank you 🙏

[@chanterouxe]

Wow! What a perfect and joyful performance by Voces8 and Ringmasters! I just loved it! Thank you! 🥰

[@JennyBeeAMDG]

Two of my favorite groups together. Holy crap! The acoustics! The sound! The tone! The chords! The goosebumps! Yes! Yes! Yes! More, please!!!❤❤❤

[@neilpearson157]

The enthusiasm of the singers is a joy to watch. The sound when heard through good headphones is another level of enjoyment. I understand a previous comment about adding another one hundred views! Magnificent.

[@uncleop22]

I've been watching this nearly daily - and sometimes more than once each day - since it came out. I keep finding new moments, both sonically as well as visually, in this performance. The reactions of the singers are a delight and there's something special in each of their faces and bodies as the chords keep rolling out. I'm kinda' wishing now for a fresh video with the same audio track but a re-cut to capture more of the visuals. But I'm totally happy with what we have here. Fantastic.

[@user-ff3ft1db6d]

Loved the ending it sent goose bumps down my back !

[@BruceLudwick]

Subtle ending! ;) I love the wall of sound. Well done, and well-sung! Congrats, Blake!

[@quinnvandenberg9656]

Amazing, the beginning and the end have 2 different vibes though, don't know how to feel about that .

[@rivendoto]

Stank face, goosebumps, hand clapping, every fucking emotion all in one. Just when I thought Notre Dame medley (I've only delved into the world of Barbershop just a few days ago) is the best piece I've ever heard so far. As a choir singer, this performance feels like a dream, both to experience and to achieve.

[@wmsbarnesflorida]

Blake, You must have been at the front of the line when God passed out both tenor voices and arranging creds! Love it.

[@stephanbuchner639]

Sanfter Beginn - sich steigernde starke Stimmen - hin zu einem entfesselnden Finale! Sowohl der Arrangeur als auch die Protagonisten verdienen sich hier das höchste Lob!

[@vsobko]

Фантастика! Дуже дякую! Молодці!