VOCES8: Send in the Clowns - Stephen Sondheim (arr. Clements)

VOCES8 sings Jim Clements' arrangement of 'Send in the Clowns' by Stephen Sondheim. The video was filmed in the VOCES8 Centre in London.
LYRICS
Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air
Send in the clowns
Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around
One who can't move
But where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns
Just when I stopped
Opening doors
Finally knowing
The one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Sure of my lines
No one is there
Don't you love farce?
My fault, I fear
I thought that you'd want what I want-
Sorry my dear
But where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns
Don't bother they're here

[@brucecliffe6213]

Thank you, thank you, thank you all. What a pleasant and calming way to end my working day. Your singing touches me deep in my soul, and you bring this 77 YO male to tears nearly every time I hear you. Thank you.

[@molliethorn]

I couldn't agree more! As a 77 yo female, I too am touched deeply by the singing of Voces8. 🥰😇

[@ginacrusco234]

I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I inhaled after the final chord died away. The pathos of the soloist's face!

[@garyhinkle5736]

'What A Sad Day For Music' But What A Legacy He Has Left Us All. Stephen Sondheim R.I.P

[@alysononoahu8702]

Most folks don't know the context for this gem

[@1earflapping]

Katie is the best actor among them, so it’s appropriate she leads. Her facial expressions are just right.

[@vensan34]

THANK YOU FOR FEATURING KATIE. I love her voice so much, this song is perfect

[@stephendruley6968]

The most beautiful rendition of Bring in the Clowns I have ever heard. The alto's voice is so golden and full of grace. Not many songs make me a 77 year old man cry. The fact that she is drop dead gorgeous doesn't hurt. Oh! Voces8 is my soul my life my total enjoyment.

[@sonjapeterson8959]

A gift that keeps giving... Thank you and the parents and teachers who inspired you...

[@brianforbescolgate2352]

Stephen, this 76 year old feels the same way. I have the original cast recording on vinyl. I first saw A Little Night Music in 2005, then again in Stratford (Ontario) in 2016, and have always especially loved this song. Yes, Katie is outstanding here ... very much worth the tears! (though Andrea is my favourite).

[@ramonlopez4359]

Todavía vives?

[@sudhirchopde3334]

Great singing of a typical disbelieving Jonas of an Englishman "Isn't it rich...........,(now listen to this......)

[@JH-ki2iq]

Their version of Send in the Clowns is very good too…..😊

[@antoniorosello1341]

Katie sings as an angel in the paradise.

[@Tommeadowcroft]

Most songs that Voces8 sings are songs that lots of groups of varying abilities sing; Voces8 shines for its talent and professionalism, but lots of groups sing that song. Most groups would hesitate to try this one; there are multiple parts that require exquisite intonation and control to make this complex arrangement succeed. This is the one I turn to when I want a showpiece for why this is the best a cappella group in the world.

[@benedictus7081]

the resonance in the opening was... just surreal. and I guess the world needs more songs with Alto and Bass as the soloist. perfect rendition.

[@davidbaker2883]

Exactly right. Great to hear the alto voice leading.

[@MerricMaker]

I'm bass/baritone now, but when I was going from treble 1 to here, Alto was my favorite part. Generally the most skilled singers in a given choir.

[@MickeyKraut419]

Check out their version of Simon and Garfunkel's Sound of Silence...

[@maxmom15]

I love the Alto voice.

[@seanking9084]

🎉

[@adventurem8887]

Stephen Sondheim is looking down on this wonderful rendition of his creation

[@EclipseorgsEclipseSimulator]

I think the jury has spoken. We love voces8, and we LOVE KATIE!!!!!

[@avelai9216]

I've been watching this video for at least 20 times by now and still wonder how Katie's voice can be so mature and refined yet so warm and emotional at the same time. She's incredibly gifted and beautiful, like a visitor from another dimension full of beauty and bliss... And of course the ensemble is in perfect pitch as always, the harmonies are mesmerizing. Thank you.

[@MisterTayTay]

Beautiful. Gosh… I miss singing with a group. How wonderful it must feel to be surrounded by such peers.

[@danielshade710]

The perfect human oboe ringing bell tones. Honestly couldn’t imagine a more perfect voice from a better singer. She’s just incredible

[@lewcarynntacandong4755]

Finally, an alto soloist! I’m so happy!

[@twitchly]

Chills. Best version of this song I’ve heard. Would love to hear more pieces that feature Katie.

[@fairladyo]

Katie's solo voice is so rich and moving. So glad to see her featured....a perfect song for the times.

[@seanking9084]

🎉

[@RKNsword]

rest in peace sondheim, you genius

[@mickeyb2927]

I've run out of words... So lovely to hear Katie's voice leading this wonderful octet. Very moving...

[@jorgreuter5806]

Einfach nur schön

[@yordankaacosta2849]

Finally!! She deserves more solos. Truly!! All of them are wonderful, together and alone.

[@garymoore8711]

8 voices better than one Striesand or Collins. Calm,my heart, VOCES8

[@KevinVanOrd]

@prometheusrex1 Such helpful feedback. Your pedantry has brought so much to the comments section.

[@patrickproctor3462]

@prometheusrex1 I hope you were drunk/high when you posted this vapid retort; because otherwise, you're a ridiculous waste of human capability and title.

[@kaylaburrell4637]

This was so beautiful it made me cry. I miss singing with other people ❤️😢

[@billrobinson9704]

I weep as well, but unfortunately I can't sing.

[@salvaldez5146]

Kayla Burrell same, I miss my choir. And online singing is just not the same, harmonies just don’t lock and sounds as beautiful as live.

[@TheAscoltati]

I miss my choir so much....but there WILL be singing again! Be strong 😊

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

Rest in Peace Stephen. Thank you for your music.

[@edmontoninuit6489]

I listen to you so often. Thank you for the joy you bring to me.

[@danielshade710]

You can hear the phasing of perfect pitch at the beginning. Phasing is the physics argument about what frequency is. Astonishing. Freaking astonishing

[@nedhorner]

When the sopranos come in the humming, it sounds like a string section in an orchestra... AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

[@daniellereid01]

Beautiful arrangement and so sympathetically sung by Katie. This song is so easy to get wrong with its deceptive simplicity, but this was full of gentle melancholy that is exactly right xox

[@Mukundanghri]

Stephen Sondheim indicated in an interview with Terry Gross, that it is where the accents are to fall which sets this apart form generic simplicity.

[@kazzieloo]

Who could give this a thumbs down?? This is beyond gorgeous!

[@observer6567]

This is pure speculation, of course, but I suspect that the negative responses are generated by some seriously invested, possibly doctrinaire, hairdressers.

[@kazzieloo]

@@observer6567 That made my morning. 😂Merry Christmas!

[@larrymiller4]

Katie gets to show her formidable chops. What a voice!

[@Skylikeday]

This clip was uploaded on my birthday, and what a gift it was

[@lizzystephen3851]

My mums favourite song. I used to hear her sing it when she was cleaning and thought nobody was listening . She could hold a note too 😀. Thank you for taking me back x

[@singingtutorpro2181]

Another stunner from Voces8 and Jim Clements. He really is the most extraordinary arranger.

[@composer_jim]

I'm glad you like it!

[@polderknaap9794]

We never had a bath ourselves. This, however is one, and what a luxury! A warm, warm, bubbling musical bath for spiritual cleansing. My ultimate gratitude for one of the many choral gifts you offered this world. Thanks Katie, thanks Voces8, thanks Stephen Sondheim, thanks Jim Clements. This is so heartbreakingly beautiful 🥲

[@mariaelenablanconoelke]

Es tan dulce, tierno afiatado, extraordinariamente HERMOSO. Me toca el alma. Gracias por tan angelical regalo❤

[@robertodetree1049]

Wow, this group is tremendous. The tuning, the rhythm, the volumes are so perfectly harmonious, it is a great pleasure to listen to them.

[@waynelawrence6972]

The more I understand these lyrics the more I love this interpretation. Oh, and I just love Katie's voice and persona. Just absolutely lovely❤

[@kathleenemerson5248]

I have always thought this was one of the saddest yet most real song written. So captures that human relationships. And, of course, this group is unsurpassed in all they do. Love the alto voice featured.

[@carlgeenen1654]

Katie. Alto. Sultry. Beautiful. Heaven. I've run out of words...

[@keithball6749]

I just adore Katie’s vocal gifts!! This has been my favorite Sondheim song for decades!!!

[@erlethepearl]

What a beautiful rendition by the lovely Katie.

[@AugieTaylorSong]

You guys always bring tears to my eyes. +++++++++++++++++++++

[@WadeHarmanwlh]

What an international treasure Voces8 is.

[@andrewroberts8139]

What you notice first of all is the sheer beauty of the sound, then the quality of the acting.

[@russellsvenningsen7051]

This was my father's favorite song. I still don't know what it's about but this rendition is absolutely gorgeous. Miss you, Dad.

[@kensalsman7737]

The versatility of Voces8 never ceases to amaze me! I appreciate how they highlight individual members and their own unique voices; even though when they sing together they are so unified in sound and tone.

[@evelynap9728]

this is send from Above for our great pleasure. Hello Alto I like your expression. RIP Stephen Sondheim youll like this too❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤

[@mfwanfy]

So nice to hear Katie do a solo!

[@tylercriss6435]

I'm glad to see her getting her own focus in a piece.

[@texasrattlesnake31637]

Resonates in the Soul. BRAVO!

[@holgiwankenobi]

How wonderful Katie’s mezzo-soprano works as lead vocals on this track. It adds a certain somberness to the music that enhances the melancholy expressed in the lyrics. Another brilliant piece of art by the world’s leading vocal ensemble.

[@KevinVanOrd]

Can we talk about the perfection from 4:17 to 4:31? I am rarely a fan of choral renditions of pop and theater tunes but Jesus God, this one's too good.

[@genevievesulway830]

RIP Stephen Sondheim. Thanks for the Music Sir!

[@nigelb5340]

Katie has an incredible voice, wonderful...

[@andreguerne9713]

Une pure merveille ! Katie bouleversante d'humilité et d'émotion, Voces8 frise la perfection. Bravo, thank you !

[@christine2334]

It has apparently been 4 years and I am still begging and pleading for this to go on Spotify

[@bagussyafriezaparadhika4087]

Those beauty that heals the pain... Being realize that our beautiful souls is in the most beautiful place now... Thank you V8

[@suellensimons-peters1597]

Utterly fabulous. Thanks so much! Katie!

[@alisonalcock5218]

8 beautiful people with wonderful voices, a song full of emotion......VOCES8 you are perfection, I love you

[@kelvinredward3013]

Human voices with a total Sonic range Bravo 👏

[@bernhardkirchner5447]

Marvelous! Excellent! Sublime! Fabulous arrangement, too! Ms Katie was great at delivering the lyrics, all the little solos provided nice contrast and Ms Andrea's voice floating on that descant was the icing on the cake! (Liked her dress, too! )

[@thomasbothmann]

Absolutely beautiful. I sit here with tears in my eyes listening to Katie's wonderful voice.

[@Sjb2077]

Life is shit at the moment yet such singing, such exquisite sound transcends everything. Just lovely

[@clairecockerellbiermann5303]

0

[@clairecockerellbiermann5303]

Beautiful!

[@matthewpurnell876]

This is the most gorgeous arrangement and voices I have heard sing this, bravo to you all.

[@ionacmitchell]

2:59 'sorry' gives me CHILLS

[@cynthiat6505]

Wonderful! Thank you! The best arrangement I’ve heard! Katie, beautiful!

[@TheForceOfMusic101]

(One of my favourite songs) + (VOCES8) = Perfection!!!

[@cee5329]

Resplendent with haunting melancholy. Thank you for featuring Katie in this arrangement as she was the perfect choice to bring out the deeper meaning of this beautiful song's lyrics. Heartbreaking and very well done. Thank you

[@terrymc578]

I cry all to easy.... this womans voice and her colleagues had me in floods - its beautiful.

[@KorAnos1]

I hope Sondheim got to hear this one before he went. May his memory be a blessing.

[@lindsay2em]

Too beautiful for words. I'm in tears.

[@cyriacjohn9915]

Thankyou so much

[@donsharpe5786]

I loved this. It showed off Katy's voice beautifully.

[@grimwriter7490]

This is gorgeous...also, Katie should go into musical theatre. The emotion/meaning of the song was so evident in her face; brilliant job to her, the others, and Mr Clemens as usual. Thank you all so much, and God bless!

[@stevenmcewing2883]

I thought I'd share that what VOCES8 does in filming performances is musical theatre...the rehearsals, private practice, etc. I'm sure that theatre is included... past, present and future with all members. I agree and enjoy with you!

[@WHATTHEBUCKSHOW]

Wow!!!!

[@sylviekillin2762]

.... Harmonies parfaites ...et cet Accord Final , toujours MAGIQUE chez Voces 8 ! Merci

[@pieterderaad]

What a Miracle: 8 different characters expressing and performing 1 Soul. Heartwarming.🙏🎶

[@KevinArchitect]

Great acoustics 🎉🎉🎉 both contemporary and ancient ❤

[@LB-1888]

Nice, nice, nice. The leading voice is superb!

[@leighlowe7131]

How thrilling to hear Katie’s gorgeous voice highlighted here. I’ve never heard this song so beautifully rendered! Thank you!

[@ericksor98]

Katie, I love your voice, your musical sincerity, and your beauty.

[@karenblust814]

How could Sondheim get any better than his own arrangement? Clements managed to transport the blend heavenward and the melancholy deeper. Absolutely perfect! Thank you for a taste of true pleasure.

[@composer_jim]

Glad you like it!

[@verenamaharajah6082]

Just lovely.

[@KVCBTopeka]

Beautiful - I'm glad to hear Katie being featured as a soloist, at last!

[@kanealoha]

It touched my soul. Thank you so much.

[@LoisSharbel]

This group is magical! Thank you! Loved hearing you in Birmingham,, Alabama this past year! What a gift!

[@williamlewis8741]

Greetings Voce8ettes :-) i'm just enthralled by the harmonic sound they produce. This journey stated in 1979 when I heard a group called 'Waverly Consort' sang "When David Heard." I'd pay good music to hear Voce8 sing it. Personally, I'd want a front row seat in front of the bass voice. Gracious people, each voice is beyond perfect for me. I can't get Lux Aeterna out of my head. Merci beaucoup Voce8

[@helenpanshin5589]

Which arrangement of "When David Heard"?

[@williamlewis8741]

@@helenpanshin5589 good morning Helen. I love the arrangement by Michael Jaffee from Waverly Consort, but it's not available. In it's place, i've found the following: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enenaWh3qdaJaLc it's brilliant

[@williamlewis8741]

@@helenpanshin5589 1979 when I heard a group called 'Waverly Consort' sang "When David Heard

[@glynparker9206]

Beautiful ! and agree that it’s good to hear Katie at the front :-)

[@leslieeden8886]

Had to watch this again and simply sit and cry - such pathos and such beauty.

[@zyr3554]

having you voces8 exists on earth is such a great thing !

[@Salvejohnny93]

Listening to this in tears. We will miss you so much, Maestro Sondheim. ❤️

[@billwatt2528]

Simply breathtakingly beautiful

[@rikitenor1821]

This broke me. I miss singing with other people so much. Exquisite blend!

[@jonathangriggs9123]

I’m visualising Torvil and Dean skating this , brings back memories

[@CaresinVerse]

Overwhelmingly beautiful, as always. When VOCES8 sings a song, they own it! THANK YOU!

[@karennelson6671]

Weeping over this at my desk this morning.

[@tortoiseperson]

I've heard this song many times but this is the first time I've really appreciated what it's saying. Bravi tutti especially Katie.

[@alifmuhammadchicago]

Those Maj7 chords and the suspended dominants... and that last F#Maj9... 🥰

[@randyisble5996]

WOW...Bravo !!!

[@nilsnilsson8582]

This is the best A capella choir I have heard since The Singers Unlimited!

[@garrettbrothers6989]

I loved this piece so much that I decided to read up on it. It has a lot of emotion from the musical where, in short, a woman who rejected a man's marriage proposal for years returns after changing her mind -- only to learn that the man is married to a young wife already. It emphasizes her regret and anger or loathing at how she spent her own youth. But then I came across this gem: Another example arises from Sondheim's roots as a speaker of American rather than British English: The line "Don't you love farce?" features two juxtaposed labiodental fricative sounds (the former [v] voiced, the latter [f] devoiced). American concert and stage performers will often fail to "breathe" and/or "voice" between the two fricatives, leading audiences familiar with British slang to hear "Don't you love arse?", misinterpreting the lyric or at the least perceiving an unintended double entendre. Sondheim agrees that "[i]t's an awkward moment in the lyric, but that v and that f should be separated."[9]

[@jsleahey3247]

Beyond tremendous!!

[@thermalbug]

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! Beautiful singing! Excellent arrangement. Lead singer has a beautiful voice... and is super hot! Just sayin'.... Thank you each and every one of you for sharing your gift with us.