VOCES8 - Sigurbjörnsson: Heyr himna smiður

[@siggiAg86]

This lyric was written by Kolbein Tumason, an Icelandic chieftain, Goði, in 1208 shortly before being killed in battle, the battle of Víðines. One of the most beautiful psalm written in Icelandic.

[@sigurvald1]

This is so well done that I instantly started to cry when I heard your absolutely beautiful singing. My father was a church organist for 39 years and this song was one of his all time favourites. When he passed away last year this was one of the songs in the funeral. Thank you guys for bringing back memories... and tears All the best from Iceland.

[@robertclemons845]

"He who sings, prays twice." - Saint Augustine

[@williamlee140]

"He who farts, elicits stern looks." - Uknown

[@Alanik06]

@@williamlee140 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thomasdef634]

and she who sings ?

[@williamlee140]

Is told to make haste back to the hearth and retrieve scrumptious morsels for hungry men.@@thomasdef634

[@Eagle_Beak]

​@thomasdef634 please don't let your agenda scorn this beautiful quote.

[@thomasdef634]

this song is lovelier and loftier than a cathedral. the sound itself is hallowed space. i want to live here, in the world of this song

[@Ima-si4kd]

I just wanna say thank you for doing such an amazing job at pronouncing everything!

[@SuperGamli]

Coming from an Icelander: their pronunciation is very impressive!

[@hannahmccoy8336]

Please can you translate for us

[@wyattmichaelproductions]

@@hannahmccoy8336 Here you go. Hear, O smith of heavens, what the poet asks. May softly come unto me thy mercy. So I call on thee, for thou hast created me. I am thy slave, Thou art my Lord. God, I call on thee to heal me. Remember me, mild one, Most we need thee. Drive out, O king of suns, generous and great, every human sorrow from the city of the heart. Watch over me, mild one, Most we need thee, truly every moment in the world of men. send us, son of the virgin, good causes, all aid is from thee, in my heart.

[@MojligheternasRum]

Ja Thad er satt

[@hannahmccoy8336]

@@wyattmichaelproductions thank you

[@justincombs7433]

Your native tongue is hauntingly beautiful.

[@sigurjonmyrdal3873]

What an almost perfect pronunciation of this 800-year-old Icelandic hymn, together with a masterful intonation in this beautiful music from 1974 from Dr. Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson.

[@esmeraldagreen1992]

It sounds a lot like renaissance music

[@ВеснаБогданова-й1к]

Как же они чувствуют друг друга, это изумительно когда ты с другим рядом стоящим исполняет одной душой.

[@kevinfunnell4223]

“If it weren’t for music, I would think that love is mortal.” Mark Helprin

[@jonathanivelaw-chapman5940]

"Oh wondrous majesty, eternal light, thou bringest the sweet smell and delight, of voices pure and bright"

[@wyattmichaelproductions]

I absolutely love this. So beautiful to hear worship in the old tongue. If the northern lights have a sound, this is it.

[@TalynStormcrow]

Beautifully put.

[@joshuamallory8107]

Beautiful comment.

[@wyattmichaelproductions]

@@joshuamallory8107 Thank you!

[@wyattmichaelproductions]

@@TalynStormcrow Thank you!

[@gileslethbridge3581]

The Northen Lights were with us long before worship. Thank God. (Sic)

[@JustMe-rn5uf]

I heard this on a 9-1-1:Lone Star Season 3 Episode 18- Season Finale: A Bright and Cloudless Morning. Captain Strand(Rob Lowe) is trapped in a building that collapsed due to an explosion. He is faced with a memory from his past, when he was trapped in the Twin Towers with a police officer. This music was quite moving and haunting. Something I could fall asleep to and that is saying something, being an insomniac. There is a calm...a sense of peace, when this song is sung. Such heavenly and blessed voices. Just Beautiiful.🇨🇦

[@paulpearman2347]

I saw that same episode a few night ago on the TV here in Perth WA, yes very moving & beautiful piece that had me searching through my Voces8 albums for more of their tracks to listen to. I've played this piece over and over, puts me in a very peaceful place. Cheers Paul

[@leslie2760]

This makes my soul settle.

[@Mabbdaa]

The beginning has the most perfect picardy third I’ve ever heard in my life. Beautiful

[@brhbrh6326]

As an Icelandic classical musician and organist there is no Tierce de Picardie at the beginning.

[@Mabbdaa]

@@brhbrh6326 0:32???????

[@Mabbdaa]

@@brhbrh6326 0:32

[@egillgud]

I can’t believe how Icelandic you sound! Please sing the other masterpiece of Icelandic choir music. Requiem by Jón Leifs.

Unbelievable what harmonies are capable of! My tears just came, and came, and came...

[@fenriseisensturm6687]

This song was played on my fathers funeral. Thank you for this beautiful piece of art.

[@AnnaMaria-zm8cv]

I had it also played at my uncles funeral, (by other performers though) which I couldnt attent due to covid, as I live in Iceland and my family in Netherlands. My uncle also had a weak spot for Iceland. My family played this song the night before he died, and he smiled hearing it, clearly he loved to hear it even if he was barely concious. We had it play when he was brought into the chapel during the funeral as well. I wish I was there in person. This song has always enchanted me, no matter who sings it, but for funerals it really is a miracle potion of giving strength and serenity.

[@fenriseisensturm6687]

@@AnnaMaria-zm8cv Absolutely right. A wonderful song. It was a good decision to pick it.

[@tylercriss6435]

I heard this song years ago. Years. I heard this piece in the haunting echo of a train station in a youtube video, and it has enchanted me since. And now I see that you have decided to cover this marvelous piece! My favorite piece with my favorite performers. What a wonderful day! I just can't possibly express how happy this makes me. It's like two spheres of heaven converged.

[@mimzou]

Fuck... Same here, exactly. You nailed it.

[@Jonne2002]

You heard the Arstidir version. Great band! You should check their stuff

[@mimzou]

@@Jonne2002 Already did of course.

[@Jonne2002]

@@mimzou nice :)

[@brandovichb9045]

I absolutely agree.

[@markcarter3617]

An 800 year old piece of history so well performed.

[@bjarnitryggvason7866]

Thank you for singing this classic and beautiful hymn from my country so very well. Hafið þökk fyrir.

[@TAP7a]

The minor 9th tunings and balancing here is absolute perfection

[@ohedd]

Yea the performance is great, but it's the composition that is actually magical. How people can even come up with these things is beyond my comprehension.

[@_Cato_]

No earthly idea what that means but this piece of pure Heaven

[@thomaslouziotis8029]

One of the best vocal groups ever!!!!

[@fenrislyulf8861]

Found this place through the television show: 911 Lonestar. This music is life-changing.

[@hagsmunamadurinn]

Kudos on the pronunciation! I am Icelandic, and I did not cringe this time.

[@rodolfo0506]

This is what Music is meant to do: to raise the level of conscious of the People. Thanks for your lofty mission

[@Zorroninitor]

Beautiful! Perfectly pronounced Icelandic. Thank you!

[@plikagarnet7710]

They sing like real angels 😍🙏🏻Thank you God for this gift !

[@ArcofNeptune]

Indeed! Thanks be to God!🙏❤‍🔥

[@davidbrook7121]

Exquisitely-done. Those suspended-fourths and tight-seconds (!) are brilliantly-realized. Your are true treasures, Voces8. One could meditate to the breathing. The deer on our hill draw nigh when they hear your music...

[@1keithvincent]

"The deer on our hill draw nigh when they hear your music..." What a spectacular compliment!

[@DaughterofTheKing960]

I Just noticed Last Autumn HOW MUCH DEER LOVE music!!, It's so CUTE and FUNNY!! I was AMAZED!!! I think animals, in general LOVE Music!!! Especially BIRDS!!🐶🐰🐷🐮🐴🐑🐼🐔🐬🐧🐨...🐦😄

[@jackjohnhameld6401]

The novelist William Styron said he was alone in his house and contemplating suicide, when he heard a beautiful piece of music on television, and rang a friend to tell him how bad he was feeling. He couldn't have heard Voces8, since they were not around then, but I would recommend them to anyone in spiritual grief.

[@Julierue]

Just wow. Y’all remind me of the complexity and beauty of Earth. Many thanks.

[@Timo-ym6mp]

Deep spiritual experience...

[@buyckruben5767]

Stunning performance! Goosebumps all over my body.

[@WalterTrachim]

Arstidir performed this in a train station about 15 years ago, and I was blown away by that rendition. This one is better.

[@HymnworksInc]

I mean, on videos like this, there’s no need to have a dislike button. Ethereal and stunning.

[@hckr_-gh7se]

absolutely right. and yet some goblins dare...

[@louiselincoln]

Even though I cannot understand the words, I am trembling at the beauty of this rendition. Thank you for sharing it.

[@lotteuytterhoeven2431]

I love these beautiful people from Voces 8 because they put all the emotions in their faces. Watching and listening to this gives me inner peace. So beautiful! I never heard Icelandic before, such a beauty.

[@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401]

Closely akin to Danish. First Vikings to settle here. The Prime Minister's son, Thor, was in grad school in Denmark with my group.

[@AnnaMaria-zm8cv]

@@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 not at all. Its closer to old norse, which is this hymne sung in, as old Icelandic is quite identical to old norse. Danish is the second language here in Iceland as Iceland used to be part of the Danish kingdom, but they never managed to push their language as official, luckily not because celandic is too beautiful. Iceland was also not settled by Danish, they came after they claimed Iceland as their own, the settlers came mostly from Norway and brought slaves from Ireland, creating the genetic base of most Icelanders today. Icelandic is a beautiful poetic language that in spoken version is absolutely unique and unlike any other Scandinavian language. And sung its even more enchanting. Faroese may come close as a mixture between Danish and Icelandic.

[@hortonharry3492]

This is great! Captures the infinite wisdom and undying love of the eternal heart, the voice of God itself. A beacon of immortal light to guide the human soul through the turbulent storm driven waters of our dark world.

[@huldahjartar]

Beautiful rendition of this favourite piece. Spot on pronounciation of the Icelandic as well, bravo.

[@leahrosenman9124]

beautiful dissonances. stunning performance!

[@clivespendlove5993]

Ye gods, this group is exquisite

[@greenemonger]

A new video from the 8!! Always makes my day!

[@jessepates8956]

this video should have millions of views!!! absolute masterpiece, i get chills every time!!!

[@AccordingtoJohn]

Everything you do is absolutely beautiful!

[@light1002]

I suppose it's a sort of addiction, but the last thing I do every night is play this video at least once or twice (and probably more...)

[@BlueSky-eb2sv]

I'm doing the same.

[@guitargirl7452]

I hope this is what Heaven sounds like. So beautiful and deeply moving. Touches my soul. 💓

[@BlueSky-eb2sv]

@@guitargirl7452 0:40; 1:46; 2:26; 2:35 with these beautiful Angels 💖

[@xSijnx]

God is good, amen.

[@net_marie3153]

This is immensly beautiful. My heart seems to expand and I start wheeping at the same time.

[@ArcofNeptune]

I agree! See my reply to Michael Wyatt's translation in the comments 🥲🙏

[@jomurphy1654]

I have no more elevated adjectives left...'entrancing' will have to do!

[@fSqGG]

One of my favorite choral pieces. Fantastic work.

[@Azalin1980]

Listening to this piece gives me goose bumps every time. Voices of angels...

[@elian3941]

Un véritable avant-goût du Ciel ! Merci

[@louloukroon-zitko5760]

wonderfully soothing, balsam for the ear and soul! thank you voces8!

[@gumundurgumundsson8181]

Ég hef heyrt margar útgáfur af þessu guðdómalegri útsetningu, en þetta er með þeirri betri. Reyndar eiga Scola Cantorum sennilega betri útgáfu af þessu :)

[@rubenmimoantunesibanez3540]

I heard this from the ritual moment on a handmaids tale series , and I fell in love with it ❤

[@lovisaarna]

Wow, this is probably the best pronunciation I have heard from a non Icelandic group. My favourite piece to sing and this is a fantastic performance..

[@gunnarthorsen]

Hear, smith of heavens. The poet seeketh. In thy still small voice Mayest thou show grace. As I call on thee, Thou my creator. I am thy servant, Thou art my true Lord. God, I call on thee; For thee to heal me. Bid me, prince of peace, Thou my supreme need. Ever I need thee, Generous and great, O’er all human woe, City of thy heart. Guard me, my savior. Ever I need thee, Through ev’ry moment In this world so wide. Virgin-born, send me Noble motives now. Aid cometh from thee, To my deepest heart. Lyrics by Kolbeinn Tumason 1173-1208 (composed on his death bed) Music by Thorkell Sigurbjornsson 1938-2013

[@TheForestpat]

Thank you for that

[@thoraro]

Nice one, but there is some poetic licence i the interpretation

[@LK-wf2pf]

This performance is the very definition of music. Which is to say, this performance evokes an emotion so beautiful, so deep, so transcend it is beyond the capability of any language to describe.

[@892-q9o]

Brilliant piece and brilliantly performed ... 3:07 just listen to the bass-octave over- resp. undertone. Wow!

[@sdbrev210]

This IS perfection, worthy of quiet meditation on both music and lyric. VOCES8...there is nothing better.

[@malvasylvestris4736]

Sublime !

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

Oh, I haven't heard this in years. Used to have a recording of it with an Icelandic choir that I always listened to 20 years ago...

[@jamessloan_tech]

Arstidir made me love this 8 or so years ago!

[@siggevibes]

I'm very impressed over here

[@akl9354]

Danke! 🙏

[@mathatton]

So beautiful. The best rendition of this hymn that I've heard - thank you for sharing!

[@carolbeach1147]

This music calms my soul.

[@LamanKnight]

I've been in need of something beautiful and peaceful for these past few days. And then this showed up in my subscriptions. Thank you. :)

[@crazzee247]

one of the best recordings of this magical and ethereal piece of vocal music. brava!

[@MrKeesStikkers]

Magnificent.

[@christianschulz1290]

Voces8 is hands down the benchmark for perfection in a cappella. Perfect intonation, expression and the sopranos blend so beautifully into each other. I'm never getting tired of listening.

[@philippequesnel]

So much beauty. thank you. Here's a dream: having the vocal capacity and precision required and singing this *with you* .. ohhhhhh, must be just incredible !!

[@emilydouglass7075]

Oh my goodness I just realized how AMAZING it would be to sing with this group, especially as I am a vocalist myself!!

[@sabineschett6277]

Vielen Dank

[@crazycherokee8552]

listening to this is about as close to being in Valhalla as you can get while still living in this realm.

[@mbg484]

Haunting, yet hopeful and as always, exquisitely sung. Such a lovely interlude!

[@vitorsouza361]

PERFECT!! since Háskólakórinn singing in Zionskirche and Árstíðir on the train station, that I needed a new Heyr himna smiður version... THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@kitkatwelshlady8465]

And the Faroese artist, Eivor. You should check her out. Amazing. Sang for bbc Last Kingdom soundtrack and God of War 😊

[@finstrand]

Egad, such beauty. The welkin reverberates with such sonority.

[@clarityrains]

This was wonderful. I have always loved the arstidir version and nothing so far has come even close to matching the beautiful sound the created in that train station. I really wanted to hear that super deep, resonating bass here though which I didn’t quite hear. Thoroughly enjoyed this though and will listen many more times int he future!

[@danieltripp6602]

This is my favorite song. Literally.

[@catplaytime1044]

Giving me the chills. Absolutely angelical and beautiful.

[@loicmaignan3298]

Super très beau j’adore ❤️

[@tomoconnor9502]

that's a nice icelandic tune. your beautiful music, very inspiring, Andrea, your voice is gorgeous, and in these times of COVID I'm sure a comfort to all. God bless you.

[@ernstmeier7882]

Wunderschön. ❤️

[@Pawgee]

Joy manifest

[@saetmusic]

Beautiful piece! Gorgeous performance! Lovely camera work! A complete treasure!

[@charleslegault4310]

Amazing!!!...I so love all your work... Ottawa, Canada

[@riverwildcat1]

Icelandic: "Hear the heavenly carpenter". Exquisitely beautiful. God Bless You All.

[@pieterderaad]

Dears, can't help but keeping on loving you. Beautiful fluent melancholic switch between minor and major tonalities.

[@polobede9054]

Merci , une fois de plus ! ! !

[@plw7930]

Spellbinding. I forget to breathe...

[@СергейТ-р2я]

Пойте , ребята , пойте. Вы это делаете превосходно

[@DappledJoker]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!

[@fatherglyn]

goosebump moment! wonderful thank you

[@asylumchoir4586]

Thank you for sharing, and the birds outside of my window think that you are sublime.🌸🕊❤️

[@ltamez2635]

Her eyes are so blue! Amazing voices from all them all!!

[@a1ar127]

Listening to Voces8 recording from so many different venues, I am still in awe of the sound engineers who can bring it together. There are no visible microphones and I’ve always wondered if these performances are re- recorded for KZbin.

[@chrisbradford3525]

Sublime.

[@clorimer6456]

enigmatic, beautiful. listening to this piece with your eyes closed, brings you to unexplored lands

[@АннаКипяткова-я4ь]

I didn't breath while I listened this

[@Seraphatum]

And again i am captured by the moment of beauty and compassion. Marvellous performance

[@katharinaurbschat1401]

I thank you wholeheartedly for singing this beautiful piece in this exquisite sound. I discovered it some years back, and worked it with one of my choir (nowhere near your quality ... ). It means a lot to me.

[@markpowell9645]

I love the music stands with iPads atop.