VOCES8: Spaséñiye, sodélal (Salvation is created) - Pavel Tschesnokoff

[@ericlefevre7741]

This is such a haunting melody and marvelously performed. As for the sadness in this song: Pavel Chesnokov wrote this hymn shortly before the 1917 Communist Revolution in Russia. Immediately afterwards, the communist government banned the production of sacred music and forced religious composers such as Chesnokov to compose purely secular music. In 1931, the communist government dynamited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (whose last choir master was Chesnokov), an event that so traumatized him that he stopped writing music all together. In 1944, Pavel Chesnokov would die of starvation while standing in a bread line, 30 years denied the Eucharist and having never heard his own hymn sung. Knowing all this, every time i listen to this song, it brings me to tears.

[@ILoveMagic15]

Wow, thanks for the info. I didn't know the piece had such a tragic background. Makes it even more beautiful. Let's hope Chesnokov is now enjoying the eternal choir of the angels before God, where all sadness is a thing of the past.

[@TheFrygar]

@@toomuchjam Not at all. They actually do teach about the communist revolution in schools, if you cared to actually look at any world history curriculum in existence. The anecdotes about Chesnokov himself are likely false and there is no actual written or recorded evidence that he died in a bread line or that he never heard this hymn sung, even though those stories do get passed around.

[@ericlefevre7741]

@@TheFrygar And what evidence would be to your liking? Are you suggesting that all the anecdotes of Soviet crimes against humanity should be dismissed? Do remember that all of Solzhenitsyn's account of the Gulag Archipelago were anecodotes. Also remember the extraordinary efforts the Soviet Union went into hiding their tracks. This particular anecdote comes from Russian language sources close to the Paris Orthodoxy circles that were responsible for distributing Samizdat and collecting these anecdotes.

[@TheFrygar]

@@ericlefevre7741 any primary sources at all - of which there are none. Nothing from the "Paris Orthodoxy circles" that you mentioned exists. Gulag Archipelago, on the other hand, is sourced from all manner of easily verified journals, written reports, and authenticated legal documents. I am not suggesting that all anecdotes should be dismissed out of hand, just that, in this particular case there is reason for skepticism, given the propensity for exaggeration and myth-making in the history of classical music.

[@christiankurek9225]

Thank you for sharing this information about the composers biography. His music will life as long wonderful Voices like Voces 8 will bring it to life.

[@leopirdas6577]

The balance, the tuning, the timbre, the space, the recording, the interpretation... Perfect. This is how this piece is meant to be sung. Absolute perfection.

[@edythlutz1067]

This song feels like the grief of living. It sounds as if a person were coming to terms with the fact that they'll say goodbye one day, and yet the beauty of life outweighs the finality of death

[@jt9910]

I don't think that's what Chesnokov had in mind since death was not final for him! To me it sounds almost like gratitude mired in grief and sorrow being overtaken by joy. There is a terrible price within the text of the song: "Salvation is created, in the midst of the earth." And there is such a beautiful triumph and peace at the end of the piece, almost like a sunrise.

[@augustinian2018]

@@jt9910 I’ve always wanted to hear this peace sung at an Easter Vigil, a service that in the West is traditionally held on the night of Holy Saturday between Good Friday and Easter morning. There’s a point in the Easter Vigil where the word ‘alleluia’ is used for the first time since Shrove Tuesday, the day before the six weeks of Lent begin. “Spaséniye sodélal” seems like the perfect piece for alleluias to make their return.

[@bloop3624]

I’ve heard a lot on ensembles sing this song. I’ve heard a lot of ensembles play this song on their instruments. But this is the best version of Salvation I have EVER heard. I was instantly brought to tears when the chorus rang throughout the building. Beautiful. Each and everyone of you are gifted with an amazing talent.

[@SarumChoirmaster]

Truly THE FINEST performance I know of this work by a small ensemble. This ensemble is exactly what I have long for to established but could never find THE right singers. You are unbelievably angelic and literally par excellent in the extreme.

[@KaiNahLyria]

Thank you, thank you, thank you VOCES8. Simply perfection. Every time I listen to your immaculate rendition of this most sacred song, it's all I can do to not cry. Tears of gratitude for the profoundly moving, ethereal glory of this song, and tears because I so profoundly miss my celestial home. When I return there at the end of this life, I know I will be immersed in the the grace, love, bliss and Divine presence that you flawlessly convey through your rendition of this song.

[@peterlowie5067]

O my God! The Halleluia is so full of grief. I feel tears filling my eyes. It says Keep singing in spite of everything!

[@matthewhayden6115]

I think that's the sound of creation "groaning" that St. Paul talks about in Romans 8

[@venetikos4241]

only the russians know how to make something as joyous as "praise be to God" sound so remorseful

[@tonywatson4979]

This song has been a favourite of mine for many, many years. My previous experiences with the song have been performed by Russian and other Eastern European orthodox choirs. Now I have heard Voces 8 perform this beautiful, haunting piece. Bravo Voces 8.

[@UkeOne]

This is the 1st time I heard this sung by a small group, and it was stunningly beautiful. I highly appreciated the group's more 'correct' pronunciation of 'Ал-ли-лу-я', as most renditions I've heard say 'A-LAY-LU-EE-YA'...the 'LAY' is incorrect. Again, in my opinion, VOCES8 is a cut above the rest in my book. Thanks again for your heavenly singing.

[@lilybell82]

Do you happen to know which nationality this chorus is, what language do they speak?.. It stroke me how clean their pronunciation of " Спасение" is, they produce the sounds of Russian phonetics flawlessly

[@buckyjames1898]

@@lilybell82 they're British

[@Anonymous-ld2hi]

What is the correct pronunciation in English?

[@joon6750]

Voces8 is too good. How is it possible to have such a perfect blending.

[@jeffreyprows3982]

Everyone is amazing in this, but I really gotta shout out the tenors and altos in this one. Incredible tone. I love when the Soprano shifts up to the A5 in the melody (She does it wonderfully), the tenor sings it an octave down and does so beautifully. Great stuff.

[@cool78666]

Soprano not letting go makes it great.

[@Conner-j9w]

Also the bass is punching to make the foundation show and make the chords project

[@bahldr01]

I cried. I ugly cried. I love this. Never let this die.

[@randyjsing]

Yep. Same.

[@alexdean9036]

This brings tears to my eyes and down my cheeks. Absolutely beautiful

[@johndufek7492]

1:19 they sound like an organ because they're so perfectly in tune.

[@randyjsing]

So true. And @1:33 as well.

[@bazzfromthebackground3696]

It's the acoustics of the room they're in. It blends the harmony better.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Except that organs are usually tuned in tempered intonation.

[@MiriamSmithViolin]

Even as a violinist, I can say this is one of my favorite recordings ever. This piece is breathtakingly beautiful.

[@TimBaoht]

For a female, this soprano is sooooo smooth. A tone and tenor usually only produced by a young male voice. Bravo!!!

[@sakurauchiha9532]

I know this was made for a male choir, and she is exceptionally good, but females trained for this can do it pretty well?

[@aaronbrook]

They're called women, first off. Smooth is just code for a lack of vibrato, which is a key differentiator of how VOCES8 aces their intonation and resonance. It requires far more practice and precision, but it's not inherently complicated to execute for a trained musician.

[@user-ps1qn5dg3s]

I first sang alto on this piece in college. It changed my world view of music and emotion. It crawled into my Kath and never left. Our college version was indulgent, to say the least, but not bad. VOCES8 brings it by letting it be. Masterful!

[@gialollobrigida1713]

Alto in the house

[@gagsta55]

Magnificent. How wonderful it was they sang it in Russian since this was the first religious song that was sung after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

[@michelledalenaa]

Chesnokov never got to hear it performed. He was the last choirmaster of the cathedral before the communists blew it up.

[@RyanEntnerMusic]

I believe it’s actually in Old Church Slavonic, a language which is the ancestor of modern Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and some other languages

[@davidcatabui2018]

@@RyanEntnerMusic you are correct it is Old Church Slavonic

[@matthewpalopoli9393]

This took me straight to Heaven. AMAZING-the music transcended the page. A sound that moves the heart and soul and helps us reflect on the Passion.

[@user-yo8ww9rk2p]

This group of singers is exquisite ❤️

[@danbale4160]

I thought I had heard the best performances of this piece elsewhere on youtube, but, oh my. And I am led to wonder, if fallen humans are capable of producing song that so pierces your soul with such joy, how then will we react upon hearing the heavenly chorus in the presence of God? This is absolutely stunning, but only a foretaste of what awaits those who love Jesus Christ, the savior of the world.

[@markmiller4494]

You appreciate this very much. It is a foretaste of what awaits those whom Jesus loves.

[@thewholemama]

Yes! I have so often wondered the same thing after hearing a fantastic piece like this. How much better can it get???

[@Nightmare-ty5ll]

Jesus loves those who believe in him this is not even a beginning of the praises of our lord Jesus in heaven

[@Ashton123082]

What a lovely thing to ponder.

[@chriscarter2101]

Amen

[@markhaga8408]

Every year, this was the last piece my HS band would play all together (seniors included) at graduation. Having just lost a former classmate to cancer at age 18, this piece hits close to home.

[@Graham_M]

I’m so sorry for your loss... I hope you’ve healed since then and that you’ve had people to support you

[@MadisonPanno13]

God almighty I miss choir so much

[@kristenviszneki7353]

Breathtaking... haunting.... sublime...the texture of their voices is beyond... balance is perfect... setting is truly amazing! This video should have millions of views...

[@patriciareed3109]

This is in St Louis!? Wow! I assumed it was in Italy! What's the name of this chapel?

[@alejandramariamansilla4340]

Goosebumps! Heaven must sound something like that.

[@danbale4160]

As beautiful as this is and as "perfect" we imagine it to be, Heaven will sound magnitudes better than this. I expect that the heavenly chorus will blow our minds.

[@GerbenGroeneveld]

I love that you filmed this at a distance! Such a lovely way of letting the music speak for itself!

[@cliverodda3980]

spot on Gerben. Am viewing, listening, now. For first time. Glory be.

[@celinenajm3535]

I feel it also allows them to show how powerful and talented of a group they are. The tone and fullness of the sound are absolutely moving!

[@rueltomayao7283]

Indeed. Everytime I listen to this, my tears can't stop falling. It reminds me to believe in him and to worship him. To this group, I salute them for they are using their gift to glorify him and to inspire others at the same time. Filipino fan here.😊

[@nicolasguzman09]

1:33 that B1 note is still resonant even from a distance. Wow👏👏👏

[@be_mysunrise]

Honestly it never fails to surprise me how each member have such great support, power and voice stability that with only 8 people can sound like a whole choir group

[@Justanotherconsumer]

Good acoustics and sound engineers as well as phenomenal singers.

[@Waldlaeufer70]

They sound even better when you hear them live, especially without microphones.

[@corbinmiller7627]

I played this in my highschool band. I'm honestly just shocked at the depth of emotion I get from this.

[@davidhancock6057]

My daughter's high school's marching band also played it, at the end of each football game!

[@nerffamilystudios2285]

Me too

[@iplaytolose631]

@@davidhancock6057my college marching band, the marching royal dukes, play this after every game. the emotion and power in this song is unmatched. brings me to tears every time i hear it.

[@chrissforza6405]

I am transfixed when I hear this version.

[@МарияОсышная-п3ц]

Как приятно слышать славянский язык и такое родное, с детства знакомое пение!) Thank you!!!

[@ILoveMagic15]

I can't tell what's more beautiful, the heavenly music or the stunning basilica

[@counselor2005]

My high school choir performed this piece in English. This performance is just achingly beautiful. Bravo!

[@michaelbarren1814]

Jonathan Pacey hit a low B1 at 1:32 and I don't see anyone talking about it!! Also his D2s are very rich and present. I could hear them without my headphones!

[@W4MP1DUDL3]

Omg yes. The B1 ist is so incredibly clean and resonant from the get go. Just amazing! As a bass 2 (with occasional octavist ability) myself the D2 before the B1 is always the point where, if I have not jet started singing the part, I always join in.

[@Talisman0011]

Sublime ......Les voix de l'Amour.....Merci

[@vainturner]

One of the most moving choral pieces, flawlessly performed. Thank you!

[@genevievefeltzlucl-dansesa8541]

Merveilleux ! Sublime ! Alleluia !

[@iammilsie]

im playing this in band for a concert and the band transcription sounds beautiful but listening to the choir version gives me chills from how amazing it sounds. all of the harmonies work so well together.

[@CrecenteDesigns]

I listen to this every day

[@albertovieira588]

I love the way this music makes me feel. i CRY EVERYTIME

[@dgkl3]

I have sung this with some pretty high level groups. The purity of your singing allows for perfect overtones. Amazing! Lovely! Sublime.

[@viktormusinov9326]

Breathtakingly beautiful performance! My deepest bow, ladies and gentlemen at VOCES8 !

[@wacawlubinski5218]

Cudownie śpiewacie moi drodzy. I ten repertuar. I to miejsce, godne Pana. Gratuluję. Z niecierpliwością czekam na kolejne prezentacje.

[@canuckinoz01]

As always, Voces8 never disappoints. Sublime. Can't wait to hear them live at 2 concerts at the 12th World Symposium on Choral Music in Auckland, New Zealand in July.

[@HickoryDickory86]

If you've never heard them live, you're in for a treat. They sound just as wonderful live as they do in any recording. Better, even, because you're there and can _feel_ it in a way that is impossible when listening to an audio file or watching a video.

[@deborahgordon897]

Sadly, it's been cancelled due to Covid 19.

[@canuckinoz01]

@@deborahgordon897 Yes, what a shame. But the organizers have taken the correct, though tough, decision to cancel. I will have to wait to hear Voces8 live and it will be even sweeter then.

[@be_mysunrise]

That low bass at the very beginning tho 😢😢😢😍 The harmony is so beautiful

[@v.s.6085]

This is russian composer Павел Чесноков (Pavel Chesnokov). Beatifull! This is russian soul...

[@oldguydoesstuff120]

Magnificent! The reverb of the building. The intonation. The pure tones. That music was meant to be sung in that place. That sound can't be made in a recording studio. It still gives me the chills on a 3rd and 4th listening. Thank you.

[@danhoenn]

The epitome of choral excellence! Their dedication to their craft has not gone unnoticed!

[@MeowfaceMusic]

That last chord might be the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

[@progrocker2112]

Loving this on this particular day for no particular reason.

[@yvonnemason9137]

Absolutely stunning. Perfection!!

[@steveglass6971]

One of the most beautiful pieces I have ever sung

[@katespalding2134]

I’m breathless with this truly heavenly version of this piece. How? How? It sounds so unreal, the balance, the sublime harmonies..... not only breathless but speechless too. Thank you so much for bringing such joy to me and others

[@mattiasdahlstrom2024]

Their sound technician must know his/her stuff: Voces8 are sublime but it’s even wonderful on KZbin!

[@jimdeboer2822]

Stunning. Simply stunning. So musical and ethereal in that gorgeous acoustic and aesthetic space. I have always love conducting and singing this piece. One of my favorite Russian choral works. A standard classic. Bless you for this performance which moved me to tears.

[@lmarion57435]

Thank you so much for coming to St. Louis and for featuring our cathedral in one of your videos! I so enjoyed your concert a few weeks ago; the singing was perfection, and the program choices were some of my all-time favorites!

[@cahietpas]

This is insanely gorgeous!

[@LidClassic]

Cпасение coдeлaл еси посреде земли, Боже. Аллилуия. Spaséniye sodélal yesí posredé ziemlí, Bózhe. Allilúiya. Salvation is made in the midst of the earth, O God. Alleluia. I only recently heard of Chesnokov. I can't get enough of Chesnokov or VOCES8.

[@missasinenomine]

Try Bortniansky as well! And Vedel. Archangelsky too. et al......

[@LidClassic]

@@missasinenomine Thanks for the suggestions!

[@missasinenomine]

@@LidClassic And Stepan Degtyarev.

[@alexperdue7155]

@missasinenomine ABSOLUTELY DEGTYAREV

[@LidClassic]

@@missasinenomine I found VitaliyGR's channel. Lots of good stuff there. Thanks again. kzbin.info/door/ryxXnOz7V6edpU77wzYhlQ

[@chewyduck1355]

Just....perfect. As always. Thank you.

[@ykalantzis]

A very beautiful song performed by the top vocal ensemble...The Cathedral is in line with the eastern orthodox hymn.Bravo!

[@jadennelson7886]

My favorite piece of music I’ve ever played.

[@jefflokanata]

Beautiful without doubt! wait! I heard Alleluia!? oh no, I will listen to this on repeat after easter. See you again Voces8

[@Bowlingwithreese]

1:13 is so amazing I don’t know what about it I just can’t get over how beautiful this specific part is

[@eduardovalentin9416]

For 6 minutes and 44 seconds I held my breath, because I had to listen to it twice. My feelings towards this song are so strong, Like I'm almost mad, because it's so DIVINE!!! OMG i just, I'm Orthodox, and I love the Slavic liturgical tradition, but this... this piece, is a cut above the rest. I'm genuinely failing to find words to satisfactorily praise this 3min22sec glimpse into the goodness and majesty of God. Well done, Voces8. And to Tchesnekoff, of blessed memory, may his memory be eternal, where he has gone to live with the Saints!

[@kaybrown4010]

Amen. ☦️♥️

[@Just_Sara]

Well, even though I was in choir from 6th-12th grade, I wouldn't consider myself a big fan of most kinds of classical music, and even though I've had a soft spot for vocal music like this, when Voces8 sings it, it's just different. Somehow you, I don't know, make the "boringness" of this kind of music disappear, and show it for what it was really meant to be. Thank you for continuing to open up my world. :)

[@rowkingsbury945]

Russian orthodox choral music tends to rely on much richer chords than western church music in the first place, so I can see why you're really feeling it

[@achenarmyst2156]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@rowkingsbury945 I don‘t see this as Russian orthodox choral music. The chords are late romanticism that you find in east and west around 1900. Of course it‘s gorgeous music.

[@Robert_Herring]

One of my most cherished pieces. Sublime performance. I saw y'all perform in this space 2 weeks ago and was enthralled for 2 hours.

[@billspeer8387]

I am left breathless by the glorious beauty of this group!!

[@mostlyoriginalpianomusic2174]

I recognized the St Louis Cathedral Basilica immediately in the picture. I would have scrolled right past but that caught my eye. I've been there several times for mass or just visiting, and I would highly recommend it to others. It's one off the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen

[@rueltomayao7283]

Filipino here. I just want you to know that it's exquisite to listen. The tenors sing solemnly, the bass are so good to hear as well as the alto and soprano are excellent in controling their voice. Overall, I felt ecstatic because of your voices. Hope you notice me. Love y'all.

[@mrwright7414]

I like the male singing the Alto part. It gives it more depth. I believe he is the director. This is sung amazingly well, very musical, so beautiful.

[@avelai9216]

Divine is the only word I can find for your heavenly rendition of this hauntingly beautiful piece. A gentle reminder of the countless wonders that take place right amidst of us, every day, every hour...

[@timm7400]

And all the countless wonders are made possible through an act of Divine loving Will that permits the Goodness of which He is the sole Source. Gloria Deo.

[@cclsjhieber]

Alleluia indeed, Voces8. The videography in this video helps to grasp the beauty which is the St. Louis Basilica. Of course, it's hard to focus on the picture while the sounds are a foretaste of what awaits. Thank you.

[@brucecampbell6133]

Astoundingly beautiful! Impeccable performance by all singers and so nice to hear that B1!

[@PeterRingeisen]

It may sound boring, but: This is as wonderful as it always is. And as all the songs are different, it is always a different, wonderful experience. Thank you, Voces8!

[@ilvailvandoniherde496]

Voces8, you're the best!

[@jbgreer]

Beautiful sound from a beautiful group in a beautiful space! A great moment for this morning. Thank you!

[@marklee7864]

Please pray for Republic of Korea. I am surr that this piece can make people's mind peacefully while suffering from Corona 19. 😭😭😭 Hope it would pass as soon as possible.

[@josephinewilliams1940]

This is great music in a great space--the motto of the Cathedral's sacred music series. The acoustics are amazing in this Cathedral which is a major attraction in St. Louis and worth a visit.

[@zydryxnogra3020]

The balance, dynamics and also the harmony. I love it 😍😍. And the bass part is so cool 😍. (Wish to have that kind of "bassy" sound. HAHAH)

[@magrillo70]

This morning I closed my eyes and listened to this beautiful piece of music. Such an uplifting way to start my day.

[@Dombarable]

Thank you so much. I am an Orthodox Russian and the great lent has now started. It is such a support for me to hear you impeccably performing this piece. Please come again to Moscow soon!

[@optzecea]

This is so wonderful, that it's making me cry. ❤ Goosebumps all over...

[@thomasprunster8924]

Deutsche auch hier? Einfach nur zum genießen❤

[@bobbyhendley3084]

One of my favorite pieces ever. My choir at church sings it from time to time and it never fails to move my core.

[@davidhinton8654]

The absolute confidence with which you render every performance is astonishing. To be able to move, seamlessly, from tonality to tonality without hesitation is a standard to which all choral ensembles aspire. It would be fascinating and informative to witness your rehearsal process from first encounter with a piece to performance. To see that process would almost be a public service to all of us “lesser mortals!”

[@mildredwimer7645]

Holy and divine! What a beautiful piece of music! 💕. 🗣 Thank you for your continuing beautiful work! Always gives me goose bumps! Alleluia, Amen!

[@thesoundwriter5591]

What a sublime recording...

[@birgittagatti8929]

Beautiful!! Like an angel choir!

[@ludmilacahojova]

Music from heaven - VOCES8, bravo! ❤👋🎶

[@mikhail3643]

Очень красиво и почти без акцента, молодцы(very beautiful and almost without accent, well done)

[@markterenzi1233]

Absolutely stunning!

[@alisonalcock5218]

How wonderful. I can hear your angelic voices rising up through the stars into eternity

[@tiyenin]

1:31 I honestly can't tell, is their bass hitting that robust B1 that makes this song famous?

[@davidcatabui2018]

Yes

[@coltonnewkirk326]

Literal perfection. I sang this in a choir more that 15 years ago and it still very much haunts me

[@hazelgibbs4379]

No words to describe this........ and tears

[@cantusfirmusbecker7825]

Sie sind einer der besten " irdischen Engelschöre" - so wissen wir, was uns einst erwartet. Was für ein Trost in so traurigen Zeiten!

[@meepmeepimajeep]

Excuse me... 1:31 WHAT... that is very well done B1 mr Pacey ... unbelievable

[@Lukas3614]

Incredible! Love it!

[@Davelandia]

Stunning music. Stunning performance. Stunning location. That took my breath away. You are all so excellent. Thank you.

[@modestoca25]

Beautiful song & cathedral

[@gwacenter]

Simply sublime!