VOCES8: The Deer's Cry - Arvo Pärt

VOCES8 performs 'The Deer's Cry' by Arvo Pärt at St Vedast Church in London.
The track forms part of the ensemble's 15th anniversary recording project, 'After Silence', and can be found on all digital music platforms. For more information about the album project, visit www.voces8.com/aftersilence
Audio available at orcd.co/end4pyk
Text:
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in me, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me,
Christ with me.
Text from Saint Patrick’s Breastplate

[@urmorph]

There are still people who can compose. There are still people who can sing. There are still people who are moved by beauty. Give thanks.

[@urmorph]

@paul w Huh? Are there ducks in Mongolia?

[@donalddade5643]

My sentiments exactly. He's a modern day Palestrina.

[@ukaszczop4373]

​@paul w I thank Christ every day for my catholic faith. It gives priceless hope.. you are so blinded my friend.. newagedangers.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/gloria-polo-english.pdf

[@SacredSong]

@paul w So people who like order and beauty support the politics of order and beauty. Is that your point? Is that supposed to be a bad thing?

[@frogmouth]

@paul w ha ha. Love this stuff. Have never voted conservative. Support extinction rebellion, get up, friends of refugees, public housing. I could go on, but what's the point?

[@jjbrophy1]

This prayer was composed by Saint Patrick in the year 433 AD. He was aware that there was an ambush to try to kill him and his group en route to the King’s court. It was during the march that they sang the Deer’s Cry. As the druids lay in hiding, ready to kill, it is said that they saw not Patrick and his men, but a gentle doe followed by twenty fawns. The miracle saved Patrick and his men. “The Deer’s Cry”, is known by several names, “Lorica” and “The Breastplate of St Patrick” which is another version of the prayer of St. Patrick. It is a beautiful prayer celebrating a God who lives with his children, guiding them, sheltering them, strengthening them. Stunning composition and singing

[@georgeandrewmacp]

Thank you.

[@polysalazar9445]

Wooow it’s beautifull

[@joeharris1717]

Thank you for this history.

[@creativediva52]

So cool. Thanks.

[@Scriabinfan593]

I'm an agnostic and i don't really believe that story but it is a beautiful story.

[@christodec]

Arvo Pärt, man we are so lucky to have lived in his era

[@bmbosjdi]

I recently experienced several hours of recurring paralysis on my right side and loss of speech. At times, during this personal ordeal, I listened to Deer's Cry. You were all angels to me then. Thank you Andrea, Eleonore, Katie, Barnaby, Blake, Euan, Chris and Jonathan.

[@VOCES8]

Thanks for your kind words Alan, and we hope you're recovering.

[@WilliamFord972]

There’s something about the music of Arvo Pärt that’s so...painful-not in a bad way, but in a cathartic sort of way.

[@emncaity]

so agreed.

[@awh271064]

He must have literally heard the sounds of what he was composing in his mind..... and if I may so, it most likely would have sounded exactly like this performance.....

[@lapdawg60]

It IS painful, but it definitely is healing. I love choral music from the renaissance, and this has that element, but with a contemporary sound. It's wonderful.

[@theplaiedesfoundation427]

Arvo Part. A true genius. A man of God for every soul.

[@mehbuteh]

It sounds like they are desperate or that they have a deep yearning for Christ's presence and guidance. I love this song and the prayer.

[@jeannedarc6136]

Christ with me In this painful time🌹

[@tomreingold4024]

I'm not a Christian. But (and I'm saying this half-jokingly) sometimes I come upon a piece such as this that tempts me to convert. :)

[@Le_Trouvere]

Best thing you'll ever do. All roads lead to Rome ;)

[@couldliveonyoutube1841]

Arvo Pärt is Divine. No ego. Translucent and pure

[@coopercoop4526]

Arvo Pärt and VeljoTormis, two of Estonia's best composers...

[@ProTantoQuid]

Walking to the chip shop during the blackout in WW2 (I was 6 or thereabouts), I had to pass a house with a scary door-knocker that looked like a devil. For protection, I used to say as much of St Patrick's Breastplate (from which these lyrics are extracted) as I could remember, and ran past the doorway. Later in life I learnt the whole prayer (about 70 lines) . The bit that I can remember today: "Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the ear that hears me, Christ in the eye that sees me." It must have been an effective prayer as the devil never caught me.

[@drcardinalli]

Your beautiful story is an inspiring little piece of art in itself!

[@ProTantoQuid]

@@drcardinalli There are many versions of this prayer - the original might be 1500 years old and was written in Old Irish. The more complete and more authentic version by Rita Connolly on KZbin is not as beautiful as this but is, nevertheless beautiful in its own right.

[@drcardinalli]

@@ProTantoQuid Wow! Thank you so much!!!!! 💖💖💖

[@matthewstokes1608]

Whoa... thank you! What a prayer... beautiful

[@wakefulday]

What a beautiful comment. :) Thank you.

[@MazzyMadness]

The way the sops can blend to such perfection that they sound like one voice is phenomenal

[@arnoldvdwaals]

You are so right Maddie

[@heatherbays3137]

its even more impressive live.

[@arnoldvdwaals]

@@heatherbays3137 Think so

[@buckjohnson1119]

The beauty of a Madrigal, group. The voices are melded in soothing song.

[@franksliwa362]

The soul is touched by these words and voices. The first instrument is the voice with its depth and nuance. Only God creates this beauty, for god resides in us….

[@zed9zed]

This group is a gift. It is so warming to hear voices like this in harmony.

[@migproductions4045]

This is my favorite song on Earth. God bless you all, may the light of Christ find every human soul...xxx

[@timwaterside7726]

These choristers are just perfection.....beyond words,

[@margueritejudson745]

I am so grateful for this piece. I listen to it every night to end my day in prayer. Thank you!❤❤❤

[@ReadingRambo152]

Arvo Pärt is absolutely amazing. This is such a beautiful rendition!

[@angelikagolz6954]

It’s my morning prayer now! Such beauty and affirmation. Tears of the heart. It is so lovely to read how this has touched so many.....

[@madecornelis9657]

So exquisite, the core of our heart, the essence of the essence of our Being: Christ in Me ..... every word and tone resonates there where we are One

[@julieclemons6701]

First thing in the morning before I even get out of bed, soaring harmony and graceful text send me out to be His servant. 😊💖

[@jnathanj883]

I prefer Lou Reed's "Street Hassle" to get me out of bed, but, whatever kicks you from your mattress, works.

[@jean-christophedufour6279]

The incredible beauty of this perfectly executed song is at the service of a reality that still infinitely surpasses all the means used to express it : the presence of Christ at the side of the believer. Have you found the true joy of knowing Jesus as Savior and living with Him?

[@constancebrown1826]

What could be more beautiful? Thank you, VOCES8.

[@Reasonable22]

This moves me to tears every time, praise God for such beauty!

[@ollicoolhehe]

No, praise Voces8

[@elisadevoux3669]

Both. Arvo Part is a Christian and clearly offers his art and genius to the One True God.

[@rabokarabekian409]

@@elisadevoux3669 So the God that Jews think they revere is the One True God, since only a chosen Christian receives the grace gift of faith to be saved by the Trinity? Gets complicated quick when you try to get any two ideas in this tradition to agree, let alone make sense, don't it?

[@keebearfull]

When even your soul is bathed in pure harmonized vocal tones, when you feel a tingle on the spine and tears of joy, then. . . . then you know it's Voces8!

[@PyratNet]

Then you know it's Arvö Pärt ;-)

[@keebearfull]

@@PyratNet, Yes! No Arvo Part? No music.

[@zed9zed]

The pure, straight tones lend themselves to harmonic amplification. It is a natural wonder :)

[@erhardgeiger6199]

listening to this song, countless, speachless no words how wonderful

[@holzuwe8260]

The eternal touching of harmony. The cosmos inside of us.

[@marcmorgan8606]

I only discovered Arvo Pärt's music recently, and my life is better for it. This moved me to tears.

[@jnathanj883]

His compositions are an earth's treasure. From the outside, his work seems simple. Yet even on youtube there aren't a lot of bad examples; Because? it's hard music to do, so that those who try but aren't up to it bow out from some healthy shame, I think, and just don't post their efforts. I could recommend the Berliner Mass, and Los Angeles, as two pieces that are free for the listen here, and well-made. But, a "ton" here. "Spiegel im Spiegel", "Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten" ("cantus" sounds to me like Barber's "Adagio for Strings" played backwards, tho' I know that's not the case: just, erm, how it feels) Shards of his music litter Hollywood movies like the broken headlight glass from James Dean's fatal car wreck: often cited, little understood. so, go to imdb.com and look for Arvo Part. If you find Gyorgi Ligeti in other scores from the 1970's, give those a listen also. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmS8aGqPfayUobM&start_radio=1 (that one's called "my heart's in the highlands' male alto and pipe organ are the two instruments) In short: Congratulations on your discovery, you've found some gold. ~

[@guibox3]

Arvo Pärt is the most amazing composer. Ever since I discovered him during a dark time of my life 7 years ago, he still remains my favorite choral composer. Da Pacem Domine and Salve Regina along with the Berlin Mass are my favorite choral pieces by him. "Speigel Im Speigel" my favorite non-choral work. Also, I would recommend you open a video of thunder and rain noises and play "Fur Alina" along with it. You're welcome. ;)

[@actorboy2]

The Eastonias know how to write and perform choral music. Arvo Part is definitely one of, if not the best living choral composer. I had the privilege of singing his work and under his baton in college. Incredible. Want more Part? His Magnificat is one of my favorites but there are definitely some bad recordings of it out there so beware. Want more amazing Estonian Choral experiences? Look up Laulupidu. It's held every 5 years. It's a choir of 30,000 voices singing to the world. That is on my bucket list. Enjoy!

[@marcmorgan8606]

@@actorboy2 thank you!

[@oscargill423]

This is phenomenal. The perfect blending, timing, and most importantly (in my opinion), intonation brings me the catharsis every Pärt composition should. The septimal dominant sevenths evoke a feeling that's hard to describe: a mix of calming, liberating resonance and deadpan, alien uneasiness and simple pleading. It feels like as the piece progresses, the evocation grows stronger, climaxing at 3:30 with the subtle 21:8 harmonic ratio, normally quite dissonant... but in context, simply climactic. A beautiful rendition of a beautiful piece. Bravo, Voces8. Bravo.

[@amck4648]

Wonderful! This glorious mystery - Christ in you, the hope of glory.

[@rabokarabekian409]

"Many are called but few are chosen.", said the merciful, loving, gentle Christ who will return on a white horse to kill the wicked with his sword, then send the many unchosen into hell's eternal, burning darkness. Yep, sounds good to me (sic).

[@amck4648]

@@rabokarabekian409 My friend, you misunderstand what it means to be chosen. Our faith in the Chosen One is what makes us chosen. You are quoting Matthew 22:14. It is the blood of the innocent Lamb that, covering us, makes us worthy to be at the wedding feast. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

[@TheAuntieBa]

This so needs a Love button.

[@Rainmaker65]

TheAuntieBa ALL their music needs that 👍

[@TheAuntieBa]

Paul Chism True! This was one of my first videos of theirs. My husband was a Univ of MN music education major under Dr Bencriscutto. They toured the world and played Carnage Hall, so we have many professional friends. I have yet to find one who knows VOCES8. They, too, are blown away away by these incredible singers.

[@Scriabinfan593]

My goodness you can hear the overtones (specifically the octave) so clearly at 2:01. They are so in tune.

[@eizzilenna]

What a stunning performance of a brilliant composition by Pärt. The bit at 2:48-2:51 is incredible.

[@bailahie4235]

Amazing. The British truly can sing in choirs, I am often deeply impressed by how they interpret songs, often composed by composers foreign to the UK... It blows me away.... Some years ago also heard some Bach interpretation... Brought me to tears.

[@janevonmaltzahn2667]

At age 7 they. join their adult church choirs and are trained.

[@bailahie4235]

@@janevonmaltzahn2667 Ah, that may explain a part of UK-based choirs' amazing musical abilities...

[@jorgeabatocab]

Beautyful Music, beautiful performance, God bless. *_Christ is forever, I'm forever in Christ, Amen_*

[@BarahCastelhano]

Amen 🙏 ❤️

[@jorgeabatocab]

❤️

[@wlcrijks4517]

Dit is perfecte schoonheid en harmonie. Om stil van te worden.

[@fraum.5927]

Unbelievable. Absolutely stunning. Such fantastic voices.

[@gaildurward7757]

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near." Isaiah 55:6 KJV You are not promised tomorrow, seek Jesus Christ while you still can.

[@rabokarabekian409]

"Many are called but few are chosen.", said the merciful, loving, gentle Christ who will return on a white horse to kill the wicked with his sword, then send the many unchosen into hell's eternal, burning darkness. Yep, sounds good to me (sic).

[@--Mar]

​@@rabokarabekian409Merciful, gentle and loving, but also just. There is no love without truth, no truth without justice. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Or did you think someone will hand it to you on a golden platter while you sip cocktails in Bali?

[@ua6523]

I have no words! I am rendered speechless at this beauty of a piece. I cannot thank you enough VOCES8. I cannot. It will never be enough. As always a marvellously executed piece. I love the thought you put into it. It moves me.

[@joskewolfman]

The most beautiful voices on the planet!!! the harmony is beyond this world!!!!

[@susannanolt1868]

Thank you Jesus! Stunning words. Stunning presentation! "As the deer pants after the water brooks, so longs my soul for You O Lord..."

[@LisztyLiszt]

This is an exceptionally moving performance. Thank you.

[@dseagolong]

This is the rare piece of Christian music that I enjoy because of its religious nature, rather than in spite of it. The feelings of love and fear and yearning strung across this sparse composition (and its incredibly apt title) elucidate the Christian notion of "faith" more than any sermon or readings I've heard in my 32 years. While I don't expect I'll ever be a religious person, I'm grateful for this window of insight and compassion.

[@annstrahlendorf2879]

Beautiful 🙏 Thank You St Patrick 🙏♥️

[@savedone9636]

2:38 - 3:33...Powerful! Makes you want to weep in so many ways......

[@morriganravenchild6613]

Outstanding.....pure beauty......lifts you to some spiritual plane where there is peace........

[@susiezavodnyik4986]

What a gift to all of us!

[@wrenromero8646]

The silence at 3:35 is SO exquisite and full. I absolutely loved this!

[@sunflowerfields4409]

YES! And around 4:05. I gasped. I have never heard such a beautiful silence. Goosebumps. Voces8 is magical.

[@gillesg.5502]

Absolument d'accord avec vous. J'ai beau l'attendre, je suis toujours aussi touché par la douceur des harmonies après la suspension du silence.

[@gilbertguidi1036]

Merci pour ce moment de grâce .

[@orceshutinoski8750]

I love Arvo Pärt!

[@karlklein1730]

I definitely don't understand people putting thumbs down. This is absolutely GREAT!

[@bedenerexhepaj293]

It is such a Masterpiece!!! 🙏🏻

[@moneymarty1]

In a word...well, there is no one word that would describe the perfection of this performance. Sublime, audibly exalted. Perfect vocal science.

[@afceedeestockholm3188]

Can't hear enough of this. Perfect match for this dark but candlelit November-December.

[@ETERNALVOYAGER1]

This is a balsam for moments of deep sorrow!

[@mikegreen247]

I don't believe I have ever heard such fabulous precision. And the music lol.... Wow. Stunning in every way!

[@garywait3231]

An exquisitely beautiful interpretation of this modern setting of Saint Patrick's Breastplate. Deeply inspiring. Thanks!!! 👍👍

[@drcardinalli]

From the title I was expecting Psalm 42 and got this awesome breastplate setting instead... do you think they mislabeled the track?

[@RianeBane]

@@drcardinalli Not at all, this is the official title of Pärt's piece.

[@drcardinalli]

@@RianeBane Really? Thanks!!! I love to learn. 😁

[@RianeBane]

@@drcardinalli No problem :) My guess is Pärt titled it that from drawing a connection between St. Patrick's Breastplate and the sentiment expressed in Psalm 42, longing for the presence of God

[@drcardinalli]

@@RianeBane Too cool! Thanks! 😉

[@wrightgregson9761]

aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh the pure beauty of this video is breathtaking. this group is a world treasure.

[@melanienunez7735]

I love them so much!

[@BarahCastelhano]

Un chœur d'anges 💖🌈🌈... Quelles voix célestes 🦄🌈🙏🙏😇

[@sheridanfoster]

I may just listen to this on repeat as meditation. So beautiful!

[@ShelaghBluebell]

Strange , wonderful, mysterious, one feels the fear, the plea, the prayer... Lovely voices... thank you!

[@thomasmeadowcroft5421]

You don't have to be particularly religious to feel the emotional core of this song: A man in fear begs for protection from a power greater than his helpless self; he prays for love amidst danger and death. He finds grace and hope through opening his heart. You can hear that emotional journey in the words and music of Arvo Part and the wonderful performance by VOCES8. A song for our times, sadly. Recorded before the pandemic was upon us, but the emotions expressed are felt now by so many of the afflicted and those who care for them. Think of those who need protection as you listen to it.

[@jvb0804]

No, you certainly don’t have to be religious to feel the emotions of religious music. Much of the most beautiful music we have was written in praise of God. I’m not at all familiar with cultures outside of the western world, but my guess is that this is true of all cultures. At the public high school where I teach, the chorus always performs religious pieces. The chorus director always has something printed in the handout to address this. You simply cannot be a student of music and ignore the religious pieces. To do so is to ignore most of the greatest music ever written.

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

So soothing. Truly such an extraordinary choir.

[@Kanonalegria5]

Wonderful!!! thankyou!!

[@Lemrabish]

Beautiful soprano blends in this, as if one voice! :)

[@38clifferoad]

Beautiful. Thank you

[@lichtloper]

Thank you, so moving, this.

[@karenmccabe3830]

Just heavenly! Thank you!

[@lucagalliano8460]

FANTASTIC!!!! ❤❤❤

[@StylezOnline]

2:32 That transition is perfect, no other word describes it

[@grahampikevideos]

Another spellbinding performance.......

[@cliffjamesmusic]

Stunningly beautiful. Thank you.

[@CamoFlex]

Incredible. Just amazing.

[@katespalding2134]

The harmonies are sublime

[@camusmonamour]

magnifique, un grand merci.

[@johnhopper1736]

Absolutely wonderful.....music of the Angels

[@rabsiteevau7428]

Ich liebe Arvo Prät und das ist eine besonders gelungene Interpretation. Danke

[@ewaughok]

Mesmerizing … absolutely powerful and moving…

[@marikitamichalopoulou6576]

ANGELIC SOUND,HEAVENLY GUIDED!

[@lelapatrick4768]

I love this so much. Stunning, intense and simple=unforgettable.

[@jereburkholder5137]

I LOVE where Barney soars on his alto at 4:22. Such a deep piece. And performed so perfect.

[@AugieTaylorSong]

?? But this video is only 4:21 long. ??

[@pioneervardhana]

Did you mean 2:48 ?

[@jereburkholder5137]

@@pioneervardhana yea, that’s what I mean’t, I don’t know where I came up with those numbers lol

[@MrTorleon]

Stunning, beautiful, a joy to listen to and watch.

[@claytonchristensen2586]

Gorgeous as always 💜

[@ceciliagincho6806]

Lyrics and voices are perfect for each other. Very touching.

[@lenaN5k8Q9]

The music touches my soul🙏so beautiful🍃

[@canadianloon6433]

What a beautiful composition accompanied by beautiful voices.

[@yusaknugroho3360]

Ooh my Lord... Angelic voices... 😍

[@isabeldicksonserrano7634]

Vozes maravilhosas,amei esta música

[@Dr.Johnboy]

Absolutely blown away as usual. Thanks for making such wonderful music and videos!

[@davidcollette2023]

Your music is inspiring and useful for our pilgrimage, thank you.

[@magenta6754]

Oh, their voices, like they singing in the skies.

[@clorimer6456]

This brought me into another dimension, closed of from the world, just me and those brilliant voices

[@18ulysse]

Magnifique merci pour le partage !

[@suefarrer698]

Wonderful album - soothes the inner spirit.

[@carmenvaldivia8651]

Heavenly beautiful!

[@PatriciaEmersonMitchell]

Stunning. Thank you. (And see you on November 4!)

[@napper6162]

Wonderful voices, superb acoustics and sound recording. Lovely ladies too.

[@teijaautio2684]

You made me burst into tears. I miss my choir Chorus Vallis in Finland. Arvo Pärt is ...I love his music!

[@marisolecheverri3195]

Beautiful. Thank you for the beauty version!!!! I loved it ❤️❤️❤️

[@jinghantan3606]

That bass chord on 0:28 is just so haunting and resonant 😮

[@admirlatifovic6662]

This is amazing!