VOCES8: The Sound of Silence

VOCES8 performs the Simon and Garfunkel classic 'The Sound of Silence' arranged by Alexander L'Estrange.
Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
Fools, said I, you do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sounds of silence
****
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[@andrewspink3345]

I love how this arrangement has a bunch of nods to the Disturbed version, such as starting with a solo bass, and same melodic alterations on the phrases like “turned my collar to the cold and damp” and “the neon god they made.”

And the harmonic work with the sopranos' minor seconds, it is precious...

[@user-xi5el1pc1c]

The Disturbed version is such garbage.

[@SongSparrow1]

@@user-xi5el1pc1c :O You come into my house and say such things

[@user-xi5el1pc1c]

@@SongSparrow1 Okay keyboard warrior.

[@francisconti9085]

@@user-xi5el1pc1c Actually, solely your opinion, which has no bearing on the comprehensive OBJECTIVE assessment required to pass judgment. But one is fully entitled to an opinion..

[@TheWendable]

The appreciation should go to the vocal arranger. They are all individually terrific singers but the harmony arrangement definitely makes the song for me with its beautiful cadences and soft dynamics, its stunning.

[@isallah1kafir196]

*Seldom do I choose one cover-version over the original one* , yet I got pretty darn close here with this one. (Why I'm responding to one year old comment? )

[@tracyavent-costanza346]

yep, nice arrangement.

[@cht2162]

Sorry. Don't like this arrangement at all.

[@geoffstemen3652]

Low D-flat smooth as velvet. Among the world’s best singers

[@ajplathwisconsin]

I really think that Paul Simon and Art Garfunkle never realized how far this would go.

[@wrenromero8646]

Andrew Plath I agree! I think Paul Simon was 21 when he wrote it!

[@giuseppestefano6278]

You are right sir. Art goes by God and itself. It runs beyond us

[@martinmayhew145]

Fantastic song. A big fan of Simon & Garfunkel

[@wolfbainproductions9951]

Indeed.

[@SongSparrow1]

One of those songs that's a gift which keeps on giving

[@lrobbin22]

How does this group make every song it sings ethereal and transformational and so, so beautiful? Kudos to all singers. And, let's hear it for the underappreciated altos please!

[@unitedheartsamerica5924]

I believe there is an emotional and spiritual element to vocals… Unity in the mood and style of delivery is key.. think of this.. if you had a bunch of ego driven hot shots singing for self aggrandizement, dont ya think this would sound quite different?

[@profkrumdieck]

No vibratto

[@mgeuleinstsear]

Seriously!!! Ever single piece they record is amazing. I was never a fan of vocal only groups, but they changed my opinion on it. I’m such a big fan of Voces8❤ I can listen to their music ever day. Their sound is so soothing.

[@detlefschenk6136]

Einfach nur Klasse solche tollen Stimmen...das ist MUSIK

[@TheTrout26]

Goodness, the control. You guys. Wow.

[@charlesscott7748]

Totally agree. I mean, the arrangement is outstanding, but the vocalists' control and dynamic range are stunning.

[@Yummy-cb5di]

Your sopranos are one of the most beautiful voices i have ever heard

[@youmemeyou]

k

[@jacquesharleaux9102]

on peut pas dire mieux, vos sopranos sont au TOP

[@JohnSmith-ei2pm]

What this video clearly demonstrates is that 'Pop Music' does not have to be offensive, vulgar or ugly. Of course the performers can actually sing, and indeed sing well and the arrangement is imaginative and inspired.

[@SebMaynard]

Wonderful bass, lovely arrangement. Thanks for posting!

[@OperaGhost-jq8yz]

Bass, not baritone

[@linesandcircles7465]

@@OperaGhost-jq8yz Who are correcting? He said bass.

[@kanubeenderman]

wow, serious goosebumps! seriously though, aside from the extreme vocal talent, let's give a shout out to the arrangement and the recording engineers that allowed each individual voice to be heard clearly and at the correct volume. extremely good mixing.

[@josepm.portellaolaya4284]

Since my very youth I've loved this song. This performance, though, is outstanding!

[@JPJMando]

Best vocalists in the world. This arrangement is simply stunning.

[@peterwinterble5500]

This is one of those kinds of songs that works with everything from a guy with a guitar to professional choir with polyphonic harmony. Quite remarkable.

[@billwatt2528]

Oh My Goodness. WHAT a version ---- truly ,truly extra-ordinary.

[@dianalee3059]

It’s June 1 2022 and I just discovered you fabulous people. Instant fan here! I’m a retired studio group singer with a 60 year career…I appreciate perfection. Carry on! Hope to see you in concert someday

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

VERY well trained and talented singers. So much control.

[@ramonagoetze5194]

Es ist das absolut Grossartigste - was ich jemals von einem Chor gehört habe . vielen lieben Dank an Euch alle und ein gesundes `Neues` noch n achträglich . Ramona .

[@valerioangioletti8820]

Sono cresciuto con questa musica gruppo straordinario voci sublimi meraviglia allo stato puro.....l..olimpo degli dei e il vostro posto...siiiiiiiiiiiiiiii lo meritate.....braviiiiiiiiiiii.

[@roseterada7958]

This gives me goosebumps. The occasional dissonance fits the message and emotion of this timeless song. Well done!

[@rudigerkreuz1305]

Ich bin sprachlos ob dieser unglaublichen Leistung, mir fehlen die Worte ...

[@wonniiify]

Wirklich berührend ... Danke für die wunderschöne Version dieses besonderen Songs

[@freedommarine6902]

Never cared for this type of music until now. Now I start every morning with 20 - 30 minutes of their music. Found them by accident now I can not get enough.

[@Trogmodyte]

Love how all the different parts have a go at the tune. Gives a great variation to a fairly samey piece. Loved it

[@davidbentley8675]

Samey piece.???? Have you ever listened to words. I think not........

[@charlesscott7748]

3:18 to 3:22--the shift from the bass to the soprano is mind-blowing. Brilliant in terms of both arrangement and performance. The incredible dynamics. Whew!

[@pattihanson7921]

Love the lift when the tenor takes over the lead from the baritone

[@OperaGhost-jq8yz]

Bass, not baritone.

[@WilliamFord972]

OperaGhost2004 Stop being a pedantic asshole.

[@dlariby]

Was the baritone that bad?

[@HeavenlyCrim]

@@WilliamFord972 I mean... he's not wrong. Baritones normally cannot hit a low C#2... so he is classified as a Bass singer. Not being an asshole at all.

[@marcelageiger]

@@OperaGhost-jq8yz Patti is right. That's a baritone, not bass.

[@elsavanderwatt8844]

Exquisite... I love the deep rich sound of Jonathan's voice!

[@maribdieza4512]

Salutti, tante grazie, belle canzoni, bon Natale 🎄🎆🔔🌲🎁🧣🎆 Bruselas Bélgica.

[@pietermuller3654]

I love how it has lost the anger, and it is deep, seated, drowning sad acceptance, and yet there is a tinge of hope as if the spark that will ignite the spark of change and revelation is just beyond what you can hear in the softest part of the silence.

[@hectorhelgueta369]

Una maravilla encontrarme con vuestro video y poder disfrutar de cada una de las voces que canta esta gran cancion que me da mucha paz y alegria en medio de esta pandemia. Felicitaciones y un gran saludo de Santiago de Chile

[@cavabertcavabert6147]

Merci merci merci j’en ai les larmes aux yeux. C’est tellement beau. Très belle interprétation.

[@regiscaron9798]

Merveilleux ! Tout en nuances, comme le titre l' impose, "Le son du silence". Arrangement chorale à consonance religieuse...Une interprétation hors norme... J' enregistre et je partage parmi mes amis appréciant le chant chorale. Je rajoute un petit compliment pour les sopranes. A deux, seulement, elles font un travail extraordinaire...

[@erector5953]

domage que la religion vien tout corrompre !

[@JJBushfan]

These arrangements are quite mesmerising and take the original songs to a whole new level.

[@anthonydeacon881]

I've heard Voces8 live several times now. The first occasion was at the wedding of friends at the charming little Sussex church of St Thomas-à-Becket, Brightling. They are spell-binding.

[@rupertrozells5816]

What an amazing cover of Simon & Garfunkel's masterpiece.

[@kenwildon]

Superb. Thank you

[@pascalmayer-q8o]

Belle réalisation un régal merci voces8

[@mrbaseballpb]

My Family went yesterday to the University of Redlands and saw Voces8 for the first time. They are absolutely Amazing! If you ever have the opportunity please go see them.

[@tyrone7583]

Blake's voice is like silk! Goosebumps everywhere!

[@billwatt2528]

I know that I am back to this again. Haunting, ethereal.

[@redenico]

Sois maravillosos, es un verdadero lujo escuchar vuestras canciones. Un saludo desde Madrid (España)

[@spunkypunk100]

Wow! The group sounds heavenly. Love the tenor and the two women

[@MrCimiciotto]

Arrangiamento? Molto, molto di più. Voci splendide, basso eccezionale! Bravissimi!

[@JACKDAWFISH]

Amazing how much talent there is out there. as someone who is tone deaf, this type of thing amazes me.

[@ПоПанда-о7и]

Самый лучший инструмент музыкальный=== Человеческий Голос. Молодцы.

[@jesticejohn9467]

CONGRATS YOU BEAT THE PENTATONIX VERY GOOD ARRANGEMENT......AND YOU ALL KILLED IT

[@alexandrew8554]

Beautiful, and prophetic...

[@RiffRaffAK]

I LOVE the introduction of the theme by the Bass. It juxtaposes the Simon & Garfunkle that we know so well with the choral arrangement to come!!

[@georgestyer2153]

Heart moving...now the children are singing it all day...Christmas I will never forget

[@onleashfreak]

And that crescendo at the end oh my goodness just goosebumps what amazing amazing technical ability from this group

[@Avonmakeuplady101]

Now, THIS is how a cover song should be sung. Love every millisecond of it..

[@patsgym7318]

El bajo es increíble! Lo escucho mil veces sin cansarme jamás!👏👏👏👏👏

[@elilarson441]

I wish you’d put this on an album. My 5 year old listens to this every night before bed. For about the last 4 months in a row and I still love it.

[@josephkitchens1644]

Exactly what i was looking for. excellent...beautiful and well-arranged

[@maxjammer47]

Voices that blend so seamlessly. Fantastic arrangement. Brilliant idea! I'm looking forward to sampling their other arrangements.

[@isabelhinton6105]

I love the dissonance they pulled out of this song. Like this song is awesome by Simon and Garfield, and somehow a song sung completely different than the original is just so amazing. I think I love both of them because they are almost completely different songs in the ways they sing it. Another glorious job by Voces 8. Also, that base is just ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ThePsychedelicCinema]

Garfunkel 🤦‍♂️

[@nenabean4730]

3:13, Low C# is EFFORTLESS! Amazing bass singer.

[@witneyskye5556]

Nothing touches my heart more than the sound of these pure voices. They sing as one singer. Spectacular. Take my breath away. 💖

[@AndreaScalia81]

Video pubblicato già da tre anni e ogni volta mi sembra di ascoltarlo per la prima volta. Emozionante, bellissimo, vibrante. Piango e ne sono felice. Grazie mille.

[@williamdavidnew4719]

Just a superb versions of this classic song.

[@fuffy442]

One of the greatest songs ever written, presented astonishingly. My second favorite cover.

[@j.ostermaier7728]

This is literally perfection... can’t get any better for a live version!

[@davidarter9670]

What a brilliant arrangement.

[@AnthonyWiddowson]

Amazing version of my favourite song! ❤

[@carlgeenen1654]

Whoever arranged this really has his act together. Bravo!!

[@DaveFrank]

OH YEAH!! FANTASTIC!! BRAVO!!

[@lass-inangeles7564]

First rate! Spine tingling beautiful. Thank you oh gods of song. May you forever sing!

[@juniperwoodgreen4090]

Utterly spellbinding. Best thing I've heard on Utube ever...

[@theotokos84]

That bass! Amazing ❤

[@insanecrazy2487]

anybody else get chills when the bass started singing?

[@flammyyyyy]

I think I did, but my room is really cold, so were they cold shivers or magical musical shivers? We'll never know!

[@cchamborant207]

Chilled from disapointment. Too far from Simon & Garfunkel. Almost a betrayal.

[@Toniko777]

@@flammyyyyy i'm wearing a coat. Still shivers.

[@Ehawee98]

@@cchamborant207 but why?

[@cchamborant207]

@@Ehawee98, it seems they wanted to create something new, not to intetpretate in their own way a beautiful song. But it's really my personal feeling.

[@urmorph]

Absolutely stunning arrangement. A tour de force.

[@adrianruckhofer594]

Gives me absolute chills!!! Thank you for your amazing contribution to the world of choral music! You've been an inspiration to so many musicians!

[@laureldruce3067]

I never would have discovered this group if not for COVID. This music fills my soul.

[@ernies8828]

One of me and a friend's childhood favorite songs growing up, and to this day. I get chills when I listen to the voices of Voces8. Literally I am moved beyond explanation. Your beautiful and amazing voices of expression in music are beyond special to me. Thank you for the precious music, faith and peace in what each of you do together.

[@korisx]

That was a religious experience. So captivating, such bliss.

[@lauracompagnoni1239]

Superb rendition and very original vocal arrangement. How beautiful!

[@leilagomulka5690]

Pierces the heart with its power and purity.

[@heatherburton1629]

I watched and listened, fascinated. It was like gazing on a mesmerizing waterfall...a vocal waterfall. Many cheers!

[@loveispatient0808]

Beautiful! Have always liked this song, brings back lots of childhood memories, nostalgic!! Thanks!!!

[@charki40]

I think the standard set by the Tallis Scholars with Choral pieces has been superbly matched by Voces8 contemporary musical reworks. What an exquisite and technically challenging rendition. The arrangement is exceptional. Wow , I love it. Have kept it on my youtube watch list and replay this often, always responding the same - Blown away.

[@felixfranke2838]

Phntastic. Love the bass voice, supersmooth.

[@josecanale7055]

Voces8 ... the Best

[@cherrishotbolt5171]

Wonderful. Wish I could sing!

[@carlossarazacamachojr3540]

I love this rendition... gives me chills and felt that my tears slowly dropped... this in time when all of us are experiencing hard times.... where we need to stay at home to save lives.. now were experiencing the Covid19 Pandemic

[@jeremyratliff5175]

Joy... I feel nothing but joy listening to you!

[@whytwojay]

"one hour here is seven years on Earth" *Great, a perfect place to wait for this to get on Spotify"

[@mirianmarlisekonradburin9572]

Maravilhoso 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Adorei. Paraná Brasil.

[@marciapaganini8045]

Que hermosa versión!! Original y perfectamente ensambladas todas las voces!! Un arreglo vocal soñado para este fabuloso tema!!❤

[@calibreFIER]

merveilleux, Merci, vous aurez été mon oraison funébre, pas adieu, à rien

[@thomasboudouard8650]

My Holy Grail !!! Such incredible !

[@corinnevalls-exbrayat9172]

Magnifique !

[@ndog2005]

Wow, Wow lost of words, absolutely beautiful.

[@vivianamolinares8506]

This is the most transcending version of this song I have ever hear. Well done!

[@AleksandrFree]

Wow! Inexplicably awesome!) Love it

[@gabrielecristina6558]

you made my day happier! Thank you for that.

[@jonathanprice4046]

Best version yet!!!!! This is great!

[@magdalena.hodur7]

Wow, wow, wow! This couldn't sound more perfect!

[@kartofff]

I'm glad I could put a face on that baryton whose voice so often brings me to chills when your choir deploys its harmonies wide across the range.

[@marie-laurecampo3779]

Grands grands frissons ! superbe interprétation du Monde du Silence !!! MERCI pour cette Beauté !

[@johandemeulenaere7811]

Human voice purity brought to another level. Crazy stuff. Really amazing