VOCES8, VOCES8 US Scholars & Lyyra: Polaris by Blake Morgan

VOCES8, the VOCES8 US Scholars and Lyyra combine to perform Blake Morgan's new work, 'Polaris' at St Luke's United Methodist Church, Houston, TX.
Blake writes: For centuries, Polaris (also known as the North Star or the Polar Star) has hung high in the night sky, serving mankind as a trustworthy point of reference; for navigation to lands afar, for inspiration as a symbol of steadfastness, and for illumination as we make or find home again.
In this composition, the star itself is depicted musically by the repetition of a Middle C - flickering in and out of focus, gradually growing brighter and then fading again, sometimes unseen or unheard, but ever constant. This particular note has always fascinated me; it is one of the only unison pitches shared between the standard singing/speaking registers of all four choral voice parts. This repeating Middle C is not always a consonant member of the harmony sounding beneath it; indeed, the “tonic” chord (G Major) and the steadily looping drone (the suspended 4th of it) are polarised from one another by nature, but it is that star itself - the continuous flickering of Middle C - which shepherds the listener through the journey of progressions and illuminates the way. This note serves as the compass and musical axis for the entire piece. Similarly, when I first read Andrea’s poem, I was struck immediately by the unique portrait of “home” she paints; it is not always a place or a person, nor is it confined to being a physical thing at all. Home can be a feeling - a sensation we take with us to any corner of the world. Sometimes we just need to search the sky for our very own North Star, and follow the glow.
“... home is wherever I sail / Beneath your sight.”
The work sets a new text by Andrea Haines:
TEXT
Polaris
The celestial compass gleaming bright
So I may go travel and strive
Even by night.
Polaris
Here, a steadfast consort I behold
A glittering eye of the heav’ns
Usher my soul.
Polaris
Lending mesmerising winks of light
So home is wherever I sail
Beneath your sight.
My Polaris.

[@gregbaker2347]

Stunningly beautiful. Sorry to see Molly go, but may God richly bless her future endeavors. This group brings so much joy and beauty into the world. Much love.

[@nedhorner]

Amen

[@MarkusAtHome]

We were blessed to see Voces8 in Frankfurt Cathedral yesterday - a magnificent night!

[@cyzmix7341]

So beautiful, makes my day to see that not only has Voces8 released a new song, but it’s written/arranged by Blake.

[@StanManMusic]

Breathtakingly beautiful. The lyrics by Andrea-the music by Blake work perfectly together.

[@ArduRise]

This is such a profound idea. I was reflecting on it for the whole day and savoring the scintillating harmonies they sing. I think this is my favorite Blake Morgan composition yet.

[@Mendalla]

Just wow. Thank you Andrea and Blake and all the singers. That's a wonderful composition and the performance is magnificent.

[@JackStevenson5045]

We miss you in Philadelphia and New York. You two are gifted in so many ways. The collaboration was brilliant and a long time coming. Keep it up. Better days are ahead for both of you outstanding musicians. It's wonderful that you have a phenomenal group with whom you can express yourselves beautifully.

[@barbarahatalla3554]

my goodness!! Blake is so talented! And what incredible voices. Thank you!

[@richardandjosephine]

Some more of Blake's magic !! Beautiful. Thank you

[@Crimson-Blue1]

A glowing masterpiece. Brilliant from your voices to your minds

[@cherylpearce3380]

You are all blessed with such wonderful gifts, lovely words Andrea, I am sure Polaris brings comfort to you all on your travels. Beautiful harmonies and thank you for the note explaining Polaris as an ever present Middle C. As always Blake, the harmonies are so luscious and exciting. Love to come home from work to a new Voces8 video, keep them coming!!!❤❤

[@timothymalone7067]

Always a treat to see a new video from Voces8. What bonus to include Llyra and US scholars as well. Blake the harmonies are wonderful!!

[@bjs2022]

Yes. And, good for you writing Voces8 correctly. I told them they are wrong to use all upper case because their name is not an acronym or an initialism. They may be college educated but they fail to write their name correctly.

[@walterpurdy8047]

Funny thing about a name: it can be spelled in whatever manner the named chooses.

[@bjs2022]

@@walterpurdy8047 That's a poor excuse for bad usage. The spelling is correct, the font is wrong.

[@travismock5457]

⁠🙄 You are trying to impose rules that do not exist. VOCES8 is a trade name. There are no “rules” as to how it must be spelled, capitalized, fonted (probably not a word), kerned, colored, or anything else. In fact, the very thing you identify as “wrong” helps make the name both memorable and legally protectable. Also, while we’re being pedants, you may as well note that case (e.g., all caps) is not a font.

[@bjs2022]

@@travismock5457 Font is a style, including the design and size of the characters. Their use of all capital letters is the same as writing covid wrong because that is not an acronym, either.

[@giannifazio990]

Meravigliosa composizione meravigliosi interpreti meraviglioso risultato meravigliose emozioni. Grazie

[@b.s.h.6206]

I love to see all the hard work you all are doing combined and put on one stage. Thanks for helping to restore good and pure music to this broken age.

[@matthewmurdick]

Well - guess I'll say it again. Blake - you freakin' genius!

[@Robirda]

Beautiful! The show notes were great! Andrea wrote the words to the song and the explanation about the use of middle c is so interesting. Love this.

[@mddell58]

I sincerely hope that you all are enjoying your time in Texas, USA. ❤ Very beautiful voices that seem to sing to the heaven. Thank you all very much. ❤

[@staffanolofsson8201]

As coming from up north I have to love this music! ❤

[@luciasona2231]

Voci angeliche ma questa volta sono molto più di 8. Grazie ❤

[@nedhorner]

I need to sing with you before I die! You are amazing!!!

[@cathrynbooth-laforce6591]

Beautiful poem, music, arrangement, and singing!

[@Robert_Herring]

Wonderful stuff. Thank you, Blake and Andrea, for this.

[@Babbajune]

Wow! ❤ Amazing, Blake, and all of the Singers! ❤

[@donnaj9964]

Such a comfort, and much needed. Thank you.

[@antoniaezac4653]

This is an absolutely superb composition, setting to music an equally brilliant poem. That chord at 4'15'', omg 💖 Thank you. Will the score be published, or made in any way available?

[@VOCES8]

It will be available on VOCES8 Publishing shortly!

[@antoniaezac4653]

@@VOCES8 I am looking forward to it, thank you! My choir is planning a themed programme on stars and sunlight 🌟☀

[@airedale1913]

​@@antoniaezac4653that is such an awesome theme!

[@cathcort1]

a beautiful contemplation to start the day.

[@BytebroUK]

Bloody magnificent. Bravo!

[@waltsmith9583]

Beautiful piece so wonderfully performed and accompanied by the composers notes providing further texture and meaning to savor. Thank you.

[@vb8290]

Stunningly beautiful!

[@dertabletierer7802]

Wunderschön.

[@malc121]

Thanks for a wonderful performance of a beautiful original song well written Andrea 👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️

[@jbondy6395]

Thank you for bringing your wonderful singing style to the US! Come back to Pennsylvania!

[@airedale1913]

From the very first chord this made my hair stand on end. Thank you.

[@juditbrenner9947]

Beautiful! 🤩🤩🤩

[@niedjatenorio7424]

Beautiful performance

[@WinrichNaujoks]

Very beautiful and touching

[@corlisscrabtree3647]

Thank you 🙏

[@fellipeanderson8634]

Amazing 🥰🥰🥰🥰 I love it

[@philippequesnel]

beautiful, thank you 🤍

[@cht2162]

Bravo

[@shawardara]

Wow. Beutiful

[@peytonrutledge4114]

wow

[@oldcrow6990]

Angelic. I don't often use that word...

[@wacawlubinski5218]

❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@fulgenjbatista4640]

❤

[@beaflint5162]

Beautiful! But where is Molly?

[@VOCES8]

Sadly Molly has left the group.

[@bellutta]

Where's Deborah Stephens?

[@VOCES8]

Deb was unable to be with us on the day we recorded this video.

[@wacawlubinski3189]

👍❤️🙏🇵🇱

[@bhami]

Where's Molly?

[@VOCES8]

Sadly Molly has now left the group.

[@EricGibbs-y7u]

Miller Brenda Thomas Matthew Davis James

[@TheMiraggio2879]

WOW