VOCES8: Slumber My Darling arr. Blake Morgan

While on tour here in Charlotte NC, we put together this video for Blake’s arrangement of ‘Slumber, My Darling’, which was recently released as a single, and is also on the GRAMMY ballot for Best Arrangement this year.
If you want to take a go yourselves, the score is available now through VOCES8 Publishing. voces8.com/she...
Text by Stephen Foster
Slumber, my darling, thy mother is near,
Guarding thy dreams from all terror and fear,
Sunlight has pass'd and the twilight has gone,
Slumber, my darling, the night's coming on.
Sweet visions attend thy sleep,
Fondest, dearest to me,
While others their revels keep,
I will watch over thee.
Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest,
The wandering dews by the flow'rs are caressed,
Slumber, my darling, I'll wrap thee up warm,
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm.
Slumber, my darling, till morn's blushing ray
Brings to the world the glad tidings of day;
Fill the dark void with thy dreamy delight -
Slumber, thy father will guard thee tonight,
Thy pillow shall sacred be
From all outward alarms;
Thou, thou are the world to me
In thine innocent charms.

[@martinfalls6614]

This piece fills me with Love, gratitude & tears for my sweet departed daughter. Thank you, Katie. Thank you, Blake. Thank you, VOCES8.

[@katiehughes5972]

Stunning. Took my breath away, made me cry. Katie's voice is like melted chocolate. Beautiful! xx

[@terryshannon9774]

I love them all. I especially love Katie. She often has a great smile when she sings. Always a great voice.

[@Le_Trouvere]

Katie's voice is absolutely STUNNING in all registers 🤩

[@ntililachikoye98]

This group deserves a grammy 🙆🏾‍♂️🔥🔥

[@michaelthetrainandbigman2108]

tell me about it

[@jcvc161]

Otherwise the Grammy is dead, sorry!

[@ancilssonsiler4246]

No words..... absolutely..... no words. I'm completely stunned by this brilliant arrangement and this immaculate performance by the precious members of Voces8. Thank you all.

[@strigoviro5785]

Blake, what a gorgeous arrangement! Not only are you an amazing vocalist, musician, composer and arranger! You're so multi-talented. All the best to you and to Voces8.

[@dirkhoekstra727]

All Blake's arrangements are freaking EPIC!

[@pputnam100]

This one is great

[@Jenjursnap]

Good heavens, this is gorgeous. If it doesn't win the grammy, I'll assume voters were lulled to sleep by the beauty of it, leaving ballot usurpers a window of opportunity.

[@molliethorn]

Beautiful! I loved hearing Katie and Euen sing the solo parts. Thank you for this, Voces8. Congratulations!

[@chorusboy316]

My Alto leads!!! :) Well done.

[@dillonpark7262]

Elegant and smooth. So professional as always.

[@nathannelson6676]

Blake! Good Lord, man! You have some amazing arrangements. Not to mention all of those key changes you all hit flawlessly. I've listened to this 5 times now, sitting here just stunned at the beauty.

[@there4im839]

One of my favorites so far. It’s so much fun to see Katie finally get the lead and show her range. Amazing tight harmonies and actual bass. Thanks for this treat.

[@tonygrimwood3162]

Katie! What an angel. The whole ensemble shone in this lovely arrangement though. Great work, Blake!

[@saetmusic]

Fantastic arrangement! It really suits the voices of VOCES8 perfectly. I loved hearing Katie in her lower register- just gorgeous! One of my new favorite videos!

[@elenaaccinelli5538]

So beautiful I'm speechless! Go Katie, wonderful singing, and kudoz to Blake for yet another amazing arrangement xxxxx

[@HansFriedensorte]

Thanks to all of you!!! ❤

[@samr9696]

what an incredible range Katie has- and a wonderful arrangement as always by Blake. thank you Voces8! 🥰

[@bishwatntl]

Yes, she does, but to me the arrangement means that her opening words are not clear to me.

[@Just_Sara]

This was SO restful and bright! It felt like falling asleep lying in the grass listening to the breeze on a summer afternoon. It was different, and I loved it!

[@thehomespunwife]

What peace and security this lovely arrangement brings, especially now with so much trouble in the world. This ethereal music must surely be akin to what the angels sing.

[@saetmusic]

Wonderful arrangement and performance, but here's a shout out to the unsung heroes, like in all of VOCES8 videos, the video and audio production are SPECTACULAR! Every line is balanced perfectly!

[@josefkastner8698]

Thx V8, Bravo Katieeeeeee !

[@WigbertTraxler]

Bravo, Blake!! Brava, Katie!! And bravissimi, Voces8!! What a great atmosphere!

[@mkshffr4936]

Got my Katie fix. Her voice is so smooth, resonant, and refreshing.

[@ianshepherd917]

Brilliant! - esp Katie - love the arrangement Blake!

[@danswansonguitar]

Katie’s voice is so deliciously lush in this register - beautiful!

[@Robert_Herring]

Wonderful arrangement, Blake. Katie and Euan were sublime

[@Diana-be4mj]

Sing and 🙏🏻For Peace in the 🌍🌎🌏. Powerful ! Thanks you, dear Voices8.

[@leslieeden8886]

Simply mind-blowing in its simplicity and its beauty. You are magnificent.

[@bobs4429]

Brilliant arrangement and a brilliant performance. And ... As a trombonist I've always agreed with the notion that this instrument is the closest to the human voice. I would LOVE to hear a group like The New Trombone Collective perform this arrangement. They are perfectly capable of a similarly stunning rendition of Blake's fine work.

[@saetmusic]

Even though I was a professional french horn player for 50 years, I agree that that this would sound fantastic done by a trombone choir, This would be right up there with the Bruckner Aequale!

[@jandanolan12]

Thank you so much for this. Today, specifically. As artists, we sometimes fail to see or feel the impact our art has on others. So let me be plain and just tell you. Thank you. My heart, today, needed to hear peace and slumber. It needed to hear that someone would watch over me to guard my dreams from terror and fear. I just love you guys so much. And the OCEAN doesn't know the volume of that gorgeous alto voice.

[@1pootle]

I ask that spirit always helps you find your way back to peace and safety in your heart. From one stranger to another, I send you my heartfelt best wishes. Kindness transcends all adversity and loss.

[@saetmusic]

I love Katie's solo in this arrangement and her expressive range, from the Bach Mass in B Minor to this arrangement, is just mind-boggling!

[@khiarapollock8227]

Wow so tender and filled with love

[@richardbreitling6537]

I love that Katie began this. In my mind I have nicknamed her Stellarum. She is like the beautiful starlight that is always there shining assurance and providing depth. These musical works are important. Sweet, quit moments hold the essence of our living and model peace and relaxation in the world which needs it desperately. Whitacre also takes everyday living experiences and raises them into grateful living and love of life. Voces8, keep radiating your music and promoting the beauty we have on earth. Kudo’s to Blake.

[@stevenfromer3816]

Blake Morgan I think Mr Stephen Foster would approve. Well done sir.

[@1caitsith]

Beautifully sung, beautifully mixed, what a gem!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Slumber I will. Here in Sweden it it now 23.58. Thank you for this wonderful lullaby.

[@newmonikermusic]

Such beauty. Truly. Thank you.

[@colbuhlemann3378]

Absolutely brilliant arrangement, reminiscent of so many contemporary choral styles and yet still its own work of novel art

[@johndyer8111]

Wow. Amazing tight harmony.

[@davidhoy2250]

What a beautiful performance and arrangement! I have enjoyed listening to this countless times.

[@britandlauriebarr2352]

And I thought Blake's arrangement of Time After Time was the most beautiful thing ever heard by human ears, until now, and with only 8 voices.

[@carlgeenen1654]

Dynamite arrangement, Blake. Pretty Katie's sultry voice is pure joy to hear. Bravo VOCES8. Good luck with all the well-deserved Grammy nominations!!

[@febronius1]

Koliko pratitelja! U samo 2 dana! Nevjerojatno,ali ipak zasluženo.

[@suellensimons-peters1597]

So beautiful and haunting. Thank you! ❤️

[@fernandorivas7419]

Terrific. Thanks a lot. Greetings from Santiago de Chile. God bless you Dr.Fernando Rivas-Burattini. 🙏✝️🙏🎼💐🇨🇱🇨🇱🕊

[@albertlutton9920]

Listening deeply to each other adds a depth and unique sincerity to their overall blend and balance.

[@SANGLORENSMITH]

Breathtakingly Beautiful!

[@matthewmurdick]

Blake has to be one of the best arrangers on the planet. Amazing performance (as always)!

[@I.Goertzen]

It's just beautiful!!

[@rumar4u]

It’s rare to hear her singing an octave below what she normally sings. Very versatile voice

[@1pootle]

Its not actually an octave lower.. She is within her Alto range. The reason it sounds lower is because she has a beautiful resonant tone in her lower register 🙏

[@rumar4u]

@@1pootle she’s singing this piece in tenor range, hence why I made the comment about an octave lower of what she normally sings. It’s not a shot at her, on the contrary.

[@jemiller226]

@@rumar4u Alto and tenor ranges overlap a great deal. She's definitely at the bottom of her range here, but I'd assure you she sings this low in other pieces; it's just that it's mixed in the harmony and thus harder to pick it out.

[@rumar4u]

@@jemiller226 She sings some low E2 notes here - I'll say that's pretty good and definitely not common for her (not saying she hasn't) - the song modulates to fit the group more comfortable before returning back to the original Key. What I liked about this song is - having the melody on mid low (tenor) to mid (alto) range, as is sweeter to my ears because of the resonance and extra tones that give fuller sound. Contrary to most people, I don't like Soprano's high pitch that pierces above everything (love the Humming) nor those extra long sustained notes with lots of Vibrato - but that's subjective.

[@jemiller226]

@@rumar4u Yeah, totally. Though my preferred note naming system calls that E3, that's definitely dipping into contralto register for sure.

[@Imma-r1u]

Delicious! Thank you very much for sharing!❤❤❤

[@sunflowerfields4409]

Love love love. Voces8 always reminds me of when I sang in a tight knit group and why I loved it so much.

[@susannanolt1868]

My new Voces 8 favorite! ❤ Very well done in every way! Thank you!

[@mcgitarz]

Thank you! Simply amazing performance!

[@rsm4300]

Love it! What a perfect arrangement

[@musicmanni4932]

Simply unbelievably beautiful ❤

[@billymeyer99]

So lovely. Well done, Blake.

[@SamFreeman-c4b]

well this is just utterly delightful. Voces8 really going from strength to strength - stunning voices and really wonderful arrangement - hope you win the Grammy!

[@miguelangelalonsomartin2411]

Grandioso arreglo. Con cosas como estas entiende uno a los antiguos griegos cuando creían que la belleza nos acerca al bien.

[@malc121]

An absolutely beautiful performance ❤❤❤

[@JackStevenson5045]

This particular ensemble is incredibly musical, remarkably in tune and well balanced. They sound like one voice with a multitude of colors and nueance. Just when you think they can’t get better, they do.

[@MartyHendersonDVM]

Phenomenal arrangement Blake! Can't wait to see you all again in Austin, TX this time. I do hope you'll be performing that one!

[@bfjones1198]

This sounds like a Jacob Collier arrangement, in the best way. And god damn, the production quality is off the charts! Go get that grammy

[@Dexter26958]

THIS! Especially 3:40 onwards - those chords were just...out there

[@StanManMusic]

You guys are KILLING IT!! You sound GLORIOUS!! I’m listening with headphones, about to jump out of my seat. Incredible arrangement by Blake!! Wow

[@joanmyles6293]

Gorgeous; bravo!

[@khaledguerrero8887]

This song, came out on the day ofmy Birthday. It symbolizes a really, really good gift. The arrengement made from Blake is spectacular. And as usual, all of this 8 voices, are ethereal tho the ear. Lovely. 😍 #Voces8 #Mexico #Fan

[@djsteink]

Those harmonies ❤🔥

[@joanjohnsondrewesmusic]

Gorgeous. I'm obsessed. Listening all day long! Congratulations on such a beautiful arrangement.

[@Jen39x]

Constantly amazed how the bell like resonance this group manages

[@timothymalone7067]

Oh wow! Lovely as always

[@earth2jennyl]

My favorite song since the day it came out has been All Seems Beautiful To Me. I have listened to it so much, I have the words memorized. And a new favorite has just been born! I absolutely adore the solos and little duets and triplet solos intermixed! I really felt like I went on a journey or several journies all at once listening to this. I am in love. The arrangement is very special. I am rooting for your Grammy!

[@happyauntie2512]

It is so beautifully done! Thank you. It was the first piece I've heard this morning. You brought harmony in my day

[@christianheidenreich]

When I heared it, I started slumbering immediately and haven't stopped until now.😊

[@LScofield1]

Awesome take. Bravo!

[@RoSario-vb8ge]

Just love your acapella pieces in their pure way. Being able looking and listening to the whole choir and to each individual singer at the same time. One of the most favourable specialties of this choir for me besides the clear sound and the wonderful interpretation.

[@GoSMMOfficial]

Wow amazing

[@BigCheeseRumble]

That was so beautiful.

[@doostan193]

Love Barney's little moment in this! Contemporary choral music must feature countertenors more!!!!

[@Susesun217]

What an incredible arrangement in perfection with stunning interpretation and grandiose sensitive voices.

[@jayreynolds9953]

After such a magnificent performance in Charlotte, you finished the day with this wonderful piece. I recognized the stage as soon as I opened the video. Thank you all for your dedication and the joy you bring to

[@mgeuleinstsear]

So captivating! The arrangement is stunning and I love all the little solos in there. Everybody has such a beautiful solo voice, but they all melt together so perfectly. ❤

[@Babbajune]

Wow! ❤❤❤

[@christad.5265]

Sooo schön! ❤

[@whyteian]

Absolutely gorgeous performance!

[@akl9354]

WOW!! Their parents must be so proud! 🙏🙏

[@michaelfoster-qw2tw]

Damn, us mere ACQUAINTANCES are proud!

[@akl9354]

@@michaelfoster-qw2tw obviously!😄

[@dgkl3]

Just lovely!

[@tesslowry1692]

So many beautiful solos 💕

[@scrhapsodieatelier190]

Comme d'habitude, une merveilleuse adaptation et une bien belle performance qui met à l'honneur une alto cette fois ! Merci à tous !

[@sakralmusikk]

C'est magnifique, comme d'habitude finalement ! ❤

[@SBTalksSermons]

Sublime

[@corlisscrabtree3647]

Thank you 🙏

[@mellifergold]

Thank you ! - My next door neighbours have been annoying me all day with their noise ...So this comes as a soothing balm for the night...🌛🎶🛌

[@andreajoybelle]

Beautiful 💜💜

[@JackStevenson5045]

Another brilliant work. Thanks, especially Blake, whose work is getting more complex and artistic. Could you all be more musical? The movement was a great idea!

[@jaywalker8309]

CALM RELAXING SOUND

[@cozname397]

Loved it, good to hear the deeper female range. Thanks Brendan.

[@TheONETITWONDER]

Beautiful arrangement. I love the new bass voice. My apologies, I don't know his name, but I love his rich, chocolatey bass

[@VOCES8]

His name is Dominic Carver. Glad you’re enjoying his singing!

[@raymerrington607]

Dminic has added an extra dimension to Voces 8.

[@monologtube]

I love the "end of a work day" wardrobe choice.

[@gerardbuisson8367]

toujours autant d'émotion à vous écouter !