VOCES8: A Boy and a Girl - Eric Whitacre

[@coldhandsmusic]

When the dissonance is tuned this perfectly, you can actually feel it.

[@limmi]

Magic 😍

[@PastorB1978]

I have no words for that breathless moment...

[@patrutherford9247]

Ryanodea said it PERFECTLY. 50 years ago, I would have loved being part of that. Eric’s composition & these angelic voices blend seamlessly.

[@billybcgn25]

YESSSS!!!

[@SempreGumby]

...around your heart. And then it comes out your eyes and spills onto open hands. Blessings!

[@Fiberglass]

With only 1 on a part, I’m hearing some incredible intricacies in the middle voices for the first time that are often lost in recordings of large choirs. Absolutely stunning.

[@tinyshepherdess7710]

Agree, the stripped down one-on-a-part version makes me understand the piece better!

[@chelseasigler4668]

Yeah, I never thought this was something for a large ensemble. In high school our varsity choir did it with 2 people on each part and I think that was as big as it should get.

[@deanejewett]

This performance is beyond description!!! Can not understand the text at all.

[@nedhorner]

​@@deanejewett the lyrics are in the description

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

A performance like this is a sacrament. This harmony is what humans do best. What a gift to all those lucky to find this video.

[@JenzBenz207]

I love this. ❤🥲

[@michaelg8034]

Absolutely! Best wishes on your journey! ❤

[@PatrickRob82]

Most of the time I go on KZbin to watch people acting a fool. Sometimes its nice to come here and watch people being magnificent.

[@troymccleery5400]

It's rare for a performance to reach down and touch the depth of soul. One can never be the same.

[@EllaEllaEh]

The exuberance of youthful love. The steadfastness of mature love. The silence of death. Ugh, so many feels.

[@jordangarton2478]

My college choir performed this for concert 10 years ago this semester. The summer after, I was getting married and I asked my choir friends to perform this song during my wedding. It was absolutely brilliant, and I just needed to hear it again today. Thank you for this lovely performance, and for a wonderful reminder of that beautiful day almost 10 years ago now. ❤

[@musmusicista7626]

Music from Heaven! God bless Eric Whitacre!

[@davidhinton8654]

Here’s the T: I’ve been doing what VOCES8 are doing for something like 50 years. In all of those joyful years of collaboration, a singer knows the monumental amount of work that goes into an achievement such as this. It is a feat of musicianship as a soloist to be able to get to a level of through line with tone, intention, and dynamic. To get there with 8 voices, with the impeccable, breathtaking pauses Maestro Whitacre builds in to his work is simply stunning. Always enjoy these more intimate videos where we can see more of the depth of commitment each of these otherworldly performers brings. This performance makes us sit on the edge of our proverbial seats, waiting for the resolution of the dissonance, allowing us to embrace the experience of the Boy and the Girl without pretense. We are the objects of this 5 minute drama and are privileged to be there. Bravi Tutti!

[@JamesFQuinn-kr4wx]

David Hinton Very well put kind sir. It encapsulates what most of us were thinking but couldn’t quite verbalise.

[@sgabriel]

Easy, tiger.

[@PatrickRob82]

What he said

[@robertmichaelesformes2203]

In

[@billbingham2430]

Artistry and precision make for beauty of the best kind.

[@DeaconStJames270]

I cannot get enough of the beautiful voices. The dissonance is felt down to my bones.

[@blu5018]

Music like this is intoxicating. I'd give a lot to be in a group like that.

[@pacificodelnorte6628]

We love us some Eric Whitacre. And of course, Voces8 fabulously sings it.

[@800pieds]

You just saved me the typing of a comment

[@nikkieoute]

One of my favorites to sing! Even the silence is perfect!

[@wewonthecivilwar]

Spectacular sounds - and of the highest quality. Beautiful singers and a great composer.

[@kerrymellin514]

I cry every time I hear this...the most beautiful piece Ive ever heard.

[@MikejohnDavisuk]

Voces8 + Eric whiteacre = perfection Imagine a collaboration album with both of them 😍😍

[@kadencconrad]

boy oh boy do i have news for you

[@bassmanxan3544]

​@@kadencconrad I was going to say the same thing lol

[@akgauger2403]

0.0 1

[@harpyia1]

I absolutely love Andrea´s voice!!! So pure, clear, amazing, heavenly...

[@bradleyplatt6706]

Eric Whitacre is an amazing composer. His music is so complex and gorgeous.

[@TheBirdofInferno]

I’m a synesthete who often paints what I see in music and... I don’t think I can with this one. I could never do it justice. It’s beauty could never be captured on paper or canvas.

[@sharayahsunshine11]

I'm fascinated by the way brains like yours work. I read about synesthesia many years ago and its so interesting.

[@KeeganConnolly]

I think you really should give it a go :)

[@keithball6749]

TheBirdofInferno I’m fairly convinced that you should try....

[@anthtan]

Is work up anywhere online we could check out?

[@windowswashbasin]

You can do it!

[@sigurjonmyrdal3873]

My daughter brought this incredible group to my attention some weeks ago. So thankful!

[@danieltillman1500]

Been listening to this for 3 months, can't sleep. Whitacre in my mind, please quit. Can't breathe.

[@danieltillman1500]

Me again. Should have mentioned presicion insane. Want to be you.

[@cooperaiken8148]

I’ve always thought Whitacre wrote the paired seconds in this piece as a musical representation of a boy and a girl inseparably together. Almost every chord features a major or minor second. Not sure if he meant it that way but it makes sense.

[@zaimzibran6601]

Wow! I never thought of it this way! Thank you for such an insightful comment!

[@ohhellfire2728]

he did! there’s a video somewhere of him talking about it

[@patrickvalentino600]

Little known fact: Whitacre actually wrote the paired seconds because he is, inescapably, himself.

[@zaimzibran6601]

@@patrickvalentino600 this made me laugh haha. Ngl, I can see him writing 2nds just because he's Whitacre, but I can also see him writing in more 2nds than usual for that poetic purpose. Either way, it's a good story for him to tell and adds to the meaning we get from the music

[@ohhellfire2728]

Patrick Valentino i’ve watched a lot of his interviews and he talks a lot about note choice in chords, and it all reflects the feelings the text/story gives him. most of the time (including here), i believe that. sometimes it seems like of ridiculous (i.e. his star spangled banner)

[@alonsotoro7904]

61 / 5,000 This is the golden age of this extraordinary vocal ensemble, without a doubt, his best moment.

[@meredithclark6580]

1:33 I have never heard such beautiful dissonance. It is so so lovely

[@katespalding2134]

I must remember to breath when I listen to Voce8 but their sheer beauty literally stops me in my tracks. I listened again with my eyes closed and it’s even more breathtaking if that’s possible.

[@emncaity]

same here. actually find myself forgetting to breathe.

[@rosebrown5735]

This song captures emotions of the heart and if you were to listen with head phone in the dark it would amplify it even more

[@user-nv6vh4js2y]

I just listened to this with earphones, in the dark lying on my back. Wow. Made tears. Penetrates to the core of the soul.

[@katespalding2134]

@@user-nv6vh4js2y it’s THE most incredible experience that penetrates the depth of your soul. All troubles fade away when you immerse yourself in this music xx

[@800pieds]

How about a whole Whitacre album. Take my money in advance if you want

[@ohhellfire2728]

ditto

[@ethandivon6117]

Same here

[@josephkarl2061]

I'm in.

[@topheryoung375]

Same

[@jbloveday9538]

Joseph Karl I usually see your name on University Challenge Joseph!🇳🇿

[@nedhorner]

Voces8 must be from Heaven!

[@robertbanos6385]

too transcendental..... too astral,.... too beautiful for mere words. Thank you VOCES8

[@philbates7975]

One of the most beautiful things I have ever heard in my life ❤️☯️🙏

[@lj7167]

Perhaps the FINEST acapella group I've ever heard. Brava and bravo!! Singing Whitacre -- even in a large, 120-person choir -- makes you feel privileged and very special.

[@simonresch971]

Wahnsinn ausgezeichnet !!!

[@polycatmagic1236]

This is one of my favorite choir pieces. No matter how many times I hear it, I always get goosebumps. It's especially nice when they all hit the fricatives simultaneously. 🤌

[@tatjanac.1214]

If Voces8 didn´t exist, how could this piece ever be performed to its deserved perfection, and more, as it just was?

[@abbybrodnick]

1:33 is some of the best dissonance that I have ever heard. Wow!

[@BrnBear]

College music nerd approved. I agree Abby

[@mvanderloop]

Goosebumps

[@squeaky2384]

The resolution is so complicated. It feels like a resolution, but it still feels like it’s nagging for something else. I can remember watching a choir sing this and feeling pure awe. It’s hard to remember to breathe.

[@geoffstemen3652]

a sort of major add 4 - found in Lauridsen too. Whitacre talks somewhere about how it’s both resolved and unresolved.

[@carlgeenen1654]

Insanely beautiful. Where has this been all my life? Bravo!!

[@poppys33d]

This really is just incredible. Just. Yes.

[@stephenjamesfox8765]

~ I'm 72 years young and this personifies some of the most equisite music I've heard. ~ Stephen..... Florida, Paris, France et al

[@sheilastrachan]

Magical! Otherworldly. Thank you.

[@bradhayashi1106]

This is a perfect example of perfect ensembleship. They are completely unified in spirit which allows them to cut off and start phrases exactly together without a conductor and without even cueing each other. They. Just. Know. They feel each other and they just know. I am reminded what the King's Singers told us years ago, in that they are a soccer (football) team. They played together as a means to become more unified and more like-minded. It's amazing what humans can do individually, and in this case, collaboratively. Masterpiece.

[@AnnaHigg-zj9xp]

My gorgeous singing teacher in the blue skirt She’s such a gift x

[@nedhorner]

You're lucky!

[@georgeandrewmacp]

Such peace - such gentleness - such unity!

[@MichaelProksch]

Unglaublich schön und so rein von der Intonation. Glückwunsch und Danke!

[@enikoberta8843]

U are unbelievable crystal clear...

[@davidoostendorp8255]

Brilliance. Bravo voces8

[@cecikoch]

Stretched out Stretched out on the grass A boy And a girl Savoring their oranges Giving their kisses Like waves Exchanging foam Stretched out Stretched out on the beach A boy And a girl Savoring their limes Giving their kisses Like clouds Exchanging foam Stretched out Stretched out underground A boy And a girl Saying nothing Never kissing Giving silence For silence Hmm

[@SempreGumby]

Octavio Paz at Pompeii Italy seeing...

[@NCocoJ]

I used to listen to this song all the time when I was still in high school and singing in choir (2007). Back then, this was a beautiful song and I appreciated the chords. I fell in love with the song back then and I remember listening to it daily (together with a few of Eric Whitacre's other works). I have then gone through a phase where I did not listen to this song. I came across this video the other day again and then listened to this song for the first time in what has been like 10 years... It is extremely hard to explain, but my heart broke and mended at the same time! I now listen to this song and can't help finding myself going through different emotions each and every time. Where I used to appreciate a beautiful song with beautiful chords, I now feel each and every note and emotion at a whole new level! Thank you Eric for giving us music that make us feel and show emotions that we sometimes struggle to show! Thank you VOCES8 for giving a performance worthy of perfection!

[@LScofield1]

Beautiful vocal scoring, wonderful complex harmonies sung with precision and artistry. Awesome performance.

[@viggojonsell9754]

The harmony is surprisingly simple. Essentially only parallel 9-th chords. I think the thing that does it is that the piece contains almost no real counterpoint, so when he employs it at the most climactic moments it feels very dynamic musically. It's a great piece.

[@LScofield1]

@@viggojonsell9754 It is a great piece and I agree it contains little, if any, counterpoint. However, I contend that 9th chords are complex harmonies in vocal music, considering that he scores the major 7th/root/major 9th together in the soprano voices at times. The group does a wonderful job with intonation and balance amid these tightly wound harmonies. Bravo!

[@browncatt1]

This is hauntingly pristine. The dissonance (1.34 - 1.37 my fav) of Whitacre and the disciplined execution of Voces8. It's not often I talk about the brilliance of silence, but Whitacre has mastered this with this piece. It's what you do in and with the silences that remains one of the differences between excellence and sheer brilliance. Voces8 manage the silence with almost virtuosic control. Thank you

[@Paul_K_]

3:02 is the chord. There are other chords, but that's *the* chord.

[@frogmouth]

It shimmers

[@paulordeb]

You too

[@josephkarl2061]

When the universe was created, that was the sound you heard at that moment.

[@notchrismartin]

yeeeessss!!!!!

[@alexatreyu9826]

Yes. Extremely dreamy. D major chord with the ladies singing C-D-E above it, I think.

[@s.strickland2834]

breathtaking performance of this heart-breaking song

[@TrentMenssen]

One of my favorite small choral groups doing one of my favorite Eric Whitacre pieces. :D

[@mebyard1]

Such mastery of the human instrument!!!

[@jaynelsestuen9038]

Everything you touch turns to pure gold.

[@luke.antesberger]

Saw/talked with them in concert and ALL of them are so sweet

[@HareshKainth]

Oh that was wonderful.

[@vanish129]

A great thing about Whitacre pieces is the amount of word painting he puts in his songs. And A Boy and a Girl is a true testament of that with its words and the chords that he chooses for them. But Voces8 brings out the clarity and color for these chords distinctly yet brilliantly choosing which notes to bring out! Bravo!

[@juliabarbiero9226]

so much beauty makes me cry

[@cclsjhieber]

I first heard this poem setting by Whitacre just after my father passed away. It has been a special work, but hearing you all sing it brings the beauty and pain of the song into exquisite detail. Thank you so much, Voces8, for this stunning performance.

[@Danboster65]

Shivers, tears, I needed this..thank you.

[@kartace1]

Heartbreaking and breathtaking

[@oldponytail]

Made me tear up. Amazing.

[@terencebattles651]

their ability to maintain those seconds...I am undone.

[@ReflectingMe2024]

Perfection. An utterly outstanding performance by Voces8 of an utterly outstanding piece of music by Eric Whitacre. What a wonderful thing to hear, just beautiful singing. Thank you.

[@nathanaelhahn]

Voces8 nails Whitacre every single time.

[@bryanturnbow8189]

One can only assume they bonded over a mutual fondness for citrus fruit.

[@wshu6565]

I feel the harmonies in my soul !!! Thank you. Love you guys.

[@markokampfelt3298]

Heavenly❤

[@NilsRohwer-composer]

I can't Stop my Tears

[@ChristianMohammedCohen]

so beautiful thank you ... such beautiful singers and voices ....

[@Jenifer.flute20]

One of my favorite Eric Whitacre pieces by one of my favorite groups ❤️❤️❤️

[@frogmouth]

Love the way the dissonance swimmers. Beautiful. Whitacre is so good to sing and so accessible to audiences.

[@frogmouth]

Shimmers forget the swimmers.thats my frenemy autocorrect

[@jemmarsh2404]

So so very amazing. Now do I carry your heart by Whitacre !!!!!

[@brucecampbell6133]

The finest recording overall that I have heard of this Whiteacre gem.

[@kennethschechter352]

he is truly dad

[@AlpacaRenee]

I imagine this is what heaven will sound like.

[@adamoua1186]

Brings me back to my junior year of choir last year! We did this song and I am so proud and brings back great memories of performing 😭😭😭

[@BrnBear]

First time listener to this group, love this song, already on 15th repeat to just take it all in...

[@petervandewoestijne9371]

sublime breathtaking voices....

[@logangraham5340]

One of my favorite Whitacre pieces! Amazing job!

[@Roc1n]

You all are perfect.

[@aaronmhowe]

Who the hell downvotes this absolute perfection?

[@statsguy1446]

Literally not a single missed note. This is special.

[@stephaniepalmed-hayward491]

My heart stopped on those pure perfect dissonant notes - beautiful music sung to perfection

[@zbomb33]

The most beautiful music I’ve heard…… I’m lost for words.

[@graftedtheband]

Impeccable performance of one of my favorite Whitacre settings!!

[@pe.joaopaulovaz]

The perfection exist!

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

9000 likes and no dislikes. That tells you how wonderful this performance is. Eric certainly knows how to write for this ensemble. I marvel at how they find their pitches, stay tuned, and blend so well.

[@sengafromgermany7972]

This is by far my absolute favorite song by Voces8. The mere perfection of the dissonances and harmonies are sure to give me goose pimples. Every time. Absolutely love it :o) Thank you for this amazing experience.

[@keithball6749]

This one brought tears, Voces8-especially in this trying time. Thank you.

[@brianjoubert5241]

I can not even begin to describe the way that this performance makes me feel. Bravo! Absolute serenity. Painful realism and authenticity. Thank you.

[@MrNoneskull]

My god, these guys are good.

[@etiennedreyer4682]

Perhaps the longest 4:50 piece I've heard. Like a whole lifetime.

[@BrnBear]

It's that dynamic

[@christophrogers7248]

Great voices and great camera... :-)

[@DrexOlympus]

My favorite Whitace piece, and done so beautifully. Thank you.

[@sarahmchan7805]

Absolutely stunning!

[@darushkii]

Absolutely fabulous

[@flisscook8934]

This is a sublime rendition of a simply stunning composition! .... I doubt there will never be a vocal ensemble who will ever surpass this level of performance. Congratulations Voces8!

[@bellabusa]

Makes my heart sigh. Beautiful.

[@kathrynw688]

Lord. This is just exquisite.

[@stephenjamesfox8765]

~ These features by Whitacre and Voces8 are, quite simply, in my humble opinion, some of the most exquisite musical presentations I've heard. ~ Stephen Aix and Paris, France Gainesville and Deerfield Beach, Florida USA

[@polobede9054]

Merci Arnold , d'être passé par là ! ! . Mon dieu , que c'est beau la musique contemporaine !

[@awhite1212]

Bravo. this song brings me to tears EVERY time. Thankyou Eric.

[@88Ariadne88]

Wow. Just wow.