VOCES8: Send in the Clowns - Stephen Sondheim (arr. Clements)

VOCES8 sings Jim Clements' arrangement of 'Send in the Clowns' by Stephen Sondheim. The video was filmed in the VOCES8 Centre in London.
LYRICS
Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air
Send in the clowns
Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around
One who can't move
But where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns
Just when I stopped
Opening doors
Finally knowing
The one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Sure of my lines
No one is there
Don't you love farce?
My fault, I fear
I thought that you'd want what I want-
Sorry my dear
But where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns
Don't bother they're here

[@nedhorner]

When the sopranos come in the humming, it sounds like a string section in an orchestra... AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Skylikeday]

This clip was uploaded on my birthday, and what a gift it was

[@kelvinredward3013]

Human voices with a total Sonic range Bravo 👏

[@garyhinkle5736]

'What A Sad Day For Music' But What A Legacy He Has Left Us All. Stephen Sondheim R.I.P

[@alysononoahu8702]

Most folks don't know the context for this gem

[@antoniorosello1341]

Katie sings as an angel in the paradise.

[@robertodetree1049]

Wow, this group is tremendous. The tuning, the rhythm, the volumes are so perfectly harmonious, it is a great pleasure to listen to them.

[@1earflapping]

Katie is the best actor among them, so it’s appropriate she leads. Her facial expressions are just right.

[@stephendruley6968]

The most beautiful rendition of Bring in the Clowns I have ever heard. The alto's voice is so golden and full of grace. Not many songs make me a 77 year old man cry. The fact that she is drop dead gorgeous doesn't hurt. Oh! Voces8 is my soul my life my total enjoyment.

[@sonjapeterson8959]

A gift that keeps giving... Thank you and the parents and teachers who inspired you...

[@brianforbescolgate2352]

Stephen, this 76 year old feels the same way. I have the original cast recording on vinyl. I first saw A Little Night Music in 2005, then again in Stratford (Ontario) in 2016, and have always especially loved this song. Yes, Katie is outstanding here ... very much worth the tears! (though Andrea is my favourite).

[@ramonlopez4359]

Todavía vives?

[@sudhirchopde3334]

Great singing of a typical disbelieving Jonas of an Englishman "Isn't it rich...........,(now listen to this......)

[@JH-ki2iq]

Their version of Send in the Clowns is very good too…..😊

[@adventurem8887]

Stephen Sondheim is looking down on this wonderful rendition of his creation

[@brucecliffe6213]

Thank you, thank you, thank you all. What a pleasant and calming way to end my working day. Your singing touches me deep in my soul, and you bring this 77 YO male to tears nearly every time I hear you. Thank you.

[@benedictus7081]

the resonance in the opening was... just surreal. and I guess the world needs more songs with Alto and Bass as the soloist. perfect rendition.

[@davidbaker2883]

Exactly right. Great to hear the alto voice leading.

[@MerricMaker]

I'm bass/baritone now, but when I was going from treble 1 to here, Alto was my favorite part. Generally the most skilled singers in a given choir.

[@MickeyKraut419]

Check out their version of Simon and Garfunkel's Sound of Silence...

[@maxmom15]

I love the Alto voice.

[@seanking9084]

🎉

[@fairladyo]

Katie's solo voice is so rich and moving. So glad to see her featured....a perfect song for the times.

[@seanking9084]

🎉

[@EclipseorgsEclipseSimulator]

I think the jury has spoken. We love voces8, and we LOVE KATIE!!!!!

[@kaylaburrell4637]

This was so beautiful it made me cry. I miss singing with other people ❤️😢

[@billrobinson9704]

I weep as well, but unfortunately I can't sing.

[@salvaldez5146]

Kayla Burrell same, I miss my choir. And online singing is just not the same, harmonies just don’t lock and sounds as beautiful as live.

[@TheAscoltati]

I miss my choir so much....but there WILL be singing again! Be strong 😊

[@twitchly]

Chills. Best version of this song I’ve heard. Would love to hear more pieces that feature Katie.

[@vensan34]

THANK YOU FOR FEATURING KATIE. I love her voice so much, this song is perfect

[@danielshade710]

The perfect human oboe ringing bell tones. Honestly couldn’t imagine a more perfect voice from a better singer. She’s just incredible

[@RKNsword]

rest in peace sondheim, you genius

[@evelynap9728]

this is send from Above for our great pleasure. Hello Alto I like your expression. RIP Stephen Sondheim youll like this too❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤

[@lewcarynntacandong4755]

Finally, an alto soloist! I’m so happy!

[@junethanoschurchill6750]

R.I.P. Steven Sondheim

[@janfrederick9034]

Just discovered them. Beautiful sound

[@dansullivanstudios]

Who else is here crying hysterically in November 2021? :’(

[@mickeyb2927]

I've run out of words... So lovely to hear Katie's voice leading this wonderful octet. Very moving...

[@jorgreuter5806]

Einfach nur schön

[@yordankaacosta2849]

Finally!! She deserves more solos. Truly!! All of them are wonderful, together and alone.

[@garymoore8711]

8 voices better than one Striesand or Collins. Calm,my heart, VOCES8

[@prometheusrex1]

you found words somehow 🙄

[@KevinVanOrd]

@@prometheusrex1 Such helpful feedback. Your pedantry has brought so much to the comments section.

[@carlgeenen1654]

Katie. Alto. Sultry. Beautiful. Heaven. I've run out of words...

[@KorAnos1]

I hope Sondheim got to hear this one before he went. May his memory be a blessing.

[@avelai9216]

I've been watching this video for at least 20 times by now and still wonder how Katie's voice can be so mature and refined yet so warm and emotional at the same time. She's incredibly gifted and beautiful, like a visitor from another dimension full of beauty and bliss... And of course the ensemble is in perfect pitch as always, the harmonies are mesmerizing. Thank you.

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

Rest in Peace Stephen. Thank you for your music.

[@ionacmitchell]

2:59 'sorry' gives me CHILLS

[@daniellereid01]

Beautiful arrangement and so sympathetically sung by Katie. This song is so easy to get wrong with its deceptive simplicity, but this was full of gentle melancholy that is exactly right xox

[@Mukundanghri]

Stephen Sondheim indicated in an interview with Terry Gross, that it is where the accents are to fall which sets this apart form generic simplicity.

[@larrymiller4]

Katie gets to show her formidable chops. What a voice!

[@kropchik]

Great rendition of a genius that just passed away. Rip

[@singingtutorpro2181]

Another stunner from Voces8 and Jim Clements. He really is the most extraordinary arranger.

[@composer_jim]

I'm glad you like it!

[@KevinVanOrd]

Can we talk about the perfection from 4:17 to 4:31? I am rarely a fan of choral renditions of pop and theater tunes but Jesus God, this one's too good.

[@bobwalker5564]

My brother passed away in 05, during a 30+ year as a highschool choir director, j| would be so proud of all of you...

[@lizzystephen3851]

My mums favourite song. I used to hear her sing it when she was cleaning and thought nobody was listening . She could hold a note too 😀. Thank you for taking me back x

[@russellsvenningsen7051]

This was my father's favorite song. I still don't know what it's about but this rendition is absolutely gorgeous. Miss you, Dad.

[@danielshade710]

You can hear the phasing of perfect pitch at the beginning. Phasing is the physics argument about what frequency is. Astonishing. Freaking astonishing

[@anzeerjavec297]

"Perfectly balanced, as all things should be." - Thanos

[@damianjr73]

Lmao. Yes. Wait....is Voces8....Thanos? 😂

[@user-km9bx3gf3z]

@@damianjr73 oh snap

[@TheophilosPorter]

@@user-km9bx3gf3z underrated reply

[@user-km9bx3gf3z]

@@TheophilosPorter i forgot i wrote that but hooray for me being clever

[@arc4155]

@@user-km9bx3gf3z JJ

[@andrewroberts8139]

What you notice first of all is the sheer beauty of the sound, then the quality of the acting.

[@allenrussell1947]

That's was heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@rommelgalicia7283]

Resonates in the Soul. BRAVO!

[@tylercriss6435]

I'm glad to see her getting her own focus in a piece.

[@kathleenemerson5248]

I have always thought this was one of the saddest yet most real song written. So captures that human relationships. And, of course, this group is unsurpassed in all they do. Love the alto voice featured.

[@kazzieloo]

Who could give this a thumbs down?? This is beyond gorgeous!

[@observer6567]

This is pure speculation, of course, but I suspect that the negative responses are generated by some seriously invested, possibly doctrinaire, hairdressers.

[@kazzieloo]

@@observer6567 That made my morning. 😂Merry Christmas!

[@alifmuhammadchicago]

Those Maj7 chords and the suspended dominants... and that last F#Maj9... 🥰

[@verenamaharajah6082]

Just lovely.

[@mfwanfy]

So nice to hear Katie do a solo!

[@kensalsman7737]

The versatility of Voces8 never ceases to amaze me! I appreciate how they highlight individual members and their own unique voices; even though when they sing together they are so unified in sound and tone.

[@grimwriter7490]

This is gorgeous...also, Katie should go into musical theatre. The emotion/meaning of the song was so evident in her face; brilliant job to her, the others, and Mr Clemens as usual. Thank you all so much, and God bless!

[@stevenmcewing2883]

I thought I'd share that what VOCES8 does in filming performances is musical theatre...the rehearsals, private practice, etc. I'm sure that theatre is included... past, present and future with all members. I agree and enjoy with you!

[@adude394]

In general, any arrangement of a Sondheim song is not going to match the original. Here's your exception. Simply stunning.

[@nigelb5340]

Katie has an incredible voice, wonderful...

[@nilsnilsson8582]

This is the best A capella choir I have heard since The Singers Unlimited!

[@jonathangriggs9123]

I’m visualising Torvil and Dean skating this , brings back memories

[@erlethepearl]

What a beautiful rendition by the lovely Katie.

[@glynparker9206]

Beautiful ! and agree that it’s good to hear Katie at the front :-)

[@williamlewis8741]

young lady. your voice makes me float. excuse me, i going to listen to this rendition again.

[@genevievesulway830]

RIP Stephen Sondheim. Thanks for the Music Sir!

[@English-dulcimer]

absolutely georgeous - skills beyond what I can imagine - keep up the great work

[@Sjb2077]

Life is shit at the moment yet such singing, such exquisite sound transcends everything. Just lovely

[@clairecockerellbiermann5303]

0

[@clairecockerellbiermann5303]

Beautiful!

[@donsharpe5786]

I loved this. It showed off Katy's voice beautifully.

[@pieterderaad]

What a Miracle: 8 different characters expressing and performing 1 Soul. Heartwarming.🙏🎶

[@kanealoha]

It touched my soul. Thank you so much.

[@WadeHarmanwlh]

What an international treasure Voces8 is.

[@kenproctor3824]

So lovely; so tender, so sad. I listen to this version because the tenderness of the voices. I wonder how great it would be to have Katie and Eleonore, or Katie and Andrea sing the Flower Duet from Lakeme. It would be stunning no doubt.

[@Cubasenet33]

Nice, nice, nice. The leading voice is superb!

[@piperbinkley155]

Many years ago, my grandmother had a collection of music boxes. The one I remember most was a clown weeping, and this song would play. It reminds me of wanting to console the clown as a little girl, and being amazed at the beauty of something so sad.

[@holgiwankenobi]

How wonderful Katie’s mezzo-soprano works as lead vocals on this track. It adds a certain somberness to the music that enhances the melancholy expressed in the lyrics. Another brilliant piece of art by the world’s leading vocal ensemble.

[@carlossantos4093]

Desculpem escrever em Portugues. Excelente linda interpretação. Sim.. Onde estão os palhaço. Não sei

[@pacificodelnorte6628]

Lovely arrangement by Clements for a cappella ensemble/choir. Beautiful interpretation by Katie. Additionally, it was nice to hear all of the many mini solos by Barney, Blake, El, & Euan, while Andrea, Chris, & Jonny held steady background. Applause.

[@billrobinson9704]

The note that the three women sign at 3:06 transports me like nothing else. Can't listen to this without weeping and feeling swept up to an ethereal level, perhaps even to third heaven, as the medieval mystics called it.

[@thomasbothmann]

Absolutely beautiful. I sit here with tears in my eyes listening to Katie's wonderful voice.

[@dirkvanhees2412]

Super Katie

[@rikitenor1821]

This broke me. I miss singing with other people so much. Exquisite blend!

[@KVCBTopeka]

Beautiful - I'm glad to hear Katie being featured as a soloist, at last!

[@leslieeden8886]

Had to watch this again and simply sit and cry - such pathos and such beauty.

[@MisterTayTay]

Beautiful. Gosh… I miss singing with a group. How wonderful it must feel to be surrounded by such peers.

[@terrymc578]

I cry all to easy.... this womans voice and her colleagues had me in floods - its beautiful.

[@Salvejohnny93]

Listening to this in tears. We will miss you so much, Maestro Sondheim. ❤️

[@mariaelenablanconoelke]

Es tan dulce, tierno afiatado, extraordinariamente HERMOSO. Me toca el alma. Gracias por tan angelical regalo❤

[@marekvollach7831]

ALL THEIR melodies and parts ARE MEMORIZED.......do y'all get that.

[@bagussyafriezaparadhika4087]

Those beauty that heals the pain... Being realize that our beautiful souls is in the most beautiful place now... Thank you V8

[@TheForceOfMusic101]

(One of my favourite songs) + (VOCES8) = Perfection!!!

[@alisonalcock5218]

8 beautiful people with wonderful voices, a song full of emotion......VOCES8 you are perfection, I love you

[@matthewpurnell876]

This is the most gorgeous arrangement and voices I have heard sing this, bravo to you all.

[@zyr3554]

having you voces8 exists on earth is such a great thing !

[@johndavis6119]

Don’t know her, but she and her voice are beautiful. I love how she seems to seduce the words with her facial expressions. Totally operatic, like Frederica von Staad.

[@Tommeadowcroft]

Most songs that Voces8 sings are songs that lots of groups of varying abilities sing; Voces8 shines for its talent and professionalism, but lots of groups sing that song. Most groups would hesitate to try this one; there are multiple parts that require exquisite intonation and control to make this complex arrangement succeed. This is the one I turn to when I want a showpiece for why this is the best a cappella group in the world.

[@mungmungie]

I just love Katie's voice.

[@arnie3631]

She has a wonderful voice. So magical. It’s even more impressive considering that she had cleft palate, which did not pose as a barrier to her developing a lovely voice.

[@lindsay2em]

Too beautiful for words. I'm in tears.

[@wacawlubinski5218]

Przedsionek Nieba. Gratuluję.

[@CDugan7]

This is incredible. I think my favorite part is at the very end. If you listen closely you can hear an overtone on 1 right before they cut off. Either that or there's someone far away with a bell. 🤣

[@cee5329]

Resplendent with haunting melancholy. Thank you for featuring Katie in this arrangement as she was the perfect choice to bring out the deeper meaning of this beautiful song's lyrics. Heartbreaking and very well done. Thank you

[@ericksor98]

Katie, I love your voice, your musical sincerity, and your beauty.

[@masarukawada]

Isn't it rich? それってリッチじゃない？ Are we a pair? 私たちペアでしょう？ Me here at last on the ground 私はついにここ地上だけど You in mid-air.. あなたは空に浮いたまま Send in the clowns ピエロを呼んで来てよ Isn't it bliss? それって最高じゃない？ Don't you approve? そう思わない？ One who keeps tearing around 一人は涙にくれてさまよっているのに One who can't move... 一人は動けないでいる… Where are the clowns? ピエロなんて何処にいるのよ？ Send in the clowns そのピエロを呼んで来てよ Just when I'd stopped opening doors 私がドアを開けるのをやめたまさにその時 Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours 私が求めていた人はあなたそのものだとようやく分かったの Making my entrance again with my usual flair またいつもの格好で入って行くわ Sure of my lines... 言いたいことを心に決めて… No one is there でもそこには誰も居ないの Don't you love farce? あなたはおふざけがキライ？ My fault, I fear 私の間違いね、悲しわ I thought that you'd want what I want... 私、あなたが望むものは私の望むものと思ってたの… Sorry, my dear! ごめんなさい、ディア！ And where are the clowns それでピエロはどこにいるのよ Send in the clowns そのピエロを連れて来て Don't bother, they're here 心配ないわ、ここに居たから Isn't it rich? それってリッチじゃない？ Isn't it queer? それって変？ Losing my timing this late in my career 私、タイミングを失ったわ、私の人生最後の経験で And where are the clowns? それでそのピエロはどこにいるのよ？ There ought to be clowns... そこにピエロはいるべきよ… Well, maybe next year まあ、多分来年かもね

[@michaelglennwilliams6278]

Spectacular arrangement. Jim Clements, incredible! Would love to hear the lead even more prominent or others slightly less. Today I discovered VOCES8 and binged like crazy. So grateful to your whole team for your music.

[@bernhardkirchner5447]

Marvelous! Excellent! Sublime! Fabulous arrangement, too! Ms Katie was great at delivering the lyrics, all the little solos provided nice contrast and Ms Andrea's voice floating on that descant was the icing on the cake! (Liked her dress, too! )

[@garrettbrothers6989]

I loved this piece so much that I decided to read up on it. It has a lot of emotion from the musical where, in short, a woman who rejected a man's marriage proposal for years returns after changing her mind -- only to learn that the man is married to a young wife already. It emphasizes her regret and anger or loathing at how she spent her own youth. But then I came across this gem: Another example arises from Sondheim's roots as a speaker of American rather than British English: The line "Don't you love farce?" features two juxtaposed labiodental fricative sounds (the former [v] voiced, the latter [f] devoiced). American concert and stage performers will often fail to "breathe" and/or "voice" between the two fricatives, leading audiences familiar with British slang to hear "Don't you love arse?", misinterpreting the lyric or at the least perceiving an unintended double entendre. Sondheim agrees that "[i]t's an awkward moment in the lyric, but that v and that f should be separated."[9]

[@woodwardwoodworks]

Oh My Goodness

[@lubec13]

Here I hear the pathos of life and things that are mortal touch my heart. Until I heard this arrangement I hadn't thought about Stephen and all of the pain he had suffered as a young man growing up with a mother who basically despised him.