VOCES8: This Is My Song (Finlandia) - Jean Sibelius arr. Blake Morgan

VOCES8 performs 'This Is My Song' to the tune of Finlandia by Jean Sibelius, arranged here by VOCES8 tenor, Blake Morgan.
TEXT
Vv1&2 by Lloyd Stone, v.3 Blake Morgan
This is my song, O God of all the nations,
A song of peace for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is,
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine.
But other hearts in other lands are beating,
With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean,
And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too, and clover,
And skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
*This is my song, O God of all the nations,
A song of peace for their land and for mine.
So let us raise this melody together,
Beneath the stars that guide us through the night;
If we choose love, each storm we’ll learn to weather,
Until true peace and harmony we find,
This is our song, a hymn we raise together;
A dream of peace, uniting humankind.
*modified from Stone’s original poetry

[@mr.fordnite1909]

For those that don’t know, the song is a Finnish patriotic hymn that was commonly censored by the Russian government. It was performed under aliases or embedded in other works. Often times when the melody of this tune would appear in orchestra settings, Finnish citizens in the audience would stand up and sing the words together, in defiance of their occupation.

[@jonesnori]

I knew it was beautiful, and have loved it and felt the sentiment, but I did not know this history. Thank you. I am glad your beautiful country has its independence.

[@Scriabinfan593]

Composed by Jean Sibeius, one of my favorite composers of all time

[@fraum.5927]

Thanks for this interesting background information

[@sueschmitt6294]

Thank you for that information; I have always thought of Finlandia as the national anthem of Finland, and also as the tune for a hymn in my Lutheran Church ("We would be building, temples still undone, or crumbling walls.........") And I first remember playing Sibelius' Suite in high school band in the late 50's or early 60's.

[@marinainfinland]

An interesting story, thank you! One small correction: Finland was not occupated by the Russian Empire back then. Even vice-versa, Finns got autonomy and basis for future State. When the Russian Empire faught with Sweden, Finland did not exist as a separate state at all. And when Russia won, it took part of Swedish terrority according to the peace agreement - this part was where Finns lived. And under Russian Empire, Finns got so much autonomy that they have never had under Swedes, they were the most autonomous part of the Russian Empire back then), called the Grand Duchy of Finland. And this was the predecessor of an independent Finland nowadays. The above said doesn't cancel what you've told about some repressive actions at early 1900-s, this was a wrong intention from the Russian Government back then... But, as an upside, it raised the sense of Finnish identity, eventually. I'm not the most eloquent of a person, but this all is well-described in Wikipedia for those who are interested :) And it is really great to see what a beautiful, peaceful and prosperous countly Finland has become! I'm glad it's now independent :)

[@johnross4819]

I am the grandson of a Finnish fisherman who emigrated to America with his family. I am in years of honor as I hear this.

[@LVaderM]

I am the grandson of a Finnish fisherman. I just heard this. ❤️

[@KimAhrina11]

You're great

[@catherinekane3382]

❤

[@avelai9216]

Hearing this, knowing that people I love are stuck in the Ukraine while russian bombs fall, fearing for their lives and losing everything they have, feels different. The lyrics song say it all: We all may be different, living in different places and countries, but we share so much - the same blue sky, the need for safety and a home, we are one as humankind and share beliefs, hopes and the feeling of love. Such a beautiful song and such a beautiful message.

[@gracetalley-bailey2988]

I first heard this song 20 years ago and cried from the beauty of it.

[@spmoran4703]

I hope your loved ones are safe.

[@spmoran4703]

We have one thing in common . We are precious human life. Love to you and your family .

[@bobbychambers890]

God bless us all!

[@chankwaichoi1]

UN resolution on "COMBATing glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of #racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related #intolerance" 130 votes in favor 51 abstentions 2 against (USA n UKRAINE Vote *Against* UN Adopted Anti-Nazi Resolution, While ALL NATO MEMBERS *Abstain* ) TIME's report kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKqcYmN8fJlpeZY BBC's report kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4SloGOXoMp3g7s

[@staffanolofsson8201]

As a Swede, a neighbour to Finland, I just can welcome and love this interpretation. In our times, when all is changing, I also remember old times, when all was changing. This changing is not a new thing. When Sibelius wrote this, Finland also had difficult times. So music perhaps make us remember our history, and our long journey to democracy.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

PS This theme we can also hear in Sibelius Finlandia. DS

[@staffanolofsson8201]

@@EpicElephant111 Ja du har rätt! Och vi svenskar har inte alltid behandlat er som ett broderfolk. Men det faktum att vi i dag betraktar Sibelius som nordens största kompositör kan kanske i viss mån sona vår skuld. Den att vi inte ställde upp i vinterkriget, inte heller i fortsättningskriget. Finland har gått igenom en historia som präglat er, och som vi svenskar har varit förskonade från.

[@rafungafunga]

Beauty and truth never change.

[@richardwaugaman1505]

What a beautiful way to blend patriotism with respect for other nations!

[@ryanweible9090]

thats what i like, we sang this in church today, and its love of homeland without the disrespect and chest thumping. you can love your home without putting down others homes.

[@rrrjjj5572]

Yes, I agree. This is what stays with me the most from this piece. Singing the praises of the beauty of one's homeland, and then in the next phrase reminding us that "other lands have sunlight too, and clover, and skies are everywhere as blue as mine." When I encountered this, I wept. I long for this humility and grace in the country I live in. We are so far from it.

[@anneoppermann8012]

Exactly!

[@richardwaugaman1505]

I just researched these lyrics and learned they are a wonderful adaptation by Lloyd Stone. I apologize for not mentioning him before.

[@gehe8929]

This is a hymn for the whole world. The heartfelt praise for the own country and at the same time recognition that other peoples feel that way too. "... and we don't want to be above or below other peoples ..."

[@gehe8929]

Is this song suitable as a hymn for the UN?

[@sonjalewis3047]

@@gehe8929 Please, let it be so. But at least, it is sung in Unitarian-Universalist churches--and probably in other congregations, too : )

[@deborahgressley1641]

I agree! Especially now, with Ukraine's courageous resistance against an invaider.

[@angelalewis3645]

As I read your words, I felt chills as strong as what I felt listening to the music. ❤

[@sophiapostma4057]

I played this piece in my youth orchestra. It was Mr Piipo's last concert after 20 years of conducting the orchestra. He is 100% Finnish, so this was basically his send-off. It is one of my favorite pieces that I've played and it will always have a special place in my heart.

[@BlueSky-eb2sv]

Had to take a deep breath after 4:23. This is so incredibly beautiful. Voces8 must be something between Heaven and Earth.

[@josecanale7055]

It's obvious that God exists and Voces8 is one of his voices Thanks from Argentina

[@fairlyvague82]

@@josecanale7055 Amen 🙏🏼

[@sonjalewis3047]

VOCES8's virtuosity attempts to heighten the beauty, but instead only weakens this anthem. Mr. Meier and Mr. Canale, if the words and melody bring an ache in your throat and heart, then YOU are the ones to sing this song, not the tricked-out VOCES8.

[@MichaelEavesMusic]

@@sonjalewis3047 nope this version is superior

[@carollancaster2389]

Absolutely beautifully done…another goosebump moment from VOCES 8! My late husband was born 6/26/1945 in Helsinki, Finland. He & his parents immigrated to (eventually) Windsor, Ontario. He was very proud of his roots in Finland. My father was a vocal music teacher in Royal Oak (just outside Detroit), Michigan. I remember as a child hearing his high school choir sing this song at their Spring Concert & thinking (as quite a young child) what an absolutely gorgeous song Sibelius had written. Well, many years later, on 6/26/2009 (the day after Michael Jackson had died) I had arranged to have this song played by the pianist as we left the Chapel on our Wedding Day. 2 weeks later my husband would go into surgery to have part of one kidney removed. We thought we had made it through “the difficult part”. But then on 3/8/2020 (at the very beginning of Covid) “they” found the Cancer had had time to spread to both lungs & his brain. So began our very slow downward spiral to his death date-08/29/2022. And we thought that “we had beaten it” only to find out that “we” indeed hadn’t beaten “it”. So this song will forever remind me of my Finlandian love 💕.

[@ajn9111]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you and he had such a strong relationship to this song.

[@shlumping_buddah]

I am sorry for your loss. This song pays such a tribute on so many levels. Peace be with you.

[@rafungafunga]

Thank you for sharing such beautiful story and feelings.

[@rosemarieloxton3279]

That's so sad, I'm so sorry for your loss ❤

[@joukomaijala7422]

Wonderful voices, wonderful Finlandia! Upeita aania, mahtava Finlandia! Greetings from Oulu, North-Finland. 🇫🇮🇫🇮 SLAVA UKRAINI! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@michellebyrom6551]

As close to artistic perfection as any of us can hope to be. 💞

[@spmoran4703]

A great Irish choir singing for love of the world . Peace is what we desperately need.

[@peteg8920]

English , actually plus one American and one Scottsman.

[@tundratunes]

Wow, watching this now from my home in Finnish Lapland and SOOOOO impressed! Something to simply marvel at during our long isolation during Corona times.

[@GoGerman4]

I didn’t know that I needed to cry today, but now I do

[@nataliebasaraba1700]

Same.

[@isobelanderson9220]

@@nataliebasaraba1700 me too.

[@Winnepausakee]

Same here....3 bars in....( "Gulp"....gush)

[@sonjalewis3047]

Your best cry will come as you, yourself are singing it. This is not a song to daintily sing with dissonance.

[@mariestein4026]

✨Thank you so much!✨ 🇫🇮 Greetings from Finland!

[@JohnRDallasJr]

Brilliantly executed and cleverly produced. Thank you. With world news growing more disquieting, “This is My Song” sung to the melody of Finlandia, with lyrics by Lloyd Stone, offers more than hints of calming perspective: “This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine. But other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine. My country's skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine. But other lands have sunlight too and clover. And skies are everywhere as blue as mine. Oh, hear my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine.” Again, my gratitude for your supreme effort.

[@robinhector]

Thank you John for those words .

[@jsguitargeek1432]

Goosebumps - from the first beat to the end. The - chords/lines/harmonies (not to mention voices!?!?!) - otherworldly. Thank you VOCES8

[@sonjalewis3047]

But this piece is totally WORLDLY. The message is not ethereal; the singing must not be, either. Find a few other caring folks, and just SING IT, pouring your heart out.

[@leechumbley5440]

When I was a child, my father played the symphonic version often. It is therefore bound up with those memories. I am flabbergasted at the beauty and skill with which you sing this piece. A little humour: my father quoted Sibeliius: "I have been all around the world. But in all my travels, I have never seen a statue to a music critic."

[@kelliatlarge]

That reminds me of this from G.K. Chesterton: "I’ve searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees."

[@leechumbley5440]

@@kelliatlarge Thanks for sharing. Aren't VOCES8 wonderful!

[@PaulPlamann]

My Alma Mater, Capital University in Columbus, OH, uses this beautiful melody for our school's song. I sing along with the words of the song every time I hear the melody. It brings back fond memories of my college days many years ago now. Thanks for a beautiful rendition!

[@beeble80]

Didn't think this needed to be updated, then Voces8 arranges it and we're all the better for it. Brilliantly done. And such a needed sentiment now, in the midst of all that is unhealthy in our world. Thanks!!

[@florencecurrie7861]

Stunning!

[@thomasm.1900]

I'm really musical, and it's not often that I come across a piece so extraordinarily beautiful that I couldn't possibly put it into words how majestic and awe-inspiring it is, even if I tried for the rest of my life. This piece definitely holds the majesty, pride, and absolute passion that I'm sure Jean Sibelius wanted in a performance of his song. One of the most beautiful arrangements of any song I've ever heard. Thanks for making my day! Lots of love from the US :)

[@jot518]

Finlandia is used for the one of the greatest hymns - Be still my soul! I am a Finn/Swede and so love my heritage. Sibelius composed Finlandia and my great Grandfather is in the Sibelius museum "Bagg - Matt" Matts Lindbäck for playing the violin.

[@jefferyrowley8873]

Possibly the best arrangement of this moving piece and sung beautifully.

[@MeowfaceMusic]

The hundredth time listening to this will be the best.

[@jacekszczecinski2766]

Wonderful celestial voices. Thank you! Love from Poland.

[@brendaord4282]

Totally homesick hearing this, and I'm not Finish.

[@ronenborshevsky8144]

Gorgeous harmonies by Blake and Spectacular Harmony by this sensational ensemble! You guys give us "mortals" a nearly impossible goal to pursue! please continue...

[@bachopinbee5991]

What a comment!

[@donna30044]

A perfectly woven tapestry of sound. ❣

[@hellogoodbye637]

Just when I think Voces8 can't possibly get better they out do themselves with this and I'm left crying.

[@ankewunder7092]

Nur mit 8 Stimmen solch eine wohltuende Vibration zu erzeugen, DAS ist wahre Kunst! Gleichzusetzen mit den großartigen Pentatonix! DANKE!

[@enilegnave21]

A real blessing in these troubled times; and such simple prayer of moving lyrics

[@sonjalewis3047]

Thank you, so very much.

[@hallorama]

This is pure musicality! Free from everything that is unimportant. It goes right into the center of my body. Thank you for making me happy for a while. Thanks thanks thanks

[@michaelpinder844]

Beautifully said Peter. Remember that many of us are there at the centre, with you. Thank you.

[@markford6154]

Exquisite harmonies from this group, as usual. It is very uplifting to hear such such talent and musicality.

[@beaflint5162]

really like Katie's smile while singing

[@davebradford8393]

I want this to be sung at my funeral. It is my dying wish that all the people on Earth could know that they are kindred.

[@EGM777]

Es ist immer wieder ein Hochgenuss, euch zu hören und zu sehen. 👍😊

[@alsoncole]

This is one of the most beautiful melodies ever (along with “Shenandoah”), and they sure sing it to perfection.

[@RamblinRick_]

Fun Fact: After the 9/11 attacks, a service was soon held in the National Cathedral. This song was the centerpiece.

[@tommaxwell4470]

Which nation?

[@bluebelt224]

I literally have not been able to stop listening to this - the tune; incredible. The arrangement; exquisite. The performance; captivating. You can certainly feel the emotion behind everything about this piece - it's impossible not to. Bravo VOCE8!

[@andreahood8260]

I have always loved "Finlandia" and this coral version is beautiful!

[@radaammar4337]

This is your Song and our Song, a Hymn we raise together..for peace and love! So beautiful and true! Love you all! Deep thanks for this lovely Song and great performance! 🎶🎶🎶❤️💐🙏

[@JiiPukki]

Jean Sibelius was The greatest composer ever!

[@beauxbaldwin5012]

Had the original video of Blake singing all 8 parts saved in my Instagram for the longest time. So cool to see it come to life!

[@trishreed1033]

Any chance you could share that link?

[@soaringeagle123321]

Nearest to the voices of angels that any mortals could ever attain! Simply breathtaking...

[@hollyh501]

Voces8 - the most beautiful choir I’ve ever heard.

[@cindyjohnson4304]

On September 11, 2001, I was asked to sing this song at a community prayer service. Most appropriate song for such a sad day.

[@bcgrittner8076]

An extra large BRAVO to you.

[@ginnyvibes]

It was just right then, and it's just right now, with Ukraine in mind (and heart).

[@rachaelfitzpatrick8574]

The number of organs I would give to be part of this group is ridiculous. Absolutely stunning, and incredibly aspirational! ❤️

[@josephokellookello2046]

including your vocal cords?🤭🤭 😃😃

[@OrbitalBliss]

Don't give up your lungs, you'd need those.

[@NZRic001]

Just heard a few of your uploads.. thinking you are on the way there....

[@michaeljenniferbrabson6263]

Where are you? Let's start our OWN! 😊

[@hellogoodbye637]

Same gurl, same...

[@stvp68]

Some of my favorite harmonies

[@dirkvaningelgem4389]

That is so wonderfull, to hear Sibelius with your voices ;-)

[@benedictus7081]

Thank God that everyone is doing healthy and productive, even during this pandemic. I cannot wait to listen to more of VOCES8 music.

[@feliciaackerman8804]

I learned this song in primary school. This was over six decades ago, and I still think it's the best national anthem in the word -- the ONlY one with nice lyrics, in fact.

[@neoone75]

Except this isn't a national anthem 😉. I wish it was

[@ulrichhobler8755]

This is breathtaking, beautiful, perfect!

[@TheMusicscotty]

2:37 the exact moment I hit the like button. Wow. A feast for the ears.

[@karenjennings3239]

It is an absolutely gorgeous piece of music! It is one of my favorites and they sang it beautifully! Thank you!

[@robertwolz478]

It's so wonderfully arranged, Blake! And who could sing it better than Voces8? You are all so great and amazing!

[@z2010able]

I'm old. This song rocked me (inside) when I first heard it years ago. Just wow. Thank you so much for this glorious performance - as I deconstruct...

[@geoffrussell8501]

This has long been one of my all-time favourite songs, but the arrangement and execution of this version is absolutely outstanding! Thank you.

[@davidbrook7121]

2:30 and beyond! Precision-singing extraordinaire! The reharmonization is brilliant. Thank you, Voces8. If you ever were to perform it in Helsinki, I figure the entire concert-hall would levitate.

[@ginnyvibes]

It's hard to think that they wouldn't be enthusiastic, I'd like to be there to witness it!

[@evdanker]

This has been one of my favorite pieces of music ever since I first heard it many years ago.

[@sonjalewis3047]

Yes, yes, YES! And it is sung best by each and everyone whose throat aches and whose heart beats faster. It is NOT a melody to add fussy harmonies to!!

[@r1p2m32]

As a Finn, having sung this N times... Hard to hear new arrangements. But this was really sweet, touching -- thank you!

[@dorotagregor6390]

Perfekcyjne wykonanie !!!Nie wiem ,ktorego glosu sluchac,bo kazdy z nich ma fenomenalną barwę !!!Cudownie zgrane ze sobą ,wszystko dobrze współbrzmi,jest idealnie dopasowane.Dla mnie Fantastyczne !!!Dziękuję 💚

[@andrewwilliams2193]

I love this rendition. I have a copy of it as part of a choral subscription package written and arranged for piano, string quartet and SATB voices. It's my favourite piece of music. It starts off with just the vocals and then the piano and strings join in afterwards. Heavenly.

[@brittensmusic2692]

Amazing.. so beautiful. well done Blake for a fantastic arrangement which has been treated with respect and given the VOCES8 sparkle

[@pekkapihka67]

This gives me goose bumps every time I hear this. Great arrangement, so beautiful voices.

[@Jnadki]

This is a breathtakingly beautiful setting and performance. I had trouble holding back the tears.

[@valerioangioletti8820]

Fantastici straordinari musica meravigliosa coro nell'.. olimpo degli dei grazieereee

[@jeandeblaize4175]

Cet arrangement blesse les oreilles, l'harmonie est là en tension, proche d'une dissonance sans résolution

[@CaresinVerse]

Every note I hear from VOCES8 makes me feel closer to God. How beautiful the music these gifted artists make! God bless them all, as they truly bless us.🎶

[@samlancaster1277]

God bless you too Judith.

[@sonjalewis3047]

Okay, since I feel they destroy Finlandia, I've belatedly looked for another song they're known for. And I agree that "Sleep" is beautifully done! But Finlandia has an entirely different message, and VOCES8 is misguided on this one.

[@JayRudko]

The tune of this hymn is also the Alma Mater of my high school, Miami Norland Senior High, Miami Gardens, Florida. The words are different, but the emotion is the same.

[@leshelmuth8827]

This song has just risen to a level of perfection and beauty! Thanks Blake & Voces8.

[@jennifercopley1626]

This is my song, Oh God of all the nations, A song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; Here are my hopes, my dreams, my sacred shrine. But other hearts in other lands are beating, With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine. My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean, And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine. But other lands have sunlight too and clover, And skies are everywhere as blue as mine. Oh hear my song, oh God of all the nations, A song of peace for their land and for mine.

[@angelasmith5095]

Thank you for printing the words that I just screenshot. I’ll listen again with my heart swelling.

[@debrapowell7467]

Absolutely beautiful. Peace be with Finland

[@lindajmccargar6351]

@@angelasmith5095 Just for the record, Blake Morgan, the tenor from Voces8 who arranged this version, added a third verse: So let us raise this melody together, Beneath the stars that guide us through the night; If we choose love, each storm we’ll learn to weather, Until true peace and harmony we find, This is our song, a hymn we raise together; A dream of peace, uniting humankind.

[@janmcguire5268]

@@lindajmccargar6351 Thank you for sharing that! Blake is an excellent lyricist!

[@shirleyhowley4721]

I’m weeping! Russia just go away!

[@tienmiechen7689]

I’ve got the chills. Beautifully expressed!!

[@AlexSanc17]

🔥🔥🔥 This is so great! More arrangements from Blake please! 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheLarryEHarms]

Is that still available on IG?

[@terrygreene1395]

These voices are the perfection of the human voices in song…….they bring tears to my eyes……and goosebumps to my skin.

[@sebastianpfahler8594]

Magnificent Arrangement 👌

[@OperaPress]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stephanielomonte9472]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@Audrey-gk1dy]

My favorite group singing my favorite song

[@pierrebuffiere5923]

Fully agree with all the compliments here.... beautifully done! However, I think I still prefer the orchestral version with a full Finnish choir.

[@kevinpilon11]

Something about the "mi sol, re re fa" of the melody captures my imagination. So beautiful.

[@davidhaubrich5635]

Just cannot praise this highly enough for artistic arrangement, stunning clarity and straight up beauty. I dare say Sibelius would love it

[@marilynjohnson8583]

Awesome, simply awesome!

[@brunostaquet5812]

Absolutely wonderful

[@hstteacher]

So thankful for this.

[@liefenheim]

Breathtaking, heart moving, fantastic!

[@Cariad247]

Hauntingly beautiful.

[@ireneazevedooficial9750]

What a beautiful song! Thank you for sharing🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@cathrinadagdagan4230]

Beautiful voices and arrangement!! Thank you!

[@lindaaloha]

Thank you beyond words

[@vensan34]

SO BEAUTIFULLY DONE. CONGRATULATIONS

[@pascalmayer9421]

Merci Une pure merveille !

[@margaritalopezrojas3050]

Que maravilla!!!!!....

[@fionayoung3549]

Simply glorious.

[@reginaldoberemnicalefe7778]

Maravilhoso!!!!😍😍😍😍😍

[@sacsw81ga]

Have you ever ever ever heard a more beautiful modulation ... 2.30. I could dream into this forever

[@thierrywarot5792]

Fantastic!!!!!!!

[@MeowfaceMusic]

Totally in from top to end!! I'm speechless.

[@SteveL2012]

Utterly breathtaking.

[@giuseppegiosmin8158]

Wonderfull armony, perfect performance. My thanks from Italy

[@timmills5873]

Simply GORGEOUS!

[@leslieeden8886]

So poignant and so beautiful. Thank you, Voces 8, especially Blake.