This is probably one of the best renditions of a song I have ever heard.
Billy Joel Music and Lyrics combine to make one of the most heartfelt lullabyes ever composed,but this version by Cantus can only be THE VERY BEST VERSION of this Modern Classic Song by the Great Billy Joel.
I've watched this video at least 30 times and each time I am mesmerized! The original Billy Joel version of this song was played for the father-daughter dance at my daughter's wedding, and she forwarded this video to me. These artists are truly brilliant performers.
There are several arrangements of this marvelous song on the net. This arrangement is truly lovely and fits the group performing it intimately. The blend of voices is fantastic. They also capture that....emotion... that goes with a song like this. I think Billie Joel should be proud for you to have shared it.
Your grace in which you protray the spirit of the lyrics is amazing, you mastered what few can. I like the lower measure that you sing this in. It brings a certain pious and gracefull feel to the song.
You folks are simply fabulous, such ethereal and sublime harmony...please make the attempt to come to Malaysia and perform at the Dewan Filharmonik in Kuala Lumpur as the legendary Kings Singers did before. Selamat datang. sd goh (malaysia)
These guys are amazing. For 9 guys with such powerful voices, they do an awesome job blending. it takes thought and a good amount of control for someone with a powerful voice not over power the rest of the group. their well timed breathing also add to the performance. they definitely know what they are doing.
they are arranged from low bass to high tenor, in order (no mixing), from left to right, if i recall correctly.
this is so completely beautiful. i saw a concert of theirs live where this was performed as an encore, and there was not a dry eye in the room. also, they are some of the nicest people i have ever met! and clearly so passionate.
I would LOVE to meet them!!! I am so blown away by the lightness of the tenors voice, and the richness of the bass! Excellent blending- Simply Lovely Really brilliant all of you!
Cantus, is an amazing group of talented men, this is a song for the enjoyment of both them and the audience. They do much more challenging and intellectually stimulating pieces, that dazzle not only ones ears but also ones hearts and minds in their performances. I have followed them since 2002, seen members come and go, but their music remains great! Great job on a great song!
Why can't people just enjoy the music without turning it into an occasion to spread negativity? What is the point in trying to prove to a total stranger on the internet that you know more about music than he/she does? I thought music was supposed to unite people and I would like to think music lovers are compassionate, courteous people. I suppose I must be living in a dream world.
This awesome group of guys just came to my school and sang. Omg, they are a very talented group of men. we got to do a workshop thing with them today, i recorded, man they are funny to work with! keep it up!
Some people perform music not just for the audience's enjoyment. It is also for their own. I don't know about the rest of the vocalists in the world but as a collegiate trained singer I can honestly say that my favorite part of music is being able to share it with my fellow musicians. As a barbershop singer I get to do that on a very intimate level when rehearsing. We turn in on each other and just experience the sound that we create. it can be just as exciting to do in front of an audience.
@TombstonedM We should all be a little less concerned with comparison and a little more concerned with just experiencing both the King's Singers' and Cantus' performances as wonderful. One is a mixed voice ensemble, one is a low voice ensemble. One is an English group, one is an American group They're apples and oranges. Let's enjoy both of these performances as heartwrenching renditions of an outstanding song. Billy Joel is proud.
In relation to this thread, from what I've heard when talking to Cantus and listening/watching them perform, they are a chamber ensemble, and sing as one. In the chamber music setting, the musicians, whether they're instrumentalists or vocalists, connect with each other when they perform. Yes it would be great to connect with an audience, but at what cost? Chamber music is preserved in a very interesting way in this ensemble, and I think it really does the genre justice. Just my two cents.
This style of music has no strict ictus, which means that a tremendous amount of rubato is required, "give and take" or "rob Peter to pay Paul". Without a conductor in front of a group, visual contact with the rest of the ensemble is paramount. Great singers in Ensemble and Opera alike are masters of tricking audiences into thinking that they aren't looking at the conductor or other ensemble members. Sure the body language is unorthodox here, but it keeps them together and the song moving.
um not really, your username could be considered conceited too but im not sayin that about you cause i have no idea who you are. you dont know me so i suggest you stop lookin to cause drama on comments that have been posted weeks ago and have nothin to do with you and keep comments that are rude
This is a beautiful arrangement, but the swaying and looking at each other is distracting. A well trained choir or group has no need to look at each other while performing.
@singer684 i think it's touching. Most of these singers hold bachelors/masters degrees from some of the more prestigious conservatories in the U.S.-- i guarantee they don't need to look at each other. They do it to create a sense of community, which i think is great, especially considering that this song is all about interaction between a parent and their child. St Olaf and Miami (which i don't think belongs with st. olaf and chanticleer) have conductors, and chanticleer doesn't do this song.
actually its not impossible. ive seen world class choirs, and there is no absolute need to look at each other in order to create unison in their vowels and sound. if thats how they achieve their sound its obviously workin for them, but if they are performing, they're performing to the audience, not themselves, and they need to learn to sound coordinated and in unison while performing TO the audience.
I actually saw and spoke to them at the MENC All Eastern Conference in Rhode Island and they said the reason they look at each other is so their vowels match. So they are doing that on purpose. By paying attention to everyone else, they achieve this gorgeous sound!
I understand that desire, but in a world class choir it's impossible to achieve that level sound without tight coordination between the members of the ensemble.
Watch any top-level choir and you'll see what I mean.
They sound fantastic but I do agree with Jsmcfly that the group should have a little more focus. It is really distracting for audience members to watch a performance where the performers are constantly looking around/swaying, etc.
That aside, this ensemble has an absolutely amazing sound. They sent shivers down my spine from the first note sung.
It may bother some if they are looking at one another and moving while they perform but they can stand on their heads and flap their arms for all I care when they can sing as beautifully as that. Absolutely amazing.
actually frankdgv some might argue that having the tremelo in the group actually improves the sound
yes it might be the best thing for a boychoir perhaps but these grown men i think have a very beautiful sound and the tremelo makes it a different kind of sound. All of these
men are actually trained soloists to begin with so it would makes sense for their sound to be that of a soloist
Greetings entity pheadband my name sounds like garxënhtlyvenw and I live in Proserpina III when my physical state is solid, my people is very thankful for uploading this video about your rituals in earth.
i was in all east band, you guys got the best seats. not that i mind, its most relevant for you anyway. ya i think second from right, and 3rd and 4th from left are different.
theyre fantastic, i was like so excited when they said they were singing this for their encore
one of the best, if not the best accapella version i've heard...the humming part showed great balance, angelic!...ecxept for some portions where the base group almost swallowed the floating voices of the tenors...nevertheless, this group is still the best for me.
you guys should come to Northfield and preform at Carlton or St. Olaf.
redappleification 1 week ago in playlist Cantus
This is probably one of the best renditions of a song I have ever heard.
Billy Joel Music and Lyrics combine to make one of the most heartfelt lullabyes ever composed,but this version by Cantus can only be THE VERY BEST VERSION of this Modern Classic Song by the Great Billy Joel.
Just SIMPLY DIVINE!
rogerhoward555 3 weeks ago
What a jem! Thank you for sharing.
trudbol 2 months ago
Love all nine singers
au2785 4 months ago
beautiful song!!! I love it, where i can found it? sound great guys, congratulations!!!
Baritondancer78 4 months ago
I can't believe I actually got to sing alongside three of these guys once.
WadaFeeld 4 months ago
My cousin on the far right!
dissonantmoose 8 months ago
Womderfully done. I wish the sound qualitu was better, because this is phenomenal.
Jacobdm19 8 months ago
That was amazing. This is why I love music.
psouthard 9 months ago
Started crying 45 seconds into the song. I sang this song at my last concert in high school just last week... the most beautiful song ever.
vanhornerichard 9 months ago
the only that i can say aobut it , is that they all sway.. on the spot
inlivingwearedying 10 months ago
this is absolutely gorgeous
JessyKuehne 10 months ago
What an incredible bass - who is that?
MioJ1979 10 months ago
@MioJ1979
Timothy Tachet (Spelling)
qazxnx08 10 months ago
@qazxnx08 Thanks!
MioJ1979 5 months ago
God...what a beautiful rendition of a beautiful song!
macbus3 11 months ago
Dear friends!
Can you send me sheets of this song? I want to sing it with my choir.
EulersChild 1 year ago
I've watched this video at least 30 times and each time I am mesmerized! The original Billy Joel version of this song was played for the father-daughter dance at my daughter's wedding, and she forwarded this video to me. These artists are truly brilliant performers.
cuztube696969 1 year ago
my mens ensemble finds alot of our pieces from these guys they have great taste in what they choose. they rock!
BPstaggs121 1 year ago
this gives me goosebumps♥
lweaver94 1 year ago
@lweaver94 this makes my comment superfluous
Acoustix77 1 year ago
this is so beautiful
Swimkidd316 1 year ago
Comment removed
LAMETHEEND 1 year ago
Nice job! I'm just a little seasick from all the swaying.
uKeNuKePLASMA 1 year ago
It's really good, but no one can sing this better than the King's Singers!
MsJoana2008 1 year ago 2
This actually compares to the King's Singers version! Impressive.
benriche6 1 year ago
This version is really, really wonderful...
nuclearnavymom 1 year ago
There are several arrangements of this marvelous song on the net. This arrangement is truly lovely and fits the group performing it intimately. The blend of voices is fantastic. They also capture that....emotion... that goes with a song like this. I think Billie Joel should be proud for you to have shared it.
wthompson8 1 year ago
Your grace in which you protray the spirit of the lyrics is amazing, you mastered what few can. I like the lower measure that you sing this in. It brings a certain pious and gracefull feel to the song.
MBahrEco12 1 year ago
A nice arrangement, well sung, with feeling. Be careful when inverting chords to maintain the melody as the prominent voice.
MorrisseyRT 1 year ago
You guys should make a professional video. You're quite good!
cjtmusic2 1 year ago
You folks are simply fabulous, such ethereal and sublime harmony...please make the attempt to come to Malaysia and perform at the Dewan Filharmonik in Kuala Lumpur as the legendary Kings Singers did before. Selamat datang. sd goh (malaysia)
301250 1 year ago
These guys are amazing. For 9 guys with such powerful voices, they do an awesome job blending. it takes thought and a good amount of control for someone with a powerful voice not over power the rest of the group. their well timed breathing also add to the performance. they definitely know what they are doing.
kal54321 1 year ago
this song is soo beautiful!
LilyBeauty93 1 year ago
they are arranged from low bass to high tenor, in order (no mixing), from left to right, if i recall correctly.
this is so completely beautiful. i saw a concert of theirs live where this was performed as an encore, and there was not a dry eye in the room. also, they are some of the nicest people i have ever met! and clearly so passionate.
lightintheattic 1 year ago
I would LOVE to meet them!!! I am so blown away by the lightness of the tenors voice, and the richness of the bass! Excellent blending- Simply Lovely Really brilliant all of you!
oolalaification 1 year ago
Does anyone know who sang what part? Particularly the tenor and bass
oolalaification 1 year ago
The looloos that started at 2:19 were sooooooooo cool! kinda spooky lol all in all a very good performance :D
LadySaanum93 1 year ago
i was there!
rlvs91 1 year ago
i love it
i'm singing it right now in school
and it is so beautyful
DonutPrinzess 1 year ago
I just listened to the kings singers version of this song, and its beautiful but this version feels so powerful!! I love it!
jezebel324 1 year ago
LULLABY VIDEO by David Todd Singleton
davidtoddsingleton 1 year ago
I'd forgotten how good this was! :D Dang, you guys are amazing!
aeromilagro85 1 year ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Cantus, is an amazing group of talented men, this is a song for the enjoyment of both them and the audience. They do much more challenging and intellectually stimulating pieces, that dazzle not only ones ears but also ones hearts and minds in their performances. I have followed them since 2002, seen members come and go, but their music remains great! Great job on a great song!
natemb02 2 years ago
Comment removed
natemb02 2 years ago
Why can't people just enjoy the music without turning it into an occasion to spread negativity? What is the point in trying to prove to a total stranger on the internet that you know more about music than he/she does? I thought music was supposed to unite people and I would like to think music lovers are compassionate, courteous people. I suppose I must be living in a dream world.
pianosinger745 2 years ago 26
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Very good... but no professional ensemble should even touch this piece other than the king's singers
dkipke 2 years ago
This awesome group of guys just came to my school and sang. Omg, they are a very talented group of men. we got to do a workshop thing with them today, i recorded, man they are funny to work with! keep it up!
MrUrface101 2 years ago 2
this was an excellent rendition!
Irishoreo07 2 years ago 2
Some people perform music not just for the audience's enjoyment. It is also for their own. I don't know about the rest of the vocalists in the world but as a collegiate trained singer I can honestly say that my favorite part of music is being able to share it with my fellow musicians. As a barbershop singer I get to do that on a very intimate level when rehearsing. We turn in on each other and just experience the sound that we create. it can be just as exciting to do in front of an audience.
seamussumaes 2 years ago 45
@seamussumaes literally amen to that
feelit4 1 year ago
good, but still prefer the king's singers
TombstonedM 2 years ago
@TombstonedM
Vocal Spectrum is my favourite =P
sephiroth3782 1 year ago
@TombstonedM We should all be a little less concerned with comparison and a little more concerned with just experiencing both the King's Singers' and Cantus' performances as wonderful. One is a mixed voice ensemble, one is a low voice ensemble. One is an English group, one is an American group They're apples and oranges. Let's enjoy both of these performances as heartwrenching renditions of an outstanding song. Billy Joel is proud.
ged424 1 year ago
This sounds like the Kirk Young arrangement with very slight changes...
xAdam05x 2 years ago
Check out Cantus and Mike Jones Tenor elanor Rigby! New post I enjoyed all of my time with Cantus. Miss you guys!
Mikejonestenor 2 years ago
In relation to this thread, from what I've heard when talking to Cantus and listening/watching them perform, they are a chamber ensemble, and sing as one. In the chamber music setting, the musicians, whether they're instrumentalists or vocalists, connect with each other when they perform. Yes it would be great to connect with an audience, but at what cost? Chamber music is preserved in a very interesting way in this ensemble, and I think it really does the genre justice. Just my two cents.
clandestine41 2 years ago
Interesting comments, but the sound they produced was definitely world-class, and music to my ears. Thanks for posting.
annettenpaul 2 years ago
This style of music has no strict ictus, which means that a tremendous amount of rubato is required, "give and take" or "rob Peter to pay Paul". Without a conductor in front of a group, visual contact with the rest of the ensemble is paramount. Great singers in Ensemble and Opera alike are masters of tricking audiences into thinking that they aren't looking at the conductor or other ensemble members. Sure the body language is unorthodox here, but it keeps them together and the song moving.
BassHaritone 2 years ago 2
hahaha. ok whatever you say
VocalGoddess 2 years ago
I just adore how your name is VocalGoddess. Conceited, much?
JacolynOWNS 2 years ago
um not really, your username could be considered conceited too but im not sayin that about you cause i have no idea who you are. you dont know me so i suggest you stop lookin to cause drama on comments that have been posted weeks ago and have nothin to do with you and keep comments that are rude
VocalGoddess 2 years ago
oh wow you're also a hypocrite.
weren't you the one starting drama with everyone else before?
Im not responding to you anymore.
JacolynOWNS 2 years ago
i agree, stop talkin
VocalGoddess 2 years ago
Comment removed
VocalGoddess 2 years ago
This is a beautiful arrangement, but the swaying and looking at each other is distracting. A well trained choir or group has no need to look at each other while performing.
singer684 2 years ago
agreed
KyoMeow611 2 years ago
they are doing it on purpose. It gives unity to a choir, it makes the song feel deeper.
JacolynOWNS 2 years ago
@singer684 i think it's touching. Most of these singers hold bachelors/masters degrees from some of the more prestigious conservatories in the U.S.-- i guarantee they don't need to look at each other. They do it to create a sense of community, which i think is great, especially considering that this song is all about interaction between a parent and their child. St Olaf and Miami (which i don't think belongs with st. olaf and chanticleer) have conductors, and chanticleer doesn't do this song.
ged424 1 year ago
actually its not impossible. ive seen world class choirs, and there is no absolute need to look at each other in order to create unison in their vowels and sound. if thats how they achieve their sound its obviously workin for them, but if they are performing, they're performing to the audience, not themselves, and they need to learn to sound coordinated and in unison while performing TO the audience.
VocalGoddess 2 years ago
I actually saw and spoke to them at the MENC All Eastern Conference in Rhode Island and they said the reason they look at each other is so their vowels match. So they are doing that on purpose. By paying attention to everyone else, they achieve this gorgeous sound!
MissAsahina1993 2 years ago
Comment removed
VocalGoddess 2 years ago
I understand that desire, but in a world class choir it's impossible to achieve that level sound without tight coordination between the members of the ensemble.
Watch any top-level choir and you'll see what I mean.
Tethros 2 years ago
They sound fantastic but I do agree with Jsmcfly that the group should have a little more focus. It is really distracting for audience members to watch a performance where the performers are constantly looking around/swaying, etc.
That aside, this ensemble has an absolutely amazing sound. They sent shivers down my spine from the first note sung.
SoLameItsFunny 2 years ago
yum.
if songs were tangible I'd pocket this one.
tricyclemint 2 years ago
It may bother some if they are looking at one another and moving while they perform but they can stand on their heads and flap their arms for all I care when they can sing as beautifully as that. Absolutely amazing.
SteveMusicMan41 2 years ago
actually frankdgv some might argue that having the tremelo in the group actually improves the sound
yes it might be the best thing for a boychoir perhaps but these grown men i think have a very beautiful sound and the tremelo makes it a different kind of sound. All of these
men are actually trained soloists to begin with so it would makes sense for their sound to be that of a soloist
singah101 2 years ago
dont get why there are so many sing-groups using way to much (or any for that matter) tremelo which completely destroys the chords and tone
frankvdg 2 years ago
they have an amazing sound. for some reason though it really bothers me how they move so much and stare at eachother instead of the audience
jsmcfly 2 years ago
Oh gosh. That's great. Simply great.
TiffanyNewsNetwork 2 years ago
omg. beautiful. it sounds so spiritual. it's gorgeous.
Twi5Productions 2 years ago
Lawson arrangement is superior.
PerogoNess 2 years ago
i agree, it sounds so much better classically arranged
gregtr82 2 years ago
so beautiful
dactiloscopica 2 years ago
This is incredible. Very well done.
BostonsFatBeats 2 years ago
truly amazing!! very beautiful. :D
HanginOutWithCorpses 2 years ago
I know the bald guy:)
estherstrength 2 years ago
waw beautifull !!
themusic6 2 years ago
I used to sing barbershop with Dashon when he was singing in Cleveland. A great guy!
Indybbshop 2 years ago
What a beautiful song im from the uk does anyone know where and if i could get this on an album>?
Thanks
icutie22 2 years ago
Billy Joel, "River of Dreams" is the album. That's the original, anyway. This group's arrangement, not sure. :/ But I would like it too. ^_^
cidthecoatrack 2 years ago
This group's arrangement is on their self-titled album "Cantus" which was releases in 2007.
MarcWhit13 2 years ago
Very beautiful. :)
briannaknt 2 years ago 4
Dashon Burton is God.
jddanger1991 2 years ago
nice... different arrangement from the king's singers.
erciasico 2 years ago
Greetings entity pheadband my name sounds like garxënhtlyvenw and I live in Proserpina III when my physical state is solid, my people is very thankful for uploading this video about your rituals in earth.
Visit you soon.
BlackThunder8509 2 years ago
absolutely brilliant fellas,
I've never heard better. such talent!
IxLovexJakexG 2 years ago
they sang for us when i was at All-Eastern Choir! omg! they were fantastic! (two or three different members tho)
retoricalanswers 2 years ago
i was in all east band, you guys got the best seats. not that i mind, its most relevant for you anyway. ya i think second from right, and 3rd and 4th from left are different.
theyre fantastic, i was like so excited when they said they were singing this for their encore
historyland 2 years ago
If you see them live, get some other guys together and ask bari Dashon Burton to teach you a barbershop tag. It will rock your world.
bmilhoan 2 years ago
holy shit they are great
peaceandhopefull 3 years ago
Oh. My.
Wonderful! Can't think of words to do this performance justice.
I'd say your philosophy works. I'm going to be keeping track to see if Cantus comes anywhere near; I MUST hear this live!
RowanGolightly 3 years ago
Yeah! They came to Meyer middle school and i got to see them!!! SO COOL!
Markandme4ever 3 years ago
They came to my school today (:
breathtaking performance
xxnotoriousnataliexx 3 years ago
are you from river falls ??
SMAKZ94 3 years ago
wow you sound amazing!!
swannie0212 3 years ago
holy shit. this is as good as it gets... im tearing up and i have chills like nobody's business...
concertoldham 3 years ago
Amen
Mandala125 3 years ago
hmmmm sounds almost exactly like Gas House Gang's . .
Ivanite 3 years ago
they are awesome... see them live... its truly amazing.
MtnSiren89 3 years ago 2
holy fuck they are amazing!!
grobanite246 3 years ago 2
I sang with them at ISU. It was truly amazing.
NeoJockyProductions 3 years ago
well i love to sing and when get the chance to sing any of your songs i jump on them as fast as i can... i love all of your songs, everyone of them.
joeschroeder007 3 years ago
what an amazing rendition...the BEST ive seen...FANTASTIC
ppa5004 3 years ago 2
Great, Great Version guys!!! Where would one get a TTBB arrangement for this wonderful song.
jondoyle44 3 years ago
i love that guy in the audience that starts singing b4 the choir does. he has a nice voice!
cubardunderthestairs 3 years ago
WOW!! i sang this in highschool acapella...its hard...you guys are amazing...gave me goosebumps.
shannonday07 3 years ago
This is very, very beautiful. Love this song. (Billy Joel, to gcarprules...)
starbucks847 3 years ago
That is very lovely! Such a wonderful piece of music, very beautiful; the arrangement, not to mention the poignant lyrics. beautiful
lakynbacon93 3 years ago
I softly hum this song to my baby brother when he can't sleep and he closes his eyes in no time. I truly love this song. Great job on this.
linkmidiangel 3 years ago 2
this arrangement is probably the most lovely i've heard... who arranged it?
gcarprules 3 years ago
I think the king's singer's version is better; I like this a lot, don't get me wrong, but I'd really like a stronger balance in terms of the bass
elfbandit 3 years ago
this is really impressive.
BayccaCake 3 years ago
sweetsky
Torolf912 3 years ago
I was in tears...that was amazing!!
musicfreak1014 3 years ago
would be awesome if they didnt sing so ponce
h2go 3 years ago
wow!
kifke3001 3 years ago
Angelic!
ffsage 3 years ago
one of the best, if not the best accapella version i've heard...the humming part showed great balance, angelic!...ecxept for some portions where the base group almost swallowed the floating voices of the tenors...nevertheless, this group is still the best for me.
maverick614 3 years ago
very very good ........my accapella groupp at school is singing this im in it we are called the "high 5"
saadams13421 3 years ago
Actually, I thought of something to say: how can I get a copy of this? :P I would love one, thanks!
aeromilagro85 3 years ago
There are no words.
WOW.
aeromilagro85 3 years ago
pure bliss.
frenchhrnleslie2 3 years ago