St. Olaf Choir "Beautiful Savior"

[Cathka]

St. Olaf is the finest choir of all time without a doubt. These young people are just beautiful and the direction is outstanding.

[douglasamarshall]

The arrangement evokes aphirmation ov one's belieph in Jesus. No matter who sings it, it will convey the pheeling and emotion to whomever hears it.

[theantiduck]

3 people were rejected from the St. Olaf Choir.

[montgomecd15]

oh wow i get chills everytime i hear this

[AllBusiness14701]

what a puny applause for what is probably the greatest version of this song i've ever heard.

[CantioDei]

Love Dr. Armstrong!

[CC21560]

Hearing this reminds me of my days in the Samford University (Birmingham, AL) A Cappella Choir. It's been a tradition of the Choir for over 60 years to close every concert with this arrangement of "Beautiful Savior". And just like at St. Olaf, Samford choir alums are invited to come on stage and join in singing. My first two years in choir I sang 2nd bass, but my last year I sang baritone. The 2nd bass part is better.

[mkl62]

I am an ELCA Lutheran from South Carolina. I play the piano and organ. Today (February 13), I played this for Sunday School assembly. I did so because our Sunday School lesson was taken from Mark 9:2-13. This is a good hymn to sing if that is your scripture for the day. Another hymn is Shine, Jesus, Shine, written and composed by Graham Kendrick.

[yankeejohn58]

F. Melius Christensen Created this Arrangement of Beautiful Savior for St. Olaf Choir.......therefore.......Th­is is the Most Regarded Version of Beautiful Savior in my Opinion!!

[SuperAnnielu]

This is the song that "Dutch" would have us close each concert with...San Bernardino High School I remember so well the HOURS of practice we did for Acapella choir...Oh How I wanted the second soprano solo, but I was only a junior and Dutch gave it to a senior as was his rule...brings such wonderful memories

[MorrisseyRT]

Majestic. Awesome.

[yahsalaam]

"Majestic"--yes, that's the perfect word for this music and choir performance.

[izzybaggs]

This is the last piece Maestro Casey Jones conducted with the Colorado Choir. We did it twice at the end of the concert. it was very emotional. Several people were in tears. It has such majesty--well done St. Olaf!!!!

[Pianoarc]

Awsome song! This song is such a blessing we sang it in our church!

[arough69]

This anthem arrangement they are singing is indeed titled :Beautiful Savior." It was arranged by one of their long time choir directors and is still to this day (I believe) published by St. Olaf. I have sung this arrangement myself so can vouch for the title and info.

[ld71220]

@arough69

You are correct about the title. The arrangement was done by F. Melius Christianson, director of St. Olaf Choir. Two of his sons, his students, later directed St. Olaf Choir, and Concordia Choir. Another student at the same time was Parker B. Wagnild, founder of the Gettysburg College Choir. "Beautiful Savior" was the signature piece of all three choirs, and done exactly the same by each choir. I also have sung the arrangement many times at G-Burg.

[luverne78]

@arough69 "Beautiful Savior" is part of the St. Olaf Choral Series published by AugsburgFortress, Minneapolis, MN. It was first released January 1, 1920, according to the A/F web site, and yes it is still available for purchase.

[oakdog8]

The vuvuzela makes this so much better

[greenbelter123]

This hymn is Fairest Lord Jesus not beautiful saviour

[phayes93]

@greenbelter123 It goeas by both titles

[phayes93]

@greenbelter123 It goes by both titles

[OleFan03]

@greenbelter123 The tune was originally an old Silesian folk tune to which several hymns have been set, including both 'Beautiful Savior' and 'Fairest Lord Jesus'.

[BigBingFan]

@OleFan03

And in the Roman Catholic tradition, "God's Blessing Sends Us Forth," as I knew it growing up. Whichever is the title, it is magnificent and sung so beautifully by your choir.

[kostumeman]

@BigBingFan

Must be a very local/secular Roman Catholic tradition, because the universal Catholic song set to this melody is used for Eucharistic glory, entitled "O, God of Loveliness" also most often song on the Sunday after Pentecost (Trinity Sunday).

[kostumeman]

@OleFan03

What about the more universal hymn with words set to "O, God of Loveliness"?

[greenbelter123]

@greenbelter123 of course I know now :) Thanks for informing me. Beautiful sing anyway

[music2myear]

@greenbelter123 Beautiful Savior uses similar words, in fact a couple who verses, of Fairest Lord Jesus, replacing the line "fairest lord jesus" with "beautiful savior".

The tune and words of Beautiful Savior work better for a choir than a whole church, in my opinion.

[Evangeline220]

This was the traditional song sung my old high school choir, Warren High School. It is beautiful.

[johnrs651]

they are so good.

sooooooo good.

[Churchcantor]

My year singing in St. Olaf Choir in 1990-1991 was the best year of my life. (I wasn't good enough to sing in the touring choir as a Sophomore and Junior!) I miss the friendships, the music, and especially the backrubs (do they still do that?) I have kept up with my singing, and sing tenor and solos in my local Episcopal church choir, who have premiered the Agnus Dei from a mass I wrote. I love and live sacred music. Uff Da!

[FatherCajone]

F. Melius Christensen was of Nerwegian descent whose 1st love was the violin and in 1911 was redruited by a small college founded by a Lutheran church and served as its music director for 30 years during which he arranged 250 songs for acappela choir and basically built the base for that form of music!

[liqicen]

Singing songs and hymns is like praising the Lord twice :)

[tiernan87]

@liqicen St. Augustine said "singing is praying twice"!

[mlw8993]

I am only basically familiar with St. Olaf Choir. I'm interested in what arrangement (author/composer) they are using.

[JeanieJohnston]

The arrangement was written by F. Melius Christiansen who was a former conductor of the St. Olaf Choir.

[tiernan87]

@mlw8993 F. Melius Christiansen, the founder of this phenomenal choir and the author of the greatest choral legacy in the country.

[IAMNNE]

St. Olaf is the best!

[eoppen]

This brings back memories...

E. Oppen, '83

[twojsmi]

Peaceful. Just...so, peaceful.

What a wonderful gift to be shared. Music.

[StewartUSAF]

This is my old choir's traditional number to close the season. It brings a lump to my throat every time I hear it.

[Evangeline220]

@StewartUSAF My old high school choir sang this every

year, as a tradition. At least once, when I was an alumni,

we joined in. It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!

[Solstaro]

rich and beautiful

[ribalding]

I would be happy to listen to this up to the moment I die.

[OleFan03]

As the description has always indicated, this is the St. Olaf Choir "Joined by St. Olaf Alumni".

[posaune16]

*wipes away a tear*

Amazing. A fine performance.

[operadawg]

Sublime.

[mrmarkymark77]

please dont forget about the savior when admiring the wonderful singing.

[choirgeek4]

I love this reminder, but if these others are anything like me, then music is where we find God. To me, singing and worshiping are one and the same, even when performing a secular piece. This wonderful choir is praising the Lord simply by using the incredible gift that He gave them. As long as there is a voice to be raised, the Savior will never be forgotten. :)

[ChrisandTerryIrvin]

I could not agree more choirgeek4! Singing is a divine gift, I believe.

[tiernan87]

@choirgeek4 AMEN!

[Bdcorpuschristi]

@choirgeek4 Oh! You are so right. Several times in my life I was stopped cold in my tracks; it was if God was speaking to me through the music. When I heard a black man sing "My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord." I was totally cured of racism. It all happened 35 years ago in Torrance, California. The man's name was Cecil Doty. He has long passed from the Earth, but I still hear that beautiful bass voice calling me.

[Gooseman44Iowa]

well...evening...St. Olaf is one of the most respected and cherished choral programs in the world. Started with F. Melius Christiansen, Paul J. Christinsen, Kenneth Jennings, Anton Armstrong...they truly are an amazing place.

And yes, this is from a LUTHER COLLEGE alumni. Another place I feel is of the same caliber. Okay..maybe just a bit better! :D

[XxTwilightCrazedxX]

my choir director really admires St.Olaf's technique. it really is amazing.

[tiernan87]

that's because st. olaf is THE standard for collegiate choral technique. and, choral technique in general, really. we use them as the standard in our choir as well. dr. armstrong was the conductor for the michigan high school all-state one of the years i was in it back in...2005 i believe...

[LDS32989]

Fictional? Please this is one of THE top choir programs in the nation

[crazyboutmiley]

fa real! fictional? i didnt think so. i use to be in this choir.

[stylemagfan08]

OMG! NO WAY THERE IS AN ACTUAL ST.OLAF! I just thought it was a fictional place from the golden girls.

[tiernan87]

haha. that's hilarious. i don't know why you got thumbs down on that....

[assclown2k6]

the soloist has a beautiful voice

[DaceyRosin]

What a wonderful performance of such a beautiful hymn. Thank you for pointing out the Alumni mixed in - I enjoyed it even more when I realized that. The blending of voices and generations singing of our Savior - I love it! Thank -you for posting.

[darshboo33]

Hey why dont we stop comparing different choirs on who is better and who is not, and just enjoy this beautiful song, and what it means! thanks!

[32nds]

i would encourage commenters to examine the context of this performance. The choir is joined by alumni, who from the looks of it are not all exactly college students. Given the variety of the singers, the note unity and powerful unified tone is exceptional, once again displaying the calibre of one of the worlds finest choirs. to my ears the saint olaf choir has a lovely sound, and possibly the most unified sound of any choir.  they know what they do and they do it exceptionally well.

[jelio101]

I dont understand why you would look-up another fantastic choir and compare them to your own.... sounds a bit arrogent to me. Agreed that BYU is a fantastic choir, so is St Olaf, and Concordia, and PLU... everyone makes great music. Did you write on here just to tell everyone how much better BYU is than everyone else? Cuz thats sad...... I thought you said that you sing to express not impress anyway?

[evening05]

I didn't look up this choir. One of my friends thought I should listen to them and rate/compare them because I have very sensitive ears and I'm a great critic of choirs, which is what I did. I think the St. Olaf Choir is great. I just don't particularly care for their sound.

Also, tundramom kindly told me that this song was a special in that it included alumni, which explains why the sound is so off to me.

I didn't mean to offend anyone here or to sound arrogant.  Enjoy the music :)

[choralbliss]

That may be the best I've ever heard that solo sung.

[COALLSTATE07]

I absolutely love this song... i sang it on a european tour with the Sound of America in 2007 and I am a senior in high school gettin gready to apply to St. Olaf College!!! Beautiful :)

[phil4876]

Good luck with your application - I hope you get a chance to sing this under Dr. Armstrong! The man is truly a gift to music.

[phil4876]

The notes don't mention that the soloist is Megan Drew. And I loved having the alumni join us for this concert, but to get the true feel of the song, you've gotta hear the 70 voices of the St. Olaf Choir singing it alone. Sitting in the audience and listening to them - it's simply immaculate.

[KansasCitySoul]

How is the soloist picked? Audition?

We sing this every year, and all the choir members pick a senior to sing it. I was wondering if we stole that tradiation from St. Olaf :)

[phil4876]

The soloist is chosen through auditions. Dr. A listens to any altos (and low sopranos) who wish to sing the solo, and picks the one who best fits with the sound of the choir and his vision of the piece. It's rarely a non-senior who sings the solo, but I know of one or two who have been so talented.

[courtland8]

I attended Howard College(now Samford University) in Birmingham,Al. Dr. George Koski, a graduate of St. Olaf and a student of F. Melius started the well known A capella Choir there. The choir has always finished their concerts with Beautiful Savior. I was listening to a cd of the Samford Alumni A Capella choir doi9ng this song and I believe it is the best I've heard. It has more energy and excitement. However, the St. Olaf choir is outstanding and they are the originals.

[evening05]

I love this song and I think this choir performed it very well :) However, I wish I could hear the Brigham Young University Singers sing this. They're definitely my favorite...and this choir probably comes in 2nd. :)

[tundramom]

Having grew up in Orem, Utah and now living here in Northfield, MN... where St Olaf is located, I will have to say that BYU does have a larger choir, yet this smaller choir has better diction and pure sound than I have even heard from Mo-Tab. (Mormon Tabernacle Choir). ;-)

[evening05]

While it is true that BYU has more choral singers, we have 4 auditioned choirs. The top choral group is the BYU Singers with about less than half the size of this group :)  I'm not sure that you've heard this group perform if you think the Mo-Tab has the best diction and purer sound. lol I love the Mo-Tab sometimes...but I have to say that the BYU Singers are simply heavenly and divine. The sing in tune, and their tone is pure and completely beautiful. :)

[tundramom]

No, I don't think that Mo-Tab has very good diction at all. I added that about Mo-Tab because everyone thinks they're the best... and although they are good, they do not enunciate very well. Especially consonants at the end of phrases. A big pet peeve of mine. ;-) I have heard the BYU singers and even had many friends who were part of that group. They have the same opinions when compared to St. Olaf. St. Olaf simply is better. Anton Armstrong demands it.

[evening05]

That's exciting to have friends from the BYU Singers! I also have a couple of friends from the group as well from the past couple of years. :)

I have to say that this choir is probably one of the best I've heard...and I've heard quite a few. I think at the moment, I'd prefer this choir to the Mo-Tab (although the Mo-Tab is gaining a lot more younger voices...which, somehow, helps the choir out as a whole quite a bit). :)

[evening05]

(Ugh! Sorry this is sooo long!)

I really like this choir more than the Mo-Tab (at the moment)...but I think the BYU Singers do justice for everything. They don't have the problems that I listed with this choir, which is why I believe that the Singers are better :) This is for 2 reasons: Dr. Staheli demands it (like Armstrong)...and the Singers are together both on a spiritual level (as well as on a musical level).

"Sing to express, not to impress" -BYU Singers ;)

[JohnathanLingo]

yes, performing a new 30 minute concert weekly and having over 200 members tends to detract from the exactness which a well-rehearsed, smaller choir can bring to a piece.

I'm glad I'm not in the MoTab--that schedule would be murder for a volunteer with a career and family to think of.

I am very glad, however, that they have Mack Wilberg around to breathe a new vitality into choral arranging.

[JohnathanLingo]

I am especially glad to St. Olaf's, the BYU choirs, the MoTab, and the other choirs out there who let us worship through music in their unique styles.

[tiernan87]

and i got to throw the Indiana Wesleyan University Chorale into that.....

[evening05]

The things that don't particularly bode well with me with this choir are:

1-Tone variations. (Some have a blacker/richer tone than those who have more of a forward sound).

2-Blending (within the choir) I hear some sections louder than others at different points in the music. The sopranos are too loud in the end, for ex.)

3-Vibrato. Too many different vibratos gives 3 pitches at the same time... one above the pitch, the actual pitch, and the one below...it's yucky sounding.) :( (TBC...)

[evening05]

4-Vowels. They're just too wide. :(

5-A tiny diction thing: (SaviOR, natiONs. I'd prefer using schwa: saviUHr, natiUHns. Maybe this is just a BYU thing. lol :) But, in my opinion...it sounds a lot better...because the schwa way is how we actually say it).

-----------On the flip side:-----------

1-Soloist - Beautiful tone, voice fits well with this song!

2-Diction - I can understand what they're saying! :D

3-Pitch - is generally okay...better than most choirs I've heard.

(TBC...)

[tundramom]

Well... On the vowels thing. This IS a Minnesooooota choir after all. Yah Shore, yuuuu betcha! (It's 15 below right now. I think it's because we here cannot keep our lips together for too long or they freeze in weather like this, donchano?)

[tundramom]

OH and also this is not just the students, but the alumni as well. Many of them studied under another director which may be why they aren't all together at some points. We sopranos get louder as time goes by too because we just can't hit those high notes softly like we could when we were younger... I'm 41, so I know it sadly.

[evening05]

That's so cool! :) Sometimes I wish I had a cool accent. lol That would make choir 100 times more fun! And now that you've mentioned about the alumni...it makes sense to me now. :) and 15 below! That's crazy cold!! lol I'm from Yuma, AZ...super hot weather..and this is my 2nd year at BYU and I'm freezing! :( I have a much more difficult time singing in this weather :(

[Fencie87]

All of this is because this is NOT just the St. Olaf Choir: the Alumni choir (all ages) joins in for an F. Melius Christiansen piece as well as Beautiful Savior every year for this concert.

The actual St. Olaf Choir is selected and placed expressly for healthy "meshing" of vibratos, which allows the singers to sing properly and still create a unified sound.

[lilboime]

and when did u become God its beautiful music eiter way since ur such a critic on music why don't u sing with the byu or st oloaf get over yourself and smile and enjoy themusic ok ?

[evening05]

Lilboime: I'm a vocal music major. It's a part of my grade to be a critic and because I have sensitive ears, I also do this for friends who need help critiquing as well. 

Constructive criticism in this area is common and it helps improve musicianship and choral technique.

I am a singer for BYU and I'm not arrogant. I'm sorry you think that of me. Also, I smiled a lot because I did enjoy the music, but I didn't understand the words.

Try not to pick fights...and smile. :)

[bunnyluv41]

I know what you're saying, evening05 - I also was a vocal/music major many years ago with a very sensitive ear. You have a different idea for yourself which you like, and my opinion may be different; however I respect your opinion nonetheless. The sound isn't bad overall, though. :-)

[phayes93]

This is my favorite hymn. As a 4-year old with my mother in a tiny Lutheran church in Illinois in 1959, Beautiful Savior was the very first hymn I learned. It's always been very special to me. I've sung it many times - in church, as a choir member, a chorus member in school and each time I hear it, it is like hearing it for the first time - magical. When my wonderful mother passed away four years ago, I chose it as one of the songs the congregation sang at her funeral. It is truly inspiring!

[homie413]

We're singing this in choir right now! And Dr. Armstrong is the shit!!! I sang with him in Prague this summer and he is soo cool, funny, down to earth, and really a great musician! You guys are lucky you get to work with him year round!! = D

[prk57]

I was also a member of the Midland Lutheran College Choir--from '75-'79--and remember this beautiful song! I attended the 80th year reunion of the choir in April on campus. There were over 120 alumni back for the reunion! Jim Elsberry and Genen Nelson--former directors--were there to celebrate with us. We closed with this song--with Gene Nelson--"Pappy"--directing. It was absolutely awesome!! I have so many wonderful memories of singing with the MLC Choir--and especially this piece of music.

[dbookin]

I was a member of the Midland college choir

from 85 to 86 they use this song as a closer to each concert and invite alumni to join.

Look like that was done here too. This is a beautiful song. This is one of my best memories from Midland

D.Johnson

[steinway2]

Did Armstrong choose D flat instead of D to showcase the basses, or does he think this key is warmer, or did the person giving the pitch make an error?

[soleado10er]

He's chosen to tune it back down to Db because it tunes better.

[steinway2]

I'm sure it's a personal preference although I'm uncertain F. Melius would approve. Personally, it would be better for ensemble members to be able to learn to tune to D. D seems to have more spirit and vitality. Do choir members still lift or tug on their partners arms to warn them they need to adjust pitch as had been the unseen and secret tradition?

[soleado10er]

Yup...it's more than just tuning though; I think we experience a deeper connection with each-other when we hold hands, both in and out of performances.

[bourdon0774]

I sang in Concordia Choir and we held hands to concentrate, but the recent ACDA F. Melius Anniversary concert had St. Olaf going waaay over the top with the head bobbing and the arm swinging. I was in the audience at the concert and could see it sitting way back in Orchestra Hall. You really see it on the video.

[Rhet22]

I think bourdon misses the point. There is extreme joy in watching the st. olaf choir sing. They move, breathe, and truly sing together. This is a huge gift and contribution this group has made on the acapella choral tradition. while all the lutheran choirs are excellent, I think concordia is just jealous that they are second best...

I love this soloist! such a pure, even tone! BRAVO!

[Rhet22]

The Db was a tradition started with Olaf Christiansen, and continued through Dr. Jennings and now Dr. Armstrong.  The hand holding is huge for the tone (and syncronicity, more than tuning!)

[3684541]

saa flot

[amlet1830]

my gosh, this is amazing!!!

[katietillinghast]

I love this hymn! One of my favorites!

[Arianne73]

My college choir used to sang this on our European tour. This song is so beautiful and brings back some wonderful memories.

[stmarkatl2121]

If you ever get the opportunity to hear this choir live... run don't walk, to the ticket counter...Live for the Tour Calender

"I think this must be Heaven with Shaw letting Armstrong Rehearse his Feeder Choir"

Thank You for Sharing This Memorable Treasure

[steinway2]

Robert Shaw rarely said so publicly, but he didn't appreciate the choral sound that the Christiansens achieved. He thought it was unnatural and straight toned. And yet, they certainly made a respectful mark on the American Choral Sound.