I had trouble too, when I sang this in a small Cotswold parish church many years ago; no microphones then! The main trouble though was getting the little village choir to think and concentrate on what they were singing, not listen to me! But it went all right "on the night" I think.
I'm doing this as a solo for my school carol concert, but the rest of the choir don't seem to understand what they're supposed to do & keep drowning me out...at least I get a microphone on the night!
A big thumbs up for the choir and you, Mr. Reid. At last I can enjoy something positive from a man called Rupert. Now as for that other person of vastly larger bankroll named Rupert.......well this is a Christian (Anglican) hymn so I'll bite my tongue and not say what I'm thinking.
Thanks for all the positive comments, everyone - I really appreciate them.
The reason I look surprised at the end is that someone's mobile phone went off - fortunately the BBC managed to cut it out!
In response to a few comments - it was indeed a semitone lower than might be expected, so that there was a better flow between the different carols in this part of the broadcast. I'm quite high so usually prefer to take things up, but I did like it at this pitch!
I think part of the reason this interpretation is superior to the 2008 King's one is its tonality - this is sung in G-flat major (a somewhat more suitable key, as keys with many flats are generally perceived by our ears to be gentler on the ear), whereas it's usually performed in G major. However, there's no doubt that the baritone is talented!
@glendempsey : I totally agree with the idea that keys with many flats sound gentler on our ears because it floats above the natural tones (C,D,E,F etc...).
@Eurofrank1 unfortunately for some, there is no freedom of speech here on youtube. those who dare would be vilified. but christmas is just around the corner so let's just be cheerful! :)
@hayleynewstead I would personally find a girl's voice too piercing for want of a better word. I just prefer the baritone voice at this pitch to a girl or boy voice an octave up
This is my favourite Christmas carol. I have to admit, though, that I do prefer it in the original German. There's an excellent version in German by Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton.
Admittedly it's not a fair comparison but there is a wonderful version by Fritz Wuderlich on YouTube
Our music director decided we're going to do this as the anthem for next Sunday's Epiphany service, and I'm to be the one to do the Cornelius (solo) part. It's only today that I tried it out and it'll be a bit of a challenge. However, with the help of this excellent clip I hope to pull it off.
OK on my side. However, our choirmaster decided to hold it over to next week as he wasn't quite satisfied the rest of the choir had got their heads sufficiently around the Nicolai (choral) part. We're going to give it another half hour practice this Friday and do it next Sunday. And I was all psyched up too huhu! We did a one of our repertoire numbers, the Wood/Oxley Mater Ora Filium, instead this week.
Finally did it yesterday morning and it went fine. I more-or-less sang it the same way as this chap as he was such a superb "model". The only difference was in the pronounciation of Bethlehem, where I keep the same sound for all 3 e's rather than singing Bethleehem. Our music director was so pleased that she's going to include it in the next 9-lessons-and-carols service next December. So my place is secure for the next 11 months haha.
"A performance of The Three Kings by Peter Cornelius, sung by The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, directed by Stephen Cleobury in Carols from King's 2006. The soloist is Rupert Reid."
That baritone soloist is amazing, truly awesome. But don't forget the rest of the choir too; those guys do an awesome job. It's this kind of music that inspires the best in all of us!
Wonderful to see this on YouTube as it is my favourite melody / carol - absolutely stunning song. However, not keen on the timbre of voice from the lead vocalist. That aside, what a great great carol!
King's are excellent - but don't forget some of the other choirs who are truly fantastic - Westminster Cathedral (Roman Catholic) Choir are brilliant, as are St Paul's, and St John's College, Cambridge.
I have a wonderful version of this on Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum's latest cd, The Three Kings. In my opinion the freshest Christmas cd for many a long year.
i cannot stop hitting the replay button. This is the most amazing hymn sung by a terrific soloist!
iCanDanceee 1 month ago
I love Rupert's voice, it is so pure from the heart.
palauapple 2 months ago
The best carol ever - love it !
flammasherman 2 months ago
One of my favourite carols - and a beautiful solo!
fiordiligi123 2 months ago
Wonderful, I would have prefered it ½ tone higher -- but nevertheless, a lovely experience, thanks.
MyOrganist 3 months ago
I had trouble too, when I sang this in a small Cotswold parish church many years ago; no microphones then! The main trouble though was getting the little village choir to think and concentrate on what they were singing, not listen to me! But it went all right "on the night" I think.
2139lm 1 year ago
I'm doing this as a solo for my school carol concert, but the rest of the choir don't seem to understand what they're supposed to do & keep drowning me out...at least I get a microphone on the night!
sapphosphinx 1 year ago
wounderous , evoces the mystery of the incarnate Savior
fletcherc1 1 year ago
WOW! I love the smoothness with which the guy goes through the song...magnificent!
Fritzike 1 year ago
A big thumbs up for the choir and you, Mr. Reid. At last I can enjoy something positive from a man called Rupert. Now as for that other person of vastly larger bankroll named Rupert.......well this is a Christian (Anglican) hymn so I'll bite my tongue and not say what I'm thinking.
brassspitoon 1 year ago
Thanks for all the positive comments, everyone - I really appreciate them.
The reason I look surprised at the end is that someone's mobile phone went off - fortunately the BBC managed to cut it out!
In response to a few comments - it was indeed a semitone lower than might be expected, so that there was a better flow between the different carols in this part of the broadcast. I'm quite high so usually prefer to take things up, but I did like it at this pitch!
Thanks again, Rupert
rupertreid 1 year ago 17
WONDERFUL!
1969Ragnar 1 year ago
You can get this mp3 at instantmp3s..com
mundane9141 1 year ago
I think part of the reason this interpretation is superior to the 2008 King's one is its tonality - this is sung in G-flat major (a somewhat more suitable key, as keys with many flats are generally perceived by our ears to be gentler on the ear), whereas it's usually performed in G major. However, there's no doubt that the baritone is talented!
glendempsey 1 year ago
@glendempsey : I totally agree with the idea that keys with many flats sound gentler on our ears because it floats above the natural tones (C,D,E,F etc...).
jantigercat 1 year ago
this is much lovlier with a girls choir, nevermind!
hayleynewstead 2 years ago
Be careful Hayley!! You´ll get shot writing such things on here!!!
Eurofrank1 2 years ago 2
@Eurofrank1 unfortunately for some, there is no freedom of speech here on youtube. those who dare would be vilified. but christmas is just around the corner so let's just be cheerful! :)
jenethehottie 1 year ago
*Gasp* Noooo, so much better with men''s voices!
e55exeagle 2 years ago
@hayleynewstead I would personally find a girl's voice too piercing for want of a better word. I just prefer the baritone voice at this pitch to a girl or boy voice an octave up
BarbedFire1 1 year ago
One of my favourite carols. Perfectly displayed here.
normalil 2 years ago
This is my favourite carol; wonderful solo, superb accompaniment; thank you, King's - always magnificent!
diggylamb47 2 years ago 2
I've loved this for years but was unable to find it. Wonderful to hear it again. Many thanks!
Tillyvalle 2 years ago
Great carol - and great voice.
MrGebjohn 2 years ago 3
Yes, this piece is either too low or too high for the bass/baritone.
Eurofrank1 2 years ago
thats why u need a basso cantante
Gratmonstery 2 years ago
Isn't the guy at 1:50 a treble?
Anyway, I think this is one of the most magical pieces of music ever written, and in such a magical setting too.
collumbell 2 years ago
Who is this bloke trying his falsetto on 1:50?
It's not helping in this otherwise fine performance
makkieavelli 2 years ago
my favorite soloist, better than the soloist from 2008.
studentinberlin 2 years ago 21
Beautiful song. It's very effective having the choir singing/humming what is basically the notes of the organ accompaniment in the background.
Knappa22 3 years ago
This is my favourite Christmas carol. I have to admit, though, that I do prefer it in the original German. There's an excellent version in German by Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton.
Admittedly it's not a fair comparison but there is a wonderful version by Fritz Wuderlich on YouTube
middxguy58 3 years ago
Our music director decided we're going to do this as the anthem for next Sunday's Epiphany service, and I'm to be the one to do the Cornelius (solo) part. It's only today that I tried it out and it'll be a bit of a challenge. However, with the help of this excellent clip I hope to pull it off.
kapariz44 3 years ago
Hey kapariz- how did it go?
GabrielQPR 3 years ago
OK on my side. However, our choirmaster decided to hold it over to next week as he wasn't quite satisfied the rest of the choir had got their heads sufficiently around the Nicolai (choral) part. We're going to give it another half hour practice this Friday and do it next Sunday. And I was all psyched up too huhu! We did a one of our repertoire numbers, the Wood/Oxley Mater Ora Filium, instead this week.
kapariz44 3 years ago
Finally did it yesterday morning and it went fine. I more-or-less sang it the same way as this chap as he was such a superb "model". The only difference was in the pronounciation of Bethlehem, where I keep the same sound for all 3 e's rather than singing Bethleehem. Our music director was so pleased that she's going to include it in the next 9-lessons-and-carols service next December. So my place is secure for the next 11 months haha.
kapariz44 3 years ago
Where is this performance? Incredible voice
dwbackhouse 3 years ago 2
it's a church service; not a performance, silly
guitarcameron 3 years ago
"A performance of The Three Kings by Peter Cornelius, sung by The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, directed by Stephen Cleobury in Carols from King's 2006. The soloist is Rupert Reid."
Yepisco 3 years ago
My favourite carol at school. I used to think it was a modern carol but it was penned in the mid- 19c. Extraordinary for it's time.
DavidMJordan 3 years ago
Beautiful music!!
analmek 3 years ago
your amazing!!! i loved it i have to sing we three kings but i think your kinda better =/ x loved it !!! x
loveXD1993 3 years ago
Wow, he really has an amazing voice!
leonievanrheden 3 years ago
We used to sing this at school,and have never heard of it since until now.Wonderful!
suzannepollard323 3 years ago
Oh one of my favourites and as usual from kings a stunning performance.
qwerty635 3 years ago
Always wanted 2 do this solo but my voice is too low :'(
deadrringer 3 years ago
Don't panic. I can arrange that for you. How much higher do you want it, and I'll transpose it for you.
gibbo3408 3 years ago
That's kind of u but don't worry lol
deadrringer 3 years ago
Peter Cornelius was a student of Richard Wagner...German Romanticism. ^_^
SalyAjo30 3 years ago
I'm moving to Cambridge...
mirax83 3 years ago
That baritone soloist is amazing, truly awesome. But don't forget the rest of the choir too; those guys do an awesome job. It's this kind of music that inspires the best in all of us!
teddymon111 3 years ago 2
stunning version, if only the person singing along in the background would shut the hell up...
windsurfhunk 3 years ago
you can't say "hell" lmao :P naught ! j.k x
loveXD1993 3 years ago
Wonderful atmosphere...
ArrogantVampire 3 years ago
Wonderful to see this on YouTube as it is my favourite melody / carol - absolutely stunning song. However, not keen on the timbre of voice from the lead vocalist. That aside, what a great great carol!
stroodle222 4 years ago 2
The choir sings a totally different song underneath the soloist. It's really beautiful when they are put together. The words of the choir are:
How brightly shines the morning star
With grace and truth from heav'n afar
The Jesse tree now bloweth
Of Jacobs stem and David's line
For thee, my Bridegroom, King divine
My soul with love o'er floweth
Thy word, Thy word, Jesu, Jesu
Inly feeds us, rightly leads us, life bestowing. Praise, O praise
such love o'er flowing.
niubudloafer 4 years ago
this is such a beautiful carol, every year we sing it at our school, sadly not as well as this!
abbotth1991 4 years ago
Thanks for the lyrics
khalileltarik 4 years ago
Lovely stuff, beautifully performed!
Squamster 4 years ago
could anybody send me the text?
khalileltarik 4 years ago
Three kings from Persian lands afar
To Jordan follow the pointing star:
And this the quest of the travellers three,
Where the new-born King of the Jews may be.
Full royal gifts they bear for the King;
Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.
Bennyhillster 4 years ago
The star shines out with a steadfast ray;
The kings to Bethlehem make their way,
And there in worship they bend the knee,
As Mary's child in her lap they see;
Their royal gifts they show to the King;
Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.
Bennyhillster 4 years ago
Thou child of man, lo, to Bethlehem
The kings are travelling, travel with them!
The star of mercy, the star of grace,
Shall lead thy heart to its resting-place.
Gold, incense, myrrh thou canst not bring;
Offer thy heart to the infant King.
Bennyhillster 4 years ago
GO RUPERT!!! xxx
pinkyandthebrain07 4 years ago
The soloist is Ruppert Reid... i heard them @ Peterborough Cathedral, truely amazing.
brownie266 4 years ago
Who was the soloist?
pianoboyo 4 years ago
A gift from god..they're amazing..i'm planning to visit Britain just to see this guys again
julietthequeen 4 years ago
King's are excellent - but don't forget some of the other choirs who are truly fantastic - Westminster Cathedral (Roman Catholic) Choir are brilliant, as are St Paul's, and St John's College, Cambridge.
edders05 4 years ago
I have a wonderful version of this on Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum's latest cd, The Three Kings. In my opinion the freshest Christmas cd for many a long year.
drwestbury 4 years ago
Quite possibly the best chapel choir anywhere in the world..they does britain proud! when they have an off day they still sound amazing
pianoboyo 4 years ago
Stephen Cleobury...choral director unparalleled in our time...
ryanwfrederick 4 years ago
Mmm. Nice fan-vaulting in the second verse.
doublebassgirl39 4 years ago
Ahh that was glorious thank you so much! Takes me back into the epiphany mood :)
GabriellaKrystal 5 years ago
nice...
mambong 5 years ago