VOCES8: The Sleeping Child (Bob Chilcott)

VOCES8 sings the new commission written for the ensemble by Bob Chilcott 'The Sleeping Child'.

Thank you for all your support this past year, and wishing you all a very peaceful and happy Christmas.

TEXT

'The Sleeping Child' by Charles Bennett

Sleeping child, I wonder, have you a dream to share?
May I see the things you see as you slumber there?

I dream a wind that speaks, like music as it blows
As if it were the breath of everything that grows.
I dream a flock of birds flying through the night
Like silent stars on wings of everlasting light.

I dream a flowing river, deep as a thousand years,
Its fish are frozen sorrow, its water bitter tears.
I dream a tree so green, branches wide and long,
And ev'ry leaf and ev'ry voice a song.

I dream of a babe who sleeps, a life that's just begun.
A word that waits to be spoken. The promise of a world to come.

[simonplatford]

Two other things come to my attention. The look on the lady in blue’s face at 1.22. I’ve been very lucky and played in some high level groups (nothing like this I hasten to add) and to me that’s a look of enjoyment but also of knowing you are on a transcendental level. A feeling no money can buy and a place emotionally only a truly magical performance brings.

My other point is the bass note at around 2.25. My god it’s glorious.

I have listened to this recording 30 times now and I keep finding new moments. Nowhere near sick of it yet…. This and voces 8 recording of the road home are to me, timeless.

[homhomtube]

Innig, berührend ohne falsches Pathos, hoffnungsvoll, einfach wunderbar. DANKE!

[danielburges]

Bob Chilcott really knows how to spin a melody. Beautiful stuff wonderfully sung

[simonplatford]

Just when you think they cannot get any better they do this to you…. Magical, just magical. Thank you.

[keebearfull]

The world's highest vocal peak has yet again been summited, and once again by Voces8. Wonderful to hear Molly's voice featured. She does NOT disappoint!

[dpauni]

I will consider this presentation, my personal Christmas present. thanks a lot

[juliarunn]

It’s incredible to me how these singers make this look effortless. So insanely beautiful. Merry Christmas!

[williamlewis]

Ô Molly quelle belle voix. i'm going to listen again. what texture and warmth as your voice ascending into the realm of simplicity and roundness of sound merci

[tommytuggle]

My favorite vocal group ever. Their performances are the ultimate in diction, phrasing, dynamics, blend, and beauty

[davestewart]

Pure magic! Bob Chilcott and VOCES8 - a totally winning combination!!

[peterlowie]

Thank you all again for helping me to go on this Christmas. Unfortunately I am a widower so some kind of lonely. Your voices are very helpful.
A joyful Christmas and New Year to you all.. I hope to listen to more, more, more of your beautiful voices.... From Amsterdam with LoVe

[stevenfromer]

This Group always produces the most beautiful tones the most perfect notes

[timothymalone]

Having just had a grandchild, the lyrics along with Molly’s voice, has created a magical experience

[UkeOne]

VOCES8, you have once again reached a vocal/choral superiority that is simply unmatched. Your perfectly trained voices are used with such purity of tone and a masterful blend that it is mind-boggling to think that any other group out there in the musical world can possibly match it. I am totally mesmerized at your most recent YouTube entries, especially all your fabulous Christmas offerings, which I listen to over and over again. They have truly made my holiday celebrations more enjoyable. Thank you once again, VOCES8, for your always stunning contributions to the world of fine vocal/choral music. Merry Christmas and a most Joyous and prosperous New Year of 2022! I am eagerly waiting for what you will bring us, all your faithful fans, next year.

[grahamrussell]

Voces8 at their best. Great to have Molly featured. A real treat.

[marahbadrian]

Molly's voice reminds me of Emily somehow, but still very much her own.
As always, fabulous performance.

[ohmy]

In awe & gratitude, I thank you VOCES8.

[greatonej]

Well done Bob and perfectly executed Voices 8.

[punchwilliamson]

Exquisite. In the cold of Laramie's winter, that is so, so warming of the soul.

[grahampikevideos]

When I was a kid with a new record I found one listen would not satisfy, it would reach the end and I'd play it again, and again. Finding new detail each play. I rarely find myself in that place now but Voces8 do push that button and I want to feast more from that detail, the movement that occurs through the arrangements that upon returning I'm paying attention to something I previously missed.