VOCES8: Ave Maria - Franz Biebl

VOCES8 sings Franz Biebl's setting of the 'Ave Maria'.

'Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae
et concepit de Spiritu sancto.'
The angel of God visited Maria
and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

'Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
Et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus.'
Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

'Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen.'
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
Holy Mary, pray for us now and in the hour of our death.
Amen.

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[thisjustin]

I’m a diehard Chanticleer fan. I even had the opportunity to sing this with them 20 years ago as a college student in San Francisco (via their mentorship program). Even so, I was not prepared for this version. It’s the most perfectly executed and I exquisite version of this song I have ever seen or heard. I am in awe. And I’m in tears. I’ll have this on repeat for the next week…

[UkeOne]

After listening to this 10 times, I thought a response was necessary: Perfection...enough said.

[theaudiophiles-mco]

An arrangement is just paper until it is put to voice. The voices make the music which was imagined when the arrangement was penned. Sometimes great choirs sing bad arrangements. Sometimes bad choirs sing astounding arrangements. In this recording, I am hearing a beautiful match between the arrangement and the vocalization of it. VOCES8 are known for their technical perfection of the choral performance. But in this arrangement, there is intonation and warmth conveyed uniquely by these voices. These 8 have a vocal chemistry that is next to godliness. The piece rises when it is supposed to without becoming pitchy, the harmonies are without fault. The final crescendo moves the piece into park in the most extraordinary way. One does not want the song to end.

On a technical level, the airflow demonstrated by these 8 is just about where it should be. I would like to hear a little more support from the bass, just a bit. One thing I have noticed over and over with all of this group's pieces is their diction. I'm a diction person..and their tongues click and tick at exactly the same time as their counterparts are. The enunciation is divine. The cluster chords are woven together like a fine piece of fabric without so much of a conflict in the intonation. I could write forever, but I want to hear more of their pieces. Kudos and well done VOCES8 for this gift of choral love. I am convinced that in this piece as performed by you that the listener is led to the peace prayer, and reflection intended by its lyrics.

[accousticdecay]

I don't know how y'all do it, but this tough old fireman sits here and baby-cries when y'all sing. This is just so perfect and so heavenly.

[mikepasich]

I loved singing this when I was in college, and I still love it to this day. This is how I imagine heaven will sound like.

[domtheodorephillips]

My favorite setting of Ave Maria, which never ceases to warm the heart. Surely, this is the most exquisite performance of it I have heard. I only discovered Voces8 a few months ago - being in a monastery I "don't get around much" as they say. But discovering their videos was a truly happy accident. Thank God for their amazing talents and amazing work together. And for Franz Biebl's gift of this musical prayer.

[australianbloke]

This is simply the most beautiful singing I have ever heard. It doesn't get any better.

[fritzstern]

Never heard such a perfect ensemble before. Unbelievable, voices like from heaven

[martyrrt]

The sopranos are killing it ! Exquisitely divine.

[flylooper]

Stunning. Just stunning. This chorus is as close to perfection as I'll ever hear. This Ave is so richly woven that one just sits, transfixed by the harmony and this group's execution of the work. As a former chorister myself (in my salad days!) I stand in awe of this group.

[RFSJ]

One of the most sublime works in the entire Western choral repetoire.

[Apriluser]

If we are made made in God’s image and this is just a taste of what that might look and sound like, I’m ready to move to heaven anytime now. 😊

[melanieohara]

I have enjoyed Chanticleer’s all-male voice rendering of this for years. The two female voices in this version send the theme and the music high into the rafters of the church and beyond. Superb!🥰👏👏👏

[RiffRaffAK]

I have to agree with Melanie, I have enjoyed many TTBB versions of this. But this performance is possibly the Best. Wonderfully produced and performed. Thank you Voces8 for demonstrating how powerful the full range of SATB voices can be. Bravo!

[bonniebluelass]

I come back to this video over and over. It is sublime...a little bit of Heaven on Earth.

[tylerhietpas]

stumbling upon this group was one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. thank you for sharing beauty that cannot be provided by any other source than the human voice. unbelievable piece and ensemble.

[yusufmahmood]

I've seen many renditions of Biebl's Ave Maria, but I have to say, this one is the best.

[willemijndekock]

If you don't get goosebumps all over from this, something's wrong! It's heavenly!

[kameron-avant]

You sent me to a completely different world.... seriously. God bless all of you.

[dullcharlie]

Find tears falling down my face every time I listen to this. Can't believe I'm seeing you guys tonight at St Judes