There are at least three ensembles which use the name Cantus: 1) A 30-piece… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least three ensembles which use the name Cantus: 1) A 30-piece female choir from Trondheim, Norway; 2) A nine person vocal ensemble from Minneapolis; 3) An ensemble from Lithuania.

1. The Norwegian choral ensemble Cantus was formed in 1986 by a group of young women who wanted to take control of their own performances. The group, consisting of 30 amateur singers, is based in Tronheim and led by Tove Ramlo-Ystad, who joined as a singer and has become the group's director. Cantus typically performs arrangement of classical and contempary works, and has crossed over into jazz, folk, and pop music.

The group credits its participation in choral competitions with sharpening its focus and raising the quality of its performances.

Cantus has become an international sensation because of its inclusion on the soundtracks of both Disney films Frozen I and II, featuring the tracks Vuelie and Reindeer Circle, written by Frode Fjellheim and Christophe Beck.

2. Originally founded at St. Olaf College, Cantus is now a nine person male vocal ensemble based in Minneapolis. They sing a wide variety of vocal music, and have performed in some innovative theater pieces as well.

3. Cantus from Lithuania, making some mixture of Christian and Lithuanian folk music.

Paradise
Cantus Lyrics

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Dear Lord I wander here below, Glory halleluia, I sing to you that I may know, Glory halleluia, Have I a seat in paradise, Glory halleluia,
Is there a love that never dies, Glory halleluia.
I have some friends before me gone, But I′m resolved to travel on,
I vow that I'll remember them, Their memory a requiem.
By faith my journey I′ll pursue, Heaven on earth Thy will to do,
You are the flame that lights the way, In cool of night and heat of day.
I cannot say I have no fear,
Yet I am glad that I am here,

You gave the power to my hand,

My arms embrace this promised land.
I want to live in paradise, There is a love that never dies, I want to live in paradise, There is a love that never dies.

Overall Meaning

The first verse of "Paradise" begins with the singer addressing the Lord, expressing their desire to know Him more intimately. They ask if they have a place in paradise and if there is a love that never dies. The second verse speaks of the singer's friends who have already passed on, but they vow to continue their journey towards heaven and to remember their friends' legacy. The third verse delves into the singer's faith and their pursuit of God's will on earth, acknowledging God as the source of guidance and illumination. The final verse reveals the singer's acknowledgment of fear, but also their gratitude for the opportunity to be alive and to have the power to shape their own destiny. The chorus is a repetition of their desire to live in paradise and find a love that endures beyond time.

In essence, the song is a prayer, a declaration of faith, and a statement of hope for the future. It reminds us that life is a journey, and we must stay steadfast in our faith and maintain a positive outlook despite any challenges we may face. The lyrics and melody complement each other perfectly, conveying a sense of awe, reverence, and joy at the thought of living in paradise and experiencing an eternal love.

Line by Line Meaning

Dear Lord I wander here below, Glory halleluia,
I am a traveler on earth, but with faith in my heart, I sing praises to God

I sing to you that I may know, Glory halleluia,
I sing to you, dear God, so that I may be closer to you and know your ways

Have I a seat in paradise, Glory halleluia,
I wonder if I have a place in heaven to rest my soul

Is there a love that never dies, Glory halleluia.
Is there an eternal love that can never be broken or falter?

I have some friends before me gone, But I'm resolved to travel on,
Though some of my friends have passed on, I am determined to continue my journey

I vow that I'll remember them, Their memory a requiem.
I promise to honor and remember my departed friends with a beautiful memorial

By faith my journey I'll pursue, Heaven on earth Thy will to do,
Through my faith, I will follow my path towards heaven and do Thy will here on earth

You are the flame that lights the way, In cool of night and heat of day.
God is the guiding light that helps me through the hardships of life

I cannot say I have no fear, Yet I am glad that I am here,
Although I experience fear, I am grateful for my presence on earth

You gave the power to my hand, My arms embrace this promised land.
God has given me the power and capability to hold onto the hope and promise of a better life

I want to live in paradise, There is a love that never dies, I want to live in paradise, There is a love that never dies.
I desire to live in heaven, where love is eternal and everlasting.

Writer(s): arr. malcolm dalglish, "northport" hymn

Contributed by Jonathan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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