Concert tours throughout Europe have gained the group considerable attention on the continent, while back at home they made their debut at the prestigious Wigmore Hall in September of last year. They have recently performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, and will embark on a US tour in March 2009.
Their love of music extends beyond the stage and into the classroom. Forming a key part of an education programme, the group works in over 90 schools teaching young Britain to sing.
The group already has two successful CD’s under their belt: ‘From Gibbons to Gershwin’, an eclectic mix of music from the last 500 years; and ‘Snowed In’, a light-hearted mix of traditional Christmas carols. Now, with Evensong, VOCES8 offers what may be the strangest Christmas offering of the year, but with its catchy melody and powerful lyric, surely the most compelling.
Pie Jesu
Voces8 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dona eis requiem.
Pie Jesu Domine,
Dona eis requiem sempiternam.
The Latin lyrics of "Pie Jesu" translate to "Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them rest. Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest." These words are commonly used in Catholic requiem masses and funerals. The repetition of "Pie Jesu Domine" emphasizes the plea for mercy and compassion from Jesus, asking for a peaceful eternal rest for the departed soul. The phrase "Dona eis requiem sempiternam" denotes an everlasting rest, a never-ending state of peace and restfulness.
The Voces8 & Barnaby Smith's song Pie Jesu is a beautiful and haunting rendition of the traditional prayer. The arrangement builds slowly and the harmony grows, allowing space for the lyrics to sink in and for the listener to reflect on its meaning. Usually, the "Pie Jesu" is performed by a soloist, but in this version, Voces8's ensemble-style of singing adds to the power and resonance of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Pie Jesu Domine,
Oh sweet Lord Jesus,
Dona eis requiem.
Grant them rest.
Pie Jesu Domine,
Oh sweet Lord Jesus,
Dona eis requiem sempiternam.
Grant them eternal rest.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gabriel Faure, Matthew Freeman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@markstokmans8835
Andrea's voice is at its best here, so pure and expressive, but let's not forget the others, the harmony is incredible, and how about those low basso lines? So resonant and warm. A lovely rich base for Andrea's voice to take off from and sour to the heavens.
@garywait3231
Having sung the low bass line in performance numerous times, I heartily agree with this comment
@philpryor7524
It did not sour to the heavens, but it did soar.
@donklaser217
She has the voice of an angel!
@DieFlabbergast
*soar
@MelissaThompson432
Her voice is as pure as water from a mountain.
@pthomson9736
Perfect description. ❤
@marekvollach7831
Wow, Miss. Your analogy is itself as beautiful as must be your precious heart to have come up with those words.
@hermanbotha1444
This is for Andrea. I am a 74 yo man from South Africa. Just to let you know I am a great admirer of your voice, calm and collected performances and yor attractive style and appearance. May your singing career last long and grow from strength to strength!
@catkin3
Agree totally