Songs that change lives

One I would like to share is the Barber Adagio for Strings.
On youtube is a superb example.
click here for vid.
the info that the poster put up is as follows: "Leonard Slatkin Conducts the BBC Orchestra on September 15 2001 in honor of those who lost their lives a few days prior." 
The video shows a montage of people reacting to the 9/11 attacks and pictures of the towers. Even after years this video makes me tear up, although I knew none of the casualties. I'm moved my the fact that one of the initial reactions to the events was music.


Craig Hella Johnson is an up and coming modern choral composer who is featured on TV, nominated for grammys, and director of one of the most superior choirs from the US., Conspirare. Many of his choir members are former Robert Shaw Chorale who worked with him during his lifetime.
 learn more
"Craig Hella Johnson has earned a reputation as one of the most respected choral/orchestral conductors in the nation." -more on Conspirare

I have also had the honor of singing a premier song. He is so full of emotion, and his work has such deep meaning. He is known for editing his scores up until publishing. Even then aspects are to be interpreted. For many writers, this would show theiir work to be simple and shallow. Take a listen to his "Requiem" which was written for the Tsunami's in Asia and then try to say that Johnson is simple and shallow. Very contrary. Working with him is a memory I will cherish forever.

But I digress, What I intended to add was that Conspirare performed Agnus Dei-- the choir arrangment of addagio. To my ear they are very different, but the same dark emotions are still there. If you find a video of this piece by them let me know. I know for sure it's on iTunes!