The Stellenbosch University Choir’s rendition of “One Hundred Thousand Songs” is captivating global audiences with its ethereal beauty.
Western Cape, South Africa (25 December 2023) – In the spirit of Christmas, the Stellenbosch University Choir unwrapped a heartfelt musical present for the world: their rendition of “Cent Mille Chanson,” translated as “One Hundred Thousand Songs.”
The release has swept across digital platforms, leaving listeners enchanted and moved by its ethereal beauty, giving us all the feels!
Renowned as a piece that carries an air of nostalgia, “Cent Mille Chanson” originally captivated hearts back in 1968 through the mesmerising voice of French singer Frida Boccara. The poetic prowess of Eddy Marnay, who penned the lyrics, shines brightly, reminiscent of his collaboration with Boccara on the winning Eurovision Song Contest song, “Un jour, un enfant,” from 1969. The composition, masterfully orchestrated by Michel Magne, evokes a sense of familiarity, echoing the resonant tones of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Mache dich, mein Herz rein” from the St. Matthew Passion. Boccara’s 1979 rendition alongside the Mastreechter Staar choir further cemented its timeless appeal.
At its core, this musical gem paints a vivid tableau of love, inviting listeners into a realm where affection transcends boundaries.
“If, the poet writes, you and I are together, then times will come where hundreds of thousands of songs will sound, and in hundreds of thousands of horizons, our eyes will sink into an ocean of love,” capturing the expansive essence of love’s grandeur.
Steered by the talented André van der Merwe’s arrangement, the Stellenbosch University Choir’s rendition is nothing short of magical.
Social media platforms have erupted with praise, with one enthusiast stating, “There are many reasons to visit South Africa. Getting an opportunity to hear this choir perform live would convince me instantly to go and travel halfway around the globe.” Another commenter encapsulated the sentiment, expressing, “You continue to live up to the highest standards of the art of music. But the best thing you all do is speak right to the human soul. So, everyone, just take in the experience of listening to beauty that really does have the power to move people, to heal, and create hope.” A sentiment echoed by many, “This is Epic … The solo group, the choir, Andre the director, everything is just flowing…what a Christmas gift.”
You can watch it below:
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What is the significance of Stellenbosch University Choir’s “One Hundred Thousand Songs” in the context of Christmas?