With the Holidays fast approaching, many of us have been getting into the Christmas spirit. Most families have already set up their tree with lights and ornaments, presents patiently waiting beneath. Others have slaved over a hot stove, baking goodies and cookies for their many loved ones; while others have been fighting back the urge to sing Christmas carols since November.
Last year, a talented group of students from Vestavia Hills High School in Alabama stole the show at their annual Christmas concert, performing an incredible rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah as sung by Pentatonix. I’ve included a video of Pentatonix’s original a cappella version below.
The video, which was uploaded to YouTube by Spencer Logsdon in December of 2016, has been viewed nearly 140,000 times, with viewers being utterly moved by the students’ performance.
“Please record this in study so I can buy it”
“Beautiful voices and great arrangement! That soul tho from 1:51 to 2:21!! So good!”
“THEY SOUND AMAZING ON CAMERA AND IN PERSON OMG I CRIED”
“I’ve watched this like 20 times today already. It is simply amazing, made me cry. great job!”
The 4-minute video shows the students dressed up for their Christmas performance, standing in a circle in what appears to be a school holiday. I would guess this is them practicing before going on-stage. A single male student sings the opening verse as the group harmonizes in the background.
The students pick up the rhythm for the background harmony of the second verse. The male student continues singing, as the sound of the background singers grows more soulful and intense.
The teenagers are clearly putting their heart and soul into the performance, swaying to the lyrics, and snapping their fingers to the beat. On the edges of the sidelines, you can see others recording the show.
Interestingly enough, Leonard Cohen, the musical genius responsible for writing the lyrics to this iconic song, passed away on November 7th, 2016, almost one month before the students stunned the world with their moving performance; and if you ask me, Cohen would be proud.
Cohen, a Canadian poet, singer and songwriter made a name for himself as a result of intensely personal lyrics that explored the themes of love, faith, death, and philosophical longing. Cohen was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 and passed away at the age of 82 on November 7th, 2017.
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