David Archuleta Sings A Loving And Inspiring Prayer: How Great Thou Art

April 5, 2009 by Masterclass Lady 23 Comments


David Archuleta’s poignant and sensitive version of the classic hymn, “How Great Thou Art”, could not have been delivered to me at a better time. And I would like to thank one of my readers, Janey, for making this blog topic possible.

Today, I learned that a treasured childhood friend, Joan Colameco O’Hare, died after a very courageous battle with cancer. What a tragic, premature journey this must be for her family. She was the sweetest, the dearest person to walk the planet and a wonderful and loving wife, mother, sister and friend.

And so, as I listened to David’s soothing voice, I recollected the beautiful memories and legacy that Joan created over the years, realizing that we are all placed on this Earth for a divine purpose. I once read this quote and I apologize for not remembering the author’s name: “Every day is a treasure, a gift, that is why it’s called the present.”

And, indeed, Joan was a present to all of us -a very precious one.

I was particularly moved during David’s transition at the 2:25 mark – the key change was perfectly centered and you could hear the heightened passion in David’s voice. His voice is such a transparent instrument, incredibly pure!

Also, at the 3:21 mark, words cannot do justice to the absolute beauty and power of his voice at this point in the song. It is true vocal inspiration that is governed by a deep and introspective approach to the emotional core of the song.

David is a master of vocal nuance and inflection. He does not need another instrument to deliver the spiritual message – the majesty and sincerity of his voice is all that is necessary.

Thank you David for soothing my soul on a very difficult  day for me. God Bless.

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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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23 Responses to “David Archuleta Sings A Loving And Inspiring Prayer: How Great Thou Art”

  1. Bizzee24 April 5, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    Magic – simply magic!

    As I listen to this song and read this blog topic, I am also reminded as to how precious life is. We all get caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle of life, that we forget just how short it can be.

    The above quote has to be one of my all time favourites as it reminds me to live each day to the fullest. I’m going to add one more line to that quote taken from a very popular musical: “Rent” – “there is no future, there is no past, live each moment as our last, no other road, no other way, no day but today!”

    MCL, my deepest smypathies on the passing of your friend. She sounds like she truly exemplified living each moment as her last. My thoughs and prayers are with you at this time. xo.

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  2. gemzone April 5, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    MCL I am so sorry to hear of your loss. This song was sung at my fathers funeral 3 years ago and has deep meaning for me. Ever since I heard David sing I have wanted to hear him sing this. Well I was lucky enough to be at a fireside where he did sing this just a few weeks ago. What a blessing David is to us all. As I listened to him sing this that evening I felt every note that he sang. My whole body vibrated with the message of this song. When he finished I sat there weak and yet renewed at the same time with tears streaming down my face. I feel very blessed to have been one of the lucky few to be there. Thank you MCL for your site and for your continued love of David Archuleta.

    Much love to you at this time I know that listening to this over and over will help bring you peace.

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  3. Galen April 5, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    Oh, MCL, I am so sorry for your loss. I too have lost someone very close to me to cancer, and I know that the hurt is deep. Words, condolences, etc cannot take the pain away of losing someone that close to you. I am a Christian (as you obviously are as well), and I am thankful that my dear loved one is in a better place right now. However, simply knowing that my grandmother is in Heaven does not take away how much I dearly miss her every day. If you haven’t heard the poignant song by MercyMe called “Homesick”, than I really think you should listen to it should you get the chance. I will keep you and Joan’s family in my prayers, Rosanne. May God bless you and keep you.

    Oh, and about David’s “How Great Thou Art”, I can’t wait to listen to it. I am sure it is phenomenal as always.

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  4. janey April 5, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    oh masterclasslady, i’m so sorry for your loss.

    i was fortunate to have someone email the mp3 of this early yesterday and i was able to send it out to many of my friends. i gave up trying to count the responses that were similar to yours, that it could not have come at a better time for them.

    i’m so grateful that “David” was available to bring you some comfort.

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  5. Galen April 5, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    Yes, janey, it was AMAZING! I’m going to try and get an MP3 of it myself somehow. Definitely worthy of having on my iPod!

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  6. janey April 5, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    here you go galen…

    http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?yzmfyyzyzkn

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  7. Rereader April 5, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    MCL, I am so sorry for your loss. And glad you had a perfect anodyne at hand…

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  8. Judy April 5, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    MCL, I’m so very sorry to read of your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you.Is’nt it wonderful that music has the power to help soothe the soul. what a beautiful rendition David did of “How Great Thou Art “

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  9. Galen April 5, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    Hey, thank you, janey! I didn’t know for sure if I would be able to get an MP3 of it! That was very helpful you providing that! God bless!

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  10. ArchieFanDoc April 5, 2009 at 9:07 pm

    My condolences MCL to you an your friends family.
    David’s voice is very healing as many have expressed.
    I love how you can tell that he is not only feeling the song – but how he can make us feel it with him as he sings.
    This is more than talent, this is more than artistry, it is truly transcendental.
    Thank You Janey for sending this in (I knew that you would!) and thank you MCL for taking the time on this day to express your thoughts.

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  11. masterclasslady April 5, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    Thanks so much everyone. I appreciate your kind thoughts. David’s voice is so soothing – he has the voice of an angel. It is a palliative instrument – so calming and reassuring.

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  12. awestruck April 5, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    Thinking of you in your time of sorrow. This song soothes one’s soul. David’s voice pierces directly there, with such heartfelt intensity.

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  13. Erin April 6, 2009 at 12:36 am

    I am so sorry for the loss of your friend!! David sounded wonderful as usual & I am so glad you listened to his version of the song during this sad time.

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  14. Anita April 7, 2009 at 1:35 am

    Rosanne, I’m terribly sorry about your friend … and equally amazed that this particular song and singer would be placed directly ‘in your lap’ at just the right time! Peace to you and Joan’s other friends and family.

    Anita

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  15. Kirsten April 7, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    MCL – Sorry to hear about your loss. May God bless and comfort you at this time.

    I wanted to share with you another example of David Archuleta magic to bring you more comfort.

    This is “Save The Day”, which was released on his album in Japan. If you are in the right mood, it will make you cry. It is sublime!

    I would LOVE to read your thoughts on it! Hopefully you will review the “My Hands” video and Zero Gravity as well! No pressure though, haha. Most important, enjoy and God Bless.

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  16. Kirsten April 7, 2009 at 5:13 pm

    I want to hear David do more hymns! This was amazing and I could just feel the words and the power. Bravo! His rendition of”Be Still My Soul” was great as well.

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  17. Galen April 8, 2009 at 12:10 am

    Oh, Kirsten, I completely agree with you! I LOVE “Save The Day”, and am absolutely floored as to why it was left off of his American album. It has a very radio-friendly quality and an amazing message!

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  18. Kirsten April 8, 2009 at 10:07 am

    I do too, beyond words actually There is so much emotion in it. I can just feel the meaning of the lyrics. They come alive with David’s vocals.

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  19. Kirsten April 8, 2009 at 10:08 am

    I do too, beyond words actually. There is so much emotion in it. I can just feel the meaning of the lyrics. They come alive with David’s vocals.

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  20. Galen April 8, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    You meant that so much, you just had to say it twice, didn’t you, Kirsten! LOL It’s okay. I agree with you. Well said!

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  21. Kirsten April 8, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    Yeah I guess. I just forgot a period in the first one. LOL!

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  22. minna April 8, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    My condolences, MCL, on the loss of your dear friend. I’m so happy to know that David’s voice soothed your ache. Just today I listened again with my sister to David singing “How Great Thou Art”. I believe it will always have a profound effect on me. Such power and control. Such heart and soul. He caresses the lyrics. And the key change is so rich with promise — the promise of the very powerful ending. Someone has said that David knows how to sell a song. He makes you believe every word. I can hardly wait for his first gospel CD. Best regards to you!

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  23. masterclasslady April 8, 2009 at 10:09 pm

    Thanks so much Minna. her funeral is on Tuesday and I am providing the music for it. It’s going to be a tough,tough service. I wish David was here to sing for the family. 🙂

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