In the tapestry of renditions of Simon and Garfunkel’s timeless “The Sound of Silence,” Dutch opera singer Henk Poort’s interpretation stands out as a remarkable tapestry of genres. Presented on the Dutch TV show “Beste Zangers,” Poort’s performance deftly weaves together classical and rock elements, drawing inspiration from Disturbed’s renowned rendition rather than the original folk style.
Poort’s rendition commenced with the commanding resonance of his operatic voice, accompanied by a backdrop of serene strings that set a dignified ambiance. As the song progressed, he seamlessly transitioned into a robust rock style, infusing the performance with intensity and vigor. The climax was marked by a deep, resonant heavy metal roar, leaving the audience and hosts spellbound by the sheer dynamism of his delivery.
This distinctive interpretation has garnered widespread acclaim, accumulating over 10 million views on YouTube and sparking fervent discussions among viewers. While some remain steadfast in their allegiance to the Simon and Garfunkel classic or the Disturbed adaptation, many argue that Poort’s rendition, with its haunting vocal prowess, may indeed surpass them all. Admirers have lauded his performance, with one comment reflecting, “Unpopular Opinion. This is far better than the original… I think Henk just has that haunting strength behind his voice.”
Impressive, but for me, the “Gregorian” vdrsion of this song is still the best in the world.
Good – it’s hard for any decent musician to NOT do a good SoS IMO, but Pentatonix still does it for me.