Angel Voices

There's very little to say about this recording of ethereally beautifully singing by the 24 young English lads who make up the group Libera. Enormously popular in Asia, the group is part of a parish choir in South London that has been around for many years, with of course, changes in personnel as voices change. There are a couple of pieces here by well-known composers--Pachelbel, Sibelius, Holst, Dvorak--but to their music have been added words and, of course, it's all been "arranged." Texts, translations from Latin, and arrangements as well as original music are by Robert Prizeman, the choir's director, and some of the numbers are accompanied by quiet synthesizers, organ, and/or drums. There is something new-age about this project and some might find the effect syrupy, while others might long for the "real" thing, that is, boys with this talent singing some Renaissance or later music that is not designed simply as balm for the ears. But for what it is--a perfectly pitched choir with some outstanding solo work as well, singing easy-to-listen to short numbers--this is just lovely. --Robert Levine Amazon.com

Immaculate (as usual)

The studio disc "Angel Voices" represents a well-crafted cross-section of Libera's work across the majority of its 24 year history; a "greatest hits" disc. If you're brand new to Libera, start right here: this disc has the majority of their most well-known work from performances and albums past. For old hands, there are some new cuts sure to become part of Libera's lasting repertoire. This album's track list is NOT the same as that for the live recording made at Leiden: Angel Voices: Libera In Concert

Purists: Go away. The group actively promotes themselves as a unique style of their own (the boys' own words, not some publicist's blurb), so they won't fit into prefab Genre Boxes. Libera is made up of schoolchildren united by their love of this art--please try and recognize that before attacking them for transforming the music of "your" masters into "electronic garbage."

For newcomers, the "Sanctus" given before Pope Benedict XVI's 2008 Mass at Yankee Stadium is on this disc, recorded by the same voices. The shimmering textures of "Voca me" highlight the 'Libera sound,' a blending of powerful low altos against the brilliant, warm tones of the higher trebles. "Salva me," showcasing one of Libera's best soloists (Tom Cully), is also a long-established standard from Libera's catalogue. "Ave Maria," first heard on "LiberaVisions" (2005), breathes here again, the solo voices seeming to float overhead.

Folks looking for something new will find it in several places. "Far Away" gets its first appearance on disc here, its longing solo part contrasting beautifully against the choir's fuller sound. "Going Home," based on the "Largo" from Dvorak's "Symphony No. 9: From the New World," is something American listeners can identify with. It appears in two versions: the original cut and a radio edit. The warm, serene timbre of the soloists melds perfectly with the song's lyrical meditation on death. "Silent Night," led by soloist Tom Cully, might feel slightly out of place (or season), but the performance is magnetic and wonderful...you'll remember it when Christmas rolls around again!

If there is a caveat here, it's simply a matter of personal taste: I'd like to have seen "Adoramus" on here, since that's one of my favorites by Libera.

"Angel Voices," with its balance of old and new material, is a versatile and immaculately beautiful collection of Libera's finest work and talent. If you're new to this group, start right here (and also Luminosa). May 25, 2008

libera is awesome

Any of Libera's cd's is well worth the money for anyone who likes boys' choirs. They are exceptional, both on cd and in concert. The only drawback for those of us who collect their music is the duplication of songs among cd's. If you purchase more than one, check the tracks for duplication before you click the button! April 29, 2008

music for the spirit

A testament to the beauty that exists in this world. Disciplined and well-constructed collection of good music. Recommended. March 15, 2008

Simply Beautiful

A truly wonderful piece of music, this was the first of their albums that I purchased and it had me coming back for more, I now have all their work and recommend any of their music to those who would enjoy an uplifting and quite emotional musical experience. I especially loved "Sanctus" I'll never tire of that track. I've heard these melodious boys described as "average" but they are anything but. All I can say is that the harmonics of theses voices can not only be heard but also felt, like a chill up the spine and goosebumps across the skin, if that doesn't illustrate the point I don't know what can! February 20, 2008

Best boy choir

OK, this IS the best boy choir in the world. Their angelic voices and heart-felt music is simply a perfect guide for my choir students' voice and listening skills. Thank you Libera for your beautiful voices and music. By the way, I'm happy to say that I own the complete collection of their CDs. February 13, 2008

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