Libera - New Dawn

Enya's Orinoco Flow and Bach's Air on a G string; the disc also includes a track penned by Brian Wilson called 'Love and Mercy'. This is the song Libera performed to a star-studded audience in Washington DC before Christmas at the Kennedy Centre Honours, an audience which included President Bush, Robert De Niro, Cameron Diaz and Brian Wilson himself. The talented singers of Libera come from a variety of different schools and backgrounds in London and join together at a church in South London where they rehearse and perform for many hours each week. The youngest is seven and the oldest members are fourteen. Alongside their unique Libera music, the boy singers enjoy a wide repertoire from classical and cathedral pieces to works for pop and media productions. In recent years they have sung on films like 'Romeo & Juliet' and 'Hannibal' and with singers like Bjork, Elton John & Pavarotti. Libera is directed by Robert Prizeman, the well respected musical advisor to the BBC religious TV programme Songs of Praise. Robert arranges, if not writes all of the music that Libera perform. Sales of Libera's albums worldwide are now over 300,000 and the boys have a strong following of fans. Album Description

Still the Best Boy Band

Libera continues to put out great music. Though the music is basically the same type of music as their other CD's. This CD has a slightly different feel to it in my opinion. Their music is part ethereal and part just plain fun. They sound like they enjoy singing together and being part of Libera. It would be great to be able to see them live in concert to see that joy and enthusiasm that they put into their singing on the CD's. Anyone who is a fan of boy treble singers and boy's choirs should buy this CD. June 25, 2008

A Real New Dawn

The latest Libera CD to add to my collection, "New Dawn," is slightly different than previous Libera CDs, in my opinion. This does not diminish the quality and artistry of the music in this CD in any way. Among the classic Libera style tracks are two tracks that one would classify as "pop" and "new age." One of the tracks I'm referring to is, "Love and Mercy" which was written by Brian Wilson and was performed by Libera on December 2007 at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. The other track is a cover of Enya's "Orinoco Flow" which is superbly performed. Some of the tracks on "New Dawn," such as "Ave Maria," and "In Paradisum" which is entitled "Lux Aeterna" in previous CDs, have been previously recorded with other Libera soloists. The songs Libera re-records on their later CDs only get better, not that the earlier ones are any less, so assuredly, you won't be disappointed if you buy a Libera CD with previously recorded songs. As I said before, "New Dawn" is a CD slightly different from other Libera CDs but still has the beautiful, angelic harmonies which Libera is known for. I highly recommend Libera's latest masterpiece, "New Dawn." June 22, 2008

Sunlit

A few years ago, one reviewer wrote this of "Luminosa":
"Classical purists will be aghast at Handel and Debussy sharing space with digital sound sculpting, which leaves "Luminosa" free to find a home as easily accessible, superior background music."

"New Dawn" continues Libera's tradition of producing communicative, superior vocal music to the infuriation and befuddlement of the "purists" and establishment snobs. In other words, this is classical--and not-so-classical--music for people who hate classical music (or classical purists).

The eclectic nature of the disc is demonstrated immediately, as "Orinoco Flow" shares space with a novel placement of the "Gloria" text to Camille Saint-Saens' "Organ Symphony," and an ethereal, inexpressibly moving arrangement of Bach's "Air" for three voices, exploiting the very highest notes of the treble range. Even a die-hard "purist" has to acknowledge the talent and expressiveness of the voices in this arrangement. On that note, Bach himself was well known for his transcriptions of his own music for other mediums and occasions; criticizing the ensemble for doing the same is awfully ridiculous.

"Love and Mercy" was given at the very end of the Kennedy Center Honors last year in recognition of Beach Boys' member Brian Wilson and is a slightly more involved arrangement than other tracks on the disc (such as the first). "May the Road Rise Up" and especially "In Paradisum" are soul-stirring breaths of fresh air.

The "choir" is magnificently versatile, from the pop strains of "Orinoco Flow" through the gentle notes of Bach's "Air," and finally the powerful sound of the "Gloria." Like "Angel Voices," "New Dawn" strikes a balance between the somewhat traditional work that was highlighted on releases like "Libera" and "Luminosa," and the rather popular, almost dance ambience of "Free." There are some beautiful moments here, but it still needs something strikingly groundbreaking: another "Sanctus" or "I am the Day."

If you're new to Libera, start with "Luminosa" or their self-titled album, as these contain their more well-known work, before moving on to "New Dawn." The album immediately previous to this one, "Angel Voices," is a fine cross-section of their work spotlighting the choir's unique sound.

Nonetheless, a fine offering with wide appeal (unless you're an ultra-purist, but who cares for them anyway?) May 22, 2008

Most Beautiful Music You Will Ever Hear!

I have been a fan of Libera since they were on a PBS fundraising program last year, and have waited anxiously for this new CD to be released in the US. The range and vocal techniques of these young men will literally bring tears to your eyes. You will not hear any music more like angels than this! May 22, 2008

New Dawn--Libera At Its Best

Libera's latest effort is appropriately titled "New Dawn". While many of the 14 tracks are similar to those on previous releases, there ia an attempt to branch out. This is quite evident with "Orinoco Flow". Included is "Love and Mercy" by Brian Wilson of Beach Boy fame. The traditional hymns and classical pieces have been reworked by Libera's director Robert Prizeman. Mr. Prizeman has altered these to fit the unique "Libera sound". One track, "Never Be Alone", is a piece with music by former Libera treble Steven Geraghty who now assists with Libera's sound engineering. There are also several new boys in Libera that sing on the CD. Thus, in many ways this is truly a "new dawn" for Libera. What has not changed is the high quality, joy and wonder that is Libera! May 15, 2008

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