Track Listing

1. Far Away
2. Sanctus (Based on Canon by Pachelbel)
3. Ave Maria
4. Going Home - Radio Edit (Based on the Largo from the Symphony No. 9 'Fr
5. Be Still My Soul
6. Salva Me
7. I Vow to Thee, My Country
8. Voca Me
9. Always with You
10. We Are the Lost
11. I Am the Day
12. Recordare
13. Abide with Me
14. Silent Night
15. Going Home (Based on the Largo from the Symphony No. 9 'From the New Wo

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6903 in Music
• Released on: 2006-10-25
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

The Wait is Over
The wait is over. I received my copy of Libera's latest CD - "Angel Voices" - Nov. 1. This is the third recording they have done on the EMI label. While most of the songs are also on previous Libera CD's, they have been updated with new singers and / or new sounds. I believe that all tracks were recorded specifically for this release. The totally new songs are "Far Away" and "Going Home" (the latter in two versions). A version of "Silent Night" was recorded several years ago when the group went by their earlier name - St. Philip's Boy's Choir - on their "Angel Voices 3" CD. "Salva Me" was done before Libera recorded for EMI.

"Far Away" is one of Libera's newest numbers. They originally performed it as the theme music for a Japanese television production. It has been floating around the internet for several months in various, video versions. Since I had enjoyed it so much on my computer, I was anxious to hear it via CD on my "good" sound system. I was not disappointed. Michael Horncastle does a wonderful job on the solo part. The number is done with beauty and precision. It's one of those melodies that tends to keep running through your mind.

While I like all the numbers on "Angel Voices", the songs that I particularly enjoy are "Far Away" (my favorite) "Be Still My Soul", "We are the Lost", and "Abide with Me". I also appreciate having a traditional Christmas song like "Silent Night" to listen to.

If you are new to the music of Libera, "Angel Voices" is an excellent first experience overview of their music and is highly recommended. The Amazon price is not very expensive for such an excellent recording. If you own the other Libera CD's, the primary advantages of "Angel Voices" are that it features some of the newer soloists like Michael Horncastle, Tom Cully and James Vereycken (who also were featured on Libera - "Visions"); and it is the only recording that includes "Far Away".

I highly recommend "Angel Voices". The singing is excellent. I continue to be amazed at the musicianship and capability of these young men. It is a real joy to hear performers who can hit the pitch right-on every time and who can handle passages as difficult as some you will hear on this recording. The full digital "DDD" EMI recording is very good.

very good
This is an outstanding album. Most of the songs are very very good. However, two songs deserve special mention:

1. Far away. The best track I have every heard in a more than 10 years. Up-close and personal, with the piano in the background, lead singer's haunting, echoing voice, plus the backup vocalists. The lead singer had a very sincere, poignant timbre, and this resonates with me. The lyrics were full of meaning, and can be applied in both the secular and religious context. And when the tiered chorus comes in, with their angelic, interweaving voices, you'd find it very difficult to stop yourself being blown away. This track alone is worth the entire album.

2. Sanctus. An excellent interpretation of Pachelbel's Canon. Many have performed this before, but Libera's interpretation appeared to trump most of them. The "praise and worship" element is much clearer in this, which may not appeal to secularists. However, the music is very light and surreal. I felt being lifted up.

A Collection You Won't Be Able To Resist
Inside the liner notes, we learn that we're not supposed to call LIBERA a group of choir boys. Instead they should be considered group of vocalists or a "true boy band." Well I love all sorts of choral music, so considering them choir boys does not diminish their talent in my eyes. Since they sing such beautiful music, I'll be more than happy to consider them vocalists because they are top notch vocalists. As far as "true boy band" is concerned, as soon as I hear boy band I think of pure pop: N'Sync and Backstreet Boys, etc. Not that there's anything wrong with pop music, but Libera combines classical boy choir sounds, has difficult contemporary pieces as well as modern arrangements of traditional choral style music and has a sound that is uniquely its own. While it will have popular appeal, it's hardly pop.

The selections are varied and each is beautifully arranged and the performances are excellent. There are basic hymns such as "Abide With Me," "Be Still My Soul," "Going Home" and the English anthem "I Vow To Thee My Country." These tracks show the pure talent the group has as well as the originality of the arrangements. There are some powerful original tracks by Robert Prizeman. Most are based on religious themes: a Sanctus based on Pachelbel's Canon, an Ave Maria, a Salva Me, and a Recordare. There are some tracks that are so inventive and well performed, I had to listen to them over and over. See if you can listen to "Sanctus," "I Am The Day," or "Voca Me" just once. One track that is included that is beautiful, but a bit out of place is "Silent Night." However, it did make me think, perhaps there could be a Christmas collection in the future. As you can probably guess by now, I'm enthralled with this collection.

For some of the tracks this is not the first time they've been released. Libera has been around for a while but this collection is more than likely the one that will expose them to a wider audience. My guess is that this collection will have "crossover" appeal. Fans of Celtic Woman, Amici Forever, Il Divo, and other groups featured on PBS will certainly love it. People who enjoy light classical music will also be likely fans. Choral music buffs and opera lovers may scoff at first. Since I'm in this category it's an automatic first reaction. However, the beauty of the arrangements and musicianship of the group will easily win over even the most cynical music lover.

Perhaps they have a devilish side, typical of young lads the ages of these performers, but their voices are ethereal as the title of the recording ANGEL VOICES suggests.

Enjoy!