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Track Listings
| 1. Sanctissima |
| 2. Time |
| 3. Ave Virgo (based on a theme from Mozart's Clarinet Concerto) |
| 4. Faithful Heart |
| 5. Gaelic Blessing (Deep Peace) |
| 6. Exsulate |
| 7. How shall we sing that majesty |
| 8. Lacrymosa (based on 'Aquarium' from 'Carnival of the Animals') |
| 9. Adoro Te |
| 10. Lead Kindly Light |
| 11. Panis Angelicus |
| 12. Touch the Sky |
| 13. The Fountain (based on Prelude in C Minor) |
Product Description
Review
Libera, the decade-spanning, revolving-door-style boys’ choral ensemble, clearly fulfils several different roles for both listener and artist. It’s a non-profit organisation that fosters the talents of young Londoners from all backgrounds, whisks them around the world on tours and lets them record popular albums – all unquestionably good things for seven-to-10-year-olds to be doing. What, though, can be said of the final and lasting product, ie the albums? Peace is their 17th, and offers nothing in the way of musical innovation, but plenty in the way of fuel for cynics.
Broadly, you might describe Peace as a hybrid of New Age and classical – the instrumentation is sparse and largely electronically manipulated, but takes its source material from a light classical and choral canon. Consequently, we hear recognisable and unchallenging melodies from the Adagio from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto (here delivered too fast and robbed of all maturity), an almost-obligatory John Rutter number and several traditional works, mostly arranged by Libera’s mastermind, Robert Prizeman.
As director, Prizeman’s influence looms long over Libera. Because it is an ensemble made up of children, one suspects that any stylistic decisions come from either Prizeman or other, more industrial figures. The boys are decked in now-trademark monastic white robes on the sleeve and, more disturbingly, appear on the back cover wearing identical white hoodies, black trousers and Cons, as if they’re on some kind of choral downtime. This, though invisible to the dedicated audience, is packaging to make a saleable whole. With better direction and handling (doing away with the robes would be the first thing to do), they would stand a chance of making an album of worthwhile artistry – this current model can only continue to tread water.
Of course, the point of Libera isn’t the quality of the albums they release; it’s the fact that they exist at all. Peace is not the vehicle to afford Libera a significant increase in either popularity or authenticity, but it is the one to be strategically released in time for Mother’s Day, bring a smile to said mothers’ faces and provide enough interest and money to last until the next one. They might do better in critical circles to steer away from the cult-ish robes, cringe-worthy photography and banal arrangements of standard repertoire, but it’s clear that if ever there was an ensemble that had no cares for what the critics thought about them, it’s Libera. --Daniel Ross
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Product Description
CD
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Jeff Carter
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
If I'm being honest, it was with some trepidation that I purchased this item. You see, I already possess the original 'Peace' CD and, excellent though it is, I had my doubts about buying the deluxe edition just to have a few additional bonus tracks.
But I need not have worried. The extra tracks alone are worth the price of this absolutely sensational collection. And when you consider that there is also a beautifully produced DVD with no fewer than five of Libera's finest songs, including the superb 'Lullabye', an 'Introducing Libera' item featuring footage at their recent Arundel concert (in which you can clearly see the light reflecting from the back of my head, incidentaly) and a 'Behind The Scenes' piece that demonstrates how the magic of a concert is put together, you get some idea of the magnificence of this collectors' item.
You will note that I have awarded it five stars but this does not accurately reflect my thoughts. I awarded the same number to the original 'Peace' CD but I want to give this version more...much more. But until Amazon amends its review template, five is all I can offer.
But take it from me, double that number would not be inappropriate.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT 21/02/11:
Having listened to the additional tracks many times now, I find myself repeatedly asking the question: Has there ever been a better song written than Eternal Light? A superb song performed and produced brilliantly! I really am running out of superlatives to describe this amazing album!!! Add a few more stars...
But I need not have worried. The extra tracks alone are worth the price of this absolutely sensational collection. And when you consider that there is also a beautifully produced DVD with no fewer than five of Libera's finest songs, including the superb 'Lullabye', an 'Introducing Libera' item featuring footage at their recent Arundel concert (in which you can clearly see the light reflecting from the back of my head, incidentaly) and a 'Behind The Scenes' piece that demonstrates how the magic of a concert is put together, you get some idea of the magnificence of this collectors' item.
You will note that I have awarded it five stars but this does not accurately reflect my thoughts. I awarded the same number to the original 'Peace' CD but I want to give this version more...much more. But until Amazon amends its review template, five is all I can offer.
But take it from me, double that number would not be inappropriate.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT 21/02/11:
Having listened to the additional tracks many times now, I find myself repeatedly asking the question: Has there ever been a better song written than Eternal Light? A superb song performed and produced brilliantly! I really am running out of superlatives to describe this amazing album!!! Add a few more stars...
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The tracklist is now official and looks like this:
1. Sanctissima
2. Time
3. Ave Virgo (based on a theme from Mozart's Clarinet Concerto)
4. Faithful Heart
5. Gaelic Blessing (Deep Peace)
6. Exsultate
7. How shall we sing that majesty
8. Lacrymosa
9. Adoro Te
10. Lead Kindly Light
11. Panis Angelicus
12. Touch the Sky
13. The Fountain
I've had the pleasure to listen to tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 13 and I'm in tears... It must be the most beutiful music ever created.
O Santissima has been available for some time on Libera's websites as well as the video of the beautiful and dreamy Time.
Ave Virgo (Mozart) is a real classic piece of music that is performed with beautiful solos and choir. The soft instrumental music accompanying the singing is just lovely.
Exsultate is a song in a medieval spirit with an amazing a capella start by Ben Philipp. Very happy and up-spirit song.
Lacrymosa is a well known song by Libera but in a new recording with Ben Philipp as soloist.
The Fountain is a song with beautiful harmonies including some deeper voices that blends perfectly with the treble voices of the younger members. The solo is just out of this world.
This is a CD that will open the eyes and ears for many people that has never heard of Libera before. It is really a must!
1. Sanctissima
2. Time
3. Ave Virgo (based on a theme from Mozart's Clarinet Concerto)
4. Faithful Heart
5. Gaelic Blessing (Deep Peace)
6. Exsultate
7. How shall we sing that majesty
8. Lacrymosa
9. Adoro Te
10. Lead Kindly Light
11. Panis Angelicus
12. Touch the Sky
13. The Fountain
I've had the pleasure to listen to tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 13 and I'm in tears... It must be the most beutiful music ever created.
O Santissima has been available for some time on Libera's websites as well as the video of the beautiful and dreamy Time.
Ave Virgo (Mozart) is a real classic piece of music that is performed with beautiful solos and choir. The soft instrumental music accompanying the singing is just lovely.
Exsultate is a song in a medieval spirit with an amazing a capella start by Ben Philipp. Very happy and up-spirit song.
Lacrymosa is a well known song by Libera but in a new recording with Ben Philipp as soloist.
The Fountain is a song with beautiful harmonies including some deeper voices that blends perfectly with the treble voices of the younger members. The solo is just out of this world.
This is a CD that will open the eyes and ears for many people that has never heard of Libera before. It is really a must!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Although I already had the standard edition of PEACE, the additional songs, plus the DVD included made me get this edition for Christmas, and I was not disappointed.
The original songs were (are) excellent, so the additional ones just add to the pleasure the magnificent harmonies conjured by Robert Prizeman bring to you. It was, and is, even more interesting when you see the new lineup of soloists. Some new names are among them, but also some "old" ones, whom we had not heard leading a song before.
As usual, the songs are all very good; excellent, I should say. Mr. Prizeman has the ability to select just the particular voice he wants, and then he works his magic to complement it with the harmonies provided by the rest of the group. The result is always most satisfying.
And then we have the DVD, which offers five songs, some new, some "old", and a couple of opportunities to see the boys behind the scenes and talking freely about themselves and the group. For those who have not had the pleasure to seeing these boys performing live, this DVD offers a window through which you can get an idea of what that is like... who are the boys singing... and how do they act, play and talk when not on stage. If you are among those lucky to have seen them live... well, re-live that magnificent experience through this DVD!
The 18-month desk calendar (with lyrics to 18 songs) AND the signed mini-poster, are just "the cherry on top" for this delightful audio dessert.
The original songs were (are) excellent, so the additional ones just add to the pleasure the magnificent harmonies conjured by Robert Prizeman bring to you. It was, and is, even more interesting when you see the new lineup of soloists. Some new names are among them, but also some "old" ones, whom we had not heard leading a song before.
As usual, the songs are all very good; excellent, I should say. Mr. Prizeman has the ability to select just the particular voice he wants, and then he works his magic to complement it with the harmonies provided by the rest of the group. The result is always most satisfying.
And then we have the DVD, which offers five songs, some new, some "old", and a couple of opportunities to see the boys behind the scenes and talking freely about themselves and the group. For those who have not had the pleasure to seeing these boys performing live, this DVD offers a window through which you can get an idea of what that is like... who are the boys singing... and how do they act, play and talk when not on stage. If you are among those lucky to have seen them live... well, re-live that magnificent experience through this DVD!
The 18-month desk calendar (with lyrics to 18 songs) AND the signed mini-poster, are just "the cherry on top" for this delightful audio dessert.
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4.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Sound
This is a lovely album, ideal for background or relaxing, definitely worth getting the deluxe edition, as we have had both, but this one is worth the extra cost. Read more
Published 3 months ago by C. Padmore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely.
I bought this for my husband for Christmas and he loves it. He says it's his 'stress buster' CD. I would recommend this to anyone who loves slightly ethereal, beautiful young... Read more
Published 3 months ago by JaneU
5.0 out of 5 stars
Peace Album - Libera
Sooo relaxing. I love the arrangements and harmonies. Beautiful voices.
Makes good Christmas listening and a real change from the usual.
Makes good Christmas listening and a real change from the usual.
Published 3 months ago by evegrea
3.0 out of 5 stars
Uninspiring and average
Nondescript recording, not really awful but also not particularly great. You don't get the impression that any particular care was taken with the arrangements or accompaniments. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Réalisation et présentation
La réalisation est techniquement impeccable, mais le meilleur c'est la présentation (gestuelle, mise en scène)des vidéos; Très intéressant... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Michel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Owning a Piece of Heaven
After hearing the songs from Peace (Deluxe Edition) on YouTube and other places. I wanted the album. Only problem was I came late to the party. Read more
Published 10 months ago by LiberaGrandpa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding
I have been a fan of Libera for only 8 months now but I have every album they have ever released. I have listened to them none stop at home in the car on my Ipod. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Everhappy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
Libera just continues to get better and better with the release of "Peace", the sound technology just improves with each CD release! Very highly recommended!
Published 17 months ago by A. P. Luckwill
4.0 out of 5 stars
If you like your choirs extra sugary
Prizeman has the tonal language of Karl (Adiemus) Jenkins, but eschews the percussive/ethnic language in favour of a sound halfway between Faure and the sugary simplicity of... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mr. I. M. Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply beautiful
I have alot of Libera cds and find them lovely but sameish. Peace is slightly different, it has a more modern approach and is simply beautiful. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mrs. L. M. Dicken
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