Search - Libera :: Peace

Is there life after Tom Cully?

S. Tarant MD | Midlothian, VA USA | 05/03/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Libera's latest album, Peace, leaves no doubt that even with the inevitable huge turnover experienced by a children's choir (Tom Cully sings but one solo, Josh Madine sings mostly tenor, apparently absent are are Sam, Liam and the old gang prominently displayed in the past), Robert Prizeman and Ian Tilley are the heart and soul of this remarkable choir, and Libera lives on in all its musical glory. Although Josh Madine might not be able to hit the high notes, "mini" Ben, whose skills as a soloist I suspect might have been heretofore underappreciated, is featured heavily in this album. Ben is up to the task and his voice has reached its mature childhood peak: high, beautiful and rich. The music? Some of these tracks have to be among the best ever recorded by this incredible group and will indubitably enter the annals of their greatest works. The album has a whimisical madrigal-like track (Exsulate, with a brilliant mini-Ben solo), other breathtaking melodies (Time, Faithful Heart, Gaelic Blessing, Lead Kindly Light) and Libera's trademark soaring harmonies featured throughout. Don't walk, run to buy this choral treasure."

Sharp production and soft voices caught me off guard!

Larry Trammell | Seattle, WA USA | 04/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This wasn't the surprise I expected! You won't find a dense orchestral sound like "Gloria" from the "New Dawn" album, or the disconnected time/space feeling of the early Libera recordings. But Prizeman and Tilley have a knack for what works with resources at hand - in this case an unusual collection of delightfully soft voices. Simplifications in orchestration keep the voices in front, while maintaining an internal crispness. Josh Madine's amazing sweet voice has smoothed and strengthened - if you thought his performance of "Secret" on the "New Dawn" album was great, you have a treat in store from "Faithful Heart." The pure small voice of "Mini" Ben Philipp is stronger, and look for his work on "Sanctissima" and the nimble "Exsultate".



As for recycled material, the generic "Panis Angelicus" (previously recorded in the "Angel Voices" series) comes off predictably generic, but still a good platform for developing soloist Daniel Fontannaz. Libera devotees will recognize the lyrics of "Attendite" from the "Luminosa" album in "Gaelic Blessing," here with a different tune from John Rutter. The only direct remake is "Lacrymosa" from the "Free" album. Perhaps not a good idea. While the performance is fine, grandmaster "Big" Ben Crawley could sell such a pretentious thing, while pretense is not "Mini" Ben Philipp's best suit.



What amazes me is the quality of the performances from the new additions. Stefan Leadbeater - where did this guy come from? - does some fine backup work on "Gaelic Blessing" and solo work on "How Shall I Sing That Majesty." And James Mordount sounds so very young in his "Touch the Sky," reminiscent of a very young Liam O'Kane.



I loved "New Dawn," and expected less from this release. This was a welcome surprise, crystal sharp from beginning to end. Stingy as I am with 5-star ratings, this is fully deserving, among Libera's best."

An Exquisite Garden of Tranquility

Norats Inthecorn | Redding, California | 04/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Libera's latest recording, "PEACE", is simply a masterpiece. The voices, the harmonies, the orchestration - all of it is absolutely perfect. The mood is reverent, joyful, often exuberant and, yes, peaceful. Subsequent listenings only enhance one's appreciation of the unique beauty that blooms and then reblooms in each individual song. PEACE is an English rose garden in summer, full of delight and the wonder of perennial rebirth, each lovely bloom innately content in the glory of its existance, fully accepting of its inevitable return to its Creator.



Oh, if we could possess that perfect serenity.



Now, on to the nuts and bolts: There is little I can add here that has not already been said in others' reviews of this album. If you're a person who likes to ponder the lyrics (as I do), there are many lyrical gems here. Robert Prizeman has written lyrics for many of the songs: "Time" is a beautiful meditation on the eternity of God, that circle of time that has no discernable past, present or future (just try to find the beginning of a circle!); "Lacrymosa," of which there is a new arrangement, is a celebration of God's all-encompassing omnipotence and our dependence upon Him; "Lead, Kindly Light" a plea for His protection and guidance; "The Fountain", co-written with Ben Crawley, is a prayer about our need for comfort, strength and renewal to conquer the occassional despondency we all experience in our lives. A frequent and very talented contributor to the Libera songbook, Mr. Crawley again contributes to PEACE with his delightful ode to childhood wonder and untethered imagination, "Touch the Sky."



I would be remiss not to give special recognition to "Faithful Heart" (words and music by Beth Nielsen Chapman), in my opinion the most beautiful cut on this album. It is profound because of its simplicity, affirming because of its sincerity. I am so glad Mr. Prizeman included it in the finished product.



Yet, it is difficult, and really not necessary, to choose a favorite. Each offering stands on its own.



The Voices: These kids are the best of the best, and Prizeman brings out each brilliant vocal talent in his richly layered arrangements. There is no slacking here, no "that wasn't perfect, but it'll do" pandering. Mr. Prizeman recognizes the potential in each singer, and by the results on this album, he's settled for nothing short of that potential. These boys take their task seriously, and their dilligence is evident in each perfect intonation, each perfect note.



Hence, the pleasure of listening to Libera's PEACE is akin to a respite in a luscious English rose garden. The voices, the very individual spirits of these children, are like the petals on a rose, each interdependent and supportive of the other, resulting in the most exquisite of blooms.



How perfect, how utterly serene in its completion. This is Libera's Garden of Tranquility.



Lucky, lucky us."