
After watching it for the second time, I can say this concert is a real breath of fresh air. How much I missed them.
I must say that I am absolutely amazed by the quality of the performance, as we know the specific rehearsing conditions (if "rehearsing" is even the appropriate term) the group had to go through lately, due to the constraints imposed by the pandemic context. Reading Robert Prizeman's note on the souvenir program - very interesting to learn more about how Libera handled the lockdown and then the restrictions - I was really expecting something a bit sketchy. Quite the opposite, we got the very high level of performance which Libera has accustomed us to, even including - how dare they - new songs! In fact, only some details remind us of the particular context: the masked boys, their early arrival on stage turning their backs to the audience, the obligatory spacing which leaves no room for choreography.
I was also surprised by the quality of the audio recording, and happy to see that the filming restrictions still allowed shooting from multiple angles, so that it doesn’t feel too static.
Let Me Make Songs for the People. This previously unheard track left me with very few impressions the first time I heard it, yet I really enjoyed it on the second listen. It is a hymn with unsurprising though very varied arrangements, a song that gains some depth with each new listen. For me this piece felt like a love letter by Prizeman for his art (he composed the music) with the feeling that whatever happens, this music must go on.
In the Bleak Midwinter. I am very impressed by Dominik's performance throughout the whole concert, with impeccable pitch from start to end, without apparent effort, brilliant through every solo or descant – the latter stand out especially well in the mix. Magnificent.
Walking in the Air. Although this track has been over-recorded by many artists, I still remember the chills when I first heard Libera’s version - sung by Luca - on the last album. Love the solo part as much as the arrangements. Luca is truly phenomenal, and again, what a voice!
Ding Dong Merrily. I have always loved this song, it is kind of an ode to joy for me, not to mention the medieval arrangements that I am very fond of. For this live version the clarity of the vocals is incredible despite the hectic tempo, melodic tangle and frenetic delivery. I still can't figure out how they manage to catch their breath for the final take off. Once again I really like how certain voices stand out and allow us to appreciate certain components that are usually more subdued, like Luca on the a capella section.
If. Another new, lovely piece, very dramatic, with this hammering piano that counterbalances the slowness of the melody and adds much tension. Daniel delivers a solo that, although sometimes slightly off pitch, is really poignant. I can't wait to discover a studio version with the music video coming soon.
Sing Lullaby. I remember it wasn't one of the songs that touched me the most on the last album, but the more I listen to it the more captivating it gets. Dominik's solo is superb, delivered with a plain, gentle mastery.
The Angel Gabriel. Glad to find this song in the setlist. Even though it is a quite conventional piece, there is some melancholy about the melody and Victor's voice quality that carries me away every time.
Carol of the Bells. Now a classic in the repertoire, firstly released almost 10 years ago (!) Very happy to hear "Small Daniel's" voice on the finale, giving a feeling of self-confidence and clarity. Once again the mix allows us to clearly hear Dominik’s perfectly pitched descants.
Deep Peace. I’m quite unconvinced by this chorus version of the main part, but we know it was quite a last minute change. Fortunately enough, we can cherish a recording of Tadhg in solo on last June’s Ave Maria.
Noël Nouvelet. I was really delighted to see that this piece made it to the setlist. This is my favorite track on the last Christmas album, with its medieval arrangements and Oliver's solo. On this live version his voice and Frederick's combine very well. I also find Frederick is an excellent speaker - his diction deserves some praise.
Poor Little Jesus. I don't know why I didn’t give this track more attention when I first listened to it on the last album. Now this version really moved me, it's powerful and melancholic. And Luca excels once again on his solo.
Total Praise. Just like the piece above, I am surprised to rate it as one of my favorite tracks from the concert, although I had skipped it quite easily until then (I think I got stuck on the first WYD version). I especially like how the voices stand out very clearly on the final, powerful crescendo.
Sing For Our World. New song, loved it. We're quite off the usual tracks, and I'm totally hooked. At first I wondered what exotic instrument they were using at the beginning of the song, before realizing it was the boys' voices! In some parts the vocal fireworks even reminded me of this song by Angel Voices. It’s rhythmic, catchy, with a very pleasant melody, like a film soundtrack telling a story. Very suitable for the end of a concert and, thematically speaking, a perfect fit for the current context.
I Saw Three Ships. Another song that I really enjoy, happy and catchy, perfect to conclude a concert that feels like coming back home after a long day.
Thank you Libera and SJSS for allowing us to experience a beautiful moment.
