Time to post my review
I haven't read any other reviews, so I have no idea if I just repeat or completely contradict what others have written
Robert and the boys have created a masterpiece with Beyond. This might well prove to be their finest effort. It seems so much more one complete whole than any other album before, save for Luminosa. In fact, Luminosa is what Beyond reminds me of the most, because of the consistent style and atmosphere throughout the album. Style meaning the orchestral sound and atmosphere meaning an atmosphere of prayer. Because, except for Do Not Stand (and possibly For the Future), the entire album is made up of prayers: prayers for mercy and prayers of praise. It is also the album with the most prayers to the Virgin Mary - two Ave Marias, Salve Regina and Mother of God. Not only that, more than half of the songs are entirely in Latin. All in all, this album feels like one continuous liturgy of prayer.
As said, there is the exception of
Do Not Stand, which is not so much a prayer as a message - from 'beyond', if you will. A poem, sent by the deceased to the loved ones who stayed behind. Thematically, it fits perfectly with the rest of the songs, which alternate between pleading for mercy and singing God's praise - in other words, alternating between this world and the one 'beyond'. Do Not Stand doesn't just tread the line that lies between those two worlds, it actually crosses it - it is a song from 'beyond', explaining how the deceased is no longer in the grave, but has gone and become part of the rain, the stars, the birds... in other words, all the living world around us.
To be honest, I am not sure exactly how
For the Future fits in this consistent theme, but as it is a bonus song for the Japanese market, it stands on its own anyway. Musically it sounds so light and lovely, it always cheers me up. I really enjoy the playfulness of all the different voices and languages.
Has anyone ventured a translation of the lyrics yet? I had an interesting discussion about the lyrics with a few Japanese fans, who explained that the lyrics are a bit ambiguous. They refer to motivation and discipline, but also leave it open to remain free in your choice. Perhaps someone can enlighten us on the exact meaning. Or maybe I can one day translate it myself - as I am now hoping to learn how to read and write Japanese, after visiting Tokyo for the tour and falling in love with the country and its culture.
The song is for me forever connected to that tour and in fact, this whole album is very much connected to the series of concerts I attended this year. So hearing it also brings memories of those concerts. I see Daniel standing proudly in the spotlight, singing
The Prayer, taking his time so calmly for those long notes. I see the boys in an arc of light singing
Sanctus with those cheerful hosannas. I remember Merlin in the middle and the boys in a semi-circle around him, and the joy of hearing that rich sound of
Robert's Ave Maria. As for
Voca Me, I now picture Leo on the right side of the stage, next to the musicians, and Rocco fully concentrated mid-stage, building up the tension for the song's finale.
And then there is
In Paradisum - it had its premiere in Ely and has moved me deeply ever since. The song has been almost like a theme song for 2018, including the video - I still remember the first time I saw that and how much it intrigued and (again) moved me.
So 'Beyond' is different from other Libera albums in the sense that my first full listening experience already brought with it some beautiful memories.
There was and is ofcourse still much that is new and to be discovered:
Gabe on the
Caccini Ave Maria -
wow! It sounds both classic and fresh, like a beautiful spring morning. His legato is stunning - it reminds me of how our choir director tries to teach us to sing more legato - I can now have this example in my head
Salve Regina - what a treat to have new version with more solo work
Rocco is great at shaping the notes of Schubert's lovely melody. The shorter version also sounds fresher.
Lacrymosa has a kind of pulsing energy which gives it a living, breathing quality, very different from previous versions. Like it was re-invented.
Do Not Stand has both a seriousness and gentleness to it that I have not heard before. It is as if Gabe is singing from within the meaning of the words. I totally believe him when I hear him. There is a hint of sadness, of the acknowledgement of loss, but ultimately comfort. Gabe proves to be an exceptional soloist on this album.
Benedictus Deus - Leo polishes the notes with ease and grace and the entire song is just heavenly. Talk of singing from 'beyond'! Just in time it quiets down, to make room for the last song on the album (not counting the bonus song).
Mother of God sounds so gentle and smooth. How beautiful. A remarkable song choice, too: unaccompanied, using very serious words and finishing so quietly. Like candlelight in a silent chapel.
The album opens with a stunning prayer to the Virgin Mary and ends with one as well. In between are many more prayers, a journey to and from 'beyond'. How perfect.
Thanks for the review Maartendas. So you see the album as a constant prayer? It did not occur to me to classify the album this way, but I see exactly where you are coming from. From that vantage point the entire album has a more holistic quality than what I had thought. 