I hope this won't be taken the wrong way but I think you are absolutely wrong. only my opinion of course !
These guys definitely had opportunities to shine during live concerts. Album soloists is an entirely different thing and is not easy to manage I guess. There are less opportunities and we will never be satisfied with the number of solo recorded. I was not satisfied with the number of solos recorded for Merlin B. But albums are expansive and in limited number in time... and the voice peak might not match the time when the song is being recorded...
I trust the management to give opportunities to many boys to shine and lately their choices have shown skills at it I think. Look at Lewis Quinn having his Ave Maria solo for many years despite not always performing alone. Look at the great number of soloists during the Japan Tour this year. We have had duets and trios to give boys time to get confidence... Young ones are getting solos early when they have the capacity to do so... even on the album.
Might look like I always root for Libera but I really trust them to do a good job and deliver the best they can. They are 25 years old after all, so they must know what they are doing to some degree. And I don't know of any other choir with so many albums and records and videos and soloists with such regularity over 25 years...
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2024 2:05 am
by Mercurial909
Padmachou wrote: ↑<span title="Sat Nov 02, 2024 11:11 pm">1 month ago</span>
I hope this won't be taken the wrong way but I think you are absolutely wrong. only my opinion of course !
These guys definitely had opportunities to shine during live concerts. Album soloists is an entirely different thing and is not easy to manage I guess. There are less opportunities and we will never be satisfied with the number of solo recorded. I was not satisfied with the number of solos recorded for Merlin B. But albums are expansive and in limited number in time... and the voice peak might not match the time when the song is being recorded...
I trust the management to give opportunities to many boys to shine and lately their choices have shown skills at it I think. Look at Lewis Quinn having his Ave Maria solo for many years despite not always performing alone. Look at the great number of soloists during the Japan Tour this year. We have had duets and trios to give boys time to get confidence... Young ones are getting solos early when they have the capacity to do so... even on the album.
Might look like I always root for Libera but I really trust them to do a good job and deliver the best they can. They are 25 years old after all, so they must know what they are doing to some degree. And I don't know of any other choir with so many albums and records and videos and soloists with such regularity over 25 years...
Like I said, I’m glad the new album has a variety of soloists.
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2024 12:37 pm
by Cat-a-tonic
Padmachou wrote: ↑<span title="Fri Nov 01, 2024 3:29 pm">1 month ago</span>
I have decided on an economic choice this year, and will be waiting the Occidental album, so... one more month to go.
I'm in the same position. This month is going to seem very long! But it will be worth the wait.
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2024 9:05 pm
by fugalharmony
Well, I got my CD today. I'm pretty sure "Resurrectio" will be my favorite track. I just can't stop listening to it. It manages to be satisfying on an intellectual and emotional level, but also a lot of fun to listen to. I can't believe they didn't do a music video for this song, or did they!?
I liked Dido's Lament more than I thought I would. It's a good example of arranging a piece in such a way to make the best use of the voices you have. I think they could've waited another year for the soloist's voice to further develop before recording, but he was still pretty good. Having him do those descants later in the song was a departure from the original that I think worked well. I really like Ben Crawley's track as well. I feel like it will be a therapeutic song for those times when I'm anxious. I like how he puts in a "Scotch snap" twice starting at the 2:09 mark. I'll have to think about the other tracks more before commenting further.
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:49 pm
by Surpinto
"Resurrectio" is an amazing original composition from a compositional perspective and represents something very new and dynamic for Libera.
However, it's the Gershwin piece which, though perfectly executed, that seemed to be less original to my ears. I couldn't seem to put my finger on what it reminded me of until I remembered this:
It seems the now defunct American Boychoir performed a Gershwin piece years ago. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard them sing it live in concert. Libera's arrangement, though different, and with a different song, certainly reminds me of this. Of course it's the same composer so certain musical themes can be clearly heard.
Wondering if you or others who have listened to the new Libera album are hearing the same things as me here?
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 3:45 pm
by Yorkie
Surpinto wrote: ↑<span title="Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:49 pm">4 weeks ago</span>
"Resurrectio" is an amazing original composition from a compositional perspective and represents something very new and dynamic for Libera.
However, it's the Gershwin piece which, though perfectly executed, that seemed to be less original to my ears. I couldn't seem to put my finger on what it reminded me of until I remembered this:
It seems the now defunct American Boychoir performed a Gershwin piece years ago. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard them sing it live in concert. Libera's arrangement, though different, and with a different song, certainly reminds me of this. Of course it's the same composer so certain musical themes can be clearly heard.
Wondering if you or others who have listened to the new Libera album are hearing the same things as me here?
Dear me, no I have to say I don't hear any similarity between the two other than both being arranged around part of 'Rhapsody in Blue' (and different parts at that).
I have never really liked the style and sound of the ABC which reminds me of a1970s school choir. A decent school choir of course but very limited and one dimensional.
No, I'm still listening to 'Music was Born' and it is growing on me but it hasn't quite made it to my favourites list from the album yet.
It is another track that reminds me of something that I can't quite place - Dream you of. After the opening where it shifts to the solo I'm getting a vibe of Boys Air Choir or perhaps the Lol Perry Three Wings project Winchester College Quiristers. Not sure but it definitely feels familiar.
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2024 4:55 pm
by fugalharmony
I've been thinking about Raoul's two original Libera songs. I'm having a hard time deciding which one I like better. "Veni Sancte Spiritu" is a little cleaner sounding and the main theme is less 'quirky' than the theme of "Beati Quorum". "Beati Quorum" is arguably a little more exciting and inventive, but also a little messier (particularly in the more contrapuntal sections). I think the angular theme of "Beati Quorum" threw some people off, including me, but I got used to it. Another difference is that "Veni Sancte Spiritu" has a lot of shorter, separate phrases, while "Beati Quorum" tends to let it flow together more. "Veni Sancte Spiritu" has somewhat less tension overall than "Beati Quorum". Overall, "Veni Sancte" is more elegant, but "Beati Quorum" is more powerful.
Surpinto wrote: ↑<span title="Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:49 pm">4 weeks ago</span>
"Resurrectio" is an amazing original composition from a compositional perspective and represents something very new and dynamic for Libera.
However, it's the Gershwin piece which, though perfectly executed, that seemed to be less original to my ears. I couldn't seem to put my finger on what it reminded me of until I remembered this:
It seems the now defunct American Boychoir performed a Gershwin piece years ago. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard them sing it live in concert. Libera's arrangement, though different, and with a different song, certainly reminds me of this. Of course it's the same composer so certain musical themes can be clearly heard.
Wondering if you or others who have listened to the new Libera album are hearing the same things as me here?
Dear me, no I have to say I don't hear any similarity between the two other than both being arranged around part of 'Rhapsody in Blue' (and different parts at that).
I have never really liked the style and sound of the ABC which reminds me of a1970s school choir. A decent school choir of course but very limited and one dimensional.
No, I'm still listening to 'Music was Born' and it is growing on me but it hasn't quite made it to my favourites list from the album yet.
It is another track that reminds me of something that I can't quite place - Dream you of. After the opening where it shifts to the solo I'm getting a vibe of Boys Air Choir or perhaps the Lol Perry Three Wings project Winchester College Quiristers. Not sure but it definitely feels familiar.
Heh, fair enough though I disagree with you about ABC having been limited or one-dimensional. That aside though, I hear a few similar choices in arrangement for trebles on both pieces. Could just be me of course, and it wouldn't be the first time
As it was the most uncharacteristic of Libera songs to my ear compared to the rest of the album, I thought it warranted a bit more dialogue. With that said, I've grown to like it quite a bit. Though the ABC version was good too
fugalharmony wrote: ↑<span title="Tue Nov 05, 2024 4:55 pm">4 weeks ago</span>
I've been thinking about Raoul's two original Libera songs. I'm having a hard time deciding which one I like better. "Veni Sancte Spiritu" is a little cleaner sounding and the main theme is less 'quirky' than the theme of "Beati Quorum". "Beati Quorum" is arguably a little more exciting and inventive, but also a little messier (particularly in the more contrapuntal sections). I think the angular theme of "Beati Quorum" threw some people off, including me, but I got used to it. Another difference is that "Veni Sancte Spiritu" has a lot of shorter, separate phrases, while "Beati Quorum" tends to let it flow together more. "Veni Sancte Spiritu" has somewhat less tension overall than "Beati Quorum". Overall, "Veni Sancte" is more elegant, but "Beati Quorum" is more powerful.
I see where you're coming from. I have to say I like both of these and enjoy having a song or three like this in their repertoire (both concert and album). From what others have said the boys enjoy these songs the most also.
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2024 2:56 pm
by Egorbea2018
Are there any differences between the Japan album and the UK album?
Any additional songs in the Japan album?
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2024 4:31 pm
by Yorkie
Egorbea2018 wrote: ↑<span title="Mon Nov 11, 2024 2:56 pm">3 weeks ago</span>
Are there any differences between the Japan album and the UK album?
Any additional songs in the Japan album?
Not from the track list I've seen, it looks to be exactly the same.
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2024 5:59 pm
by dani
So are we expecting a video this Friday as we are still due two videos?
Re: Dream (new album 2024)
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2024 2:02 am
by justin
dani wrote: ↑<span title="Mon Nov 11, 2024 5:59 pm">3 weeks ago</span>
So are we expecting a video this Friday as we are still due two videos?
Isn't it three videos? Once, Dido's Lament and Happy Xmas