Product Description

Libera is the extraordinary vocal group made up of no less than 24 boys aged 7-16 who meet for several hours every week at a church in South London to rehearse and perform. Visions, amply demonstrates their musical prowess; with shimmering, mystical chords and exquisite harmonies, Libera prove they really are unique. Of the13 tracks on the album, some will sound familiar such as 'Locus Iste', which is based on Johann Pachelbel's (1653-1706) famous piece, 'Canon', a piece of baroque music that has been interpreted by many over the years, even finding its way into modern pop music. There's an entirely original arrangement of 'Ave Maria' and an uplifting version of the traditional hymn, 'Abide With Me' (words: Henry Lyte, 1847. Music: William Monk, 1861). The remaining tracks are entirely original with titles like 'New Day', 'Sing Forever' and 'Something Sings'. Several new soloists are featured: Michael Horncastle, Conor O'Donnell, Tom Cully, Joseph Sanders-Wilde, Callum Payne, and James Verecken.

Track Listing

1. Locus iste (Sanctus)
2. Always With You
3. Ave Maria
4. Libera
5. Sempiterna
6. Prayer (From Hansel & Gretel)
7. Recordare
8. Wings Of A Dove
9. Something Sings
10. New Day
11. We Are The Lost
12. Sing For Ever
13. Abide With Me

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42712 in Music
• Released on: 2005-11-07
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds
• Running time: 52 minutes

Customer Reviews

Superb Libera CD
As with all their previous CDs, Libera can always be relied upon to produce a superb musical experience. From the early days in 1988 when they were known as St. Philip's Choir, through to 1998 under the name Angel Voices, and now with the name Libera, they have never failed to produce anything less than sheer perfection. Despite this CD coming out only a year after their previous best selling CD Free, in 2004, there are new soloists yet the familiar distinctive Libera sound is still evident. This CD has slightly less use of lower voices and electronic accompaniment than Free but it is just as excellent. Michael Horncastle, Conor O'Donnell, Tom Cully and James Vereycken provide some excellent solo tracks and others help provide duets - Joseph Sanders-Wilde and Callum Payne. Some of the tracks are new compositions and arrangements by choirmaster Robert Prizeman, the best of which include Wings of a Dove [ not to be confused with the traditional O for the wings of a dove ], Recordare and Always With You. Older familiar Prizeman compositions are heard again here but with the new voices, they are just as welcome as the first time round - eg Libera and Sing for Ever.

Buy this CD if you wish to hear the highest quality music performed by such talented, experienced youngsters.

Another Superb Album!
When I heard that Libera had another album due for release only twelve months after their last one, I wondered if the standard of 'Free' could be repeated with 'Visions'. I need not have worried. The quality is every bit as good and in some cases improved upon. Changes in personnel (necessitated by biological progression!) do not trouble Libera as they seem to have an endless supply of top quality soloists apparent in many of these tracks. If, like me, you have all of their recordings dating back to their 'Angel Voices' albums, you may notice that some of the tracks on 'Visions' are already on some of their earlier offerings. Don't let this put you off. They are completely different arrangements and sound as fresh as the originals. To sum up, Libera have again achieved the impossible: they have not only maintained the quality of their earlier recordings but they have surpassed it! Another superb must-buy album!

Another enchanting album...
Since Mercredi Libre, There just isn't enough music of this kind out there, which is such a shame. I have all of Libera's albums and having listened to them many times, their latest offering is splendid and does not disappoint.

Unlike the generic choir renditions, Libera has a more popular, rather than classical approach to their format. This gives them a completely unique sound that is so enchanting; it sends ripples down your spine. I personally much prefer it to straightforward choir singing.

"Always With You" will be a particular favourite... It's a charming melancholic track, a beautiful solo & support piece. "Wings of a Dove" on the other hand is more upbeat and is rather appropriately titled!

In future albums, I would love to see their style develop into something even more adventurous. The world needs another Mercredi Libre album for sure. Just imagine if Libera sang their renditions of "J'te Demande Pas" or "Non Non Rien N'a Change" ... Enough to blow the mind!

But Visions is a truly worthy album that emerges as more sophisticated than previous incarnations. Admirable and captivating. Highly recommended.