Yes, it was really a great concert. And even the weather was friendly - so it was a real pleasure to queue up for a short while and to met old and new members. Unfortunately we didn't know about what to talk and so it was a big silence in the queue.
As usual not in time the doors opened and the Fans went slowly in and took they places.
And then: Lights off. The hole church was filled up with a big amount of people and a bigger amount of darkness. It was really so dark, that Robert Prizeman had to leave his right hand more then two times until it was seen by the musiciens or by the staff to call the boys in. They arrived from the right side and you could only see them shadowy. On stage they startet with
'Jubilate' (the same version like on the Christmas CD) and went over fluently to
'Libera'.
Next then the
speak from Barney and Cassius. They presented the choir and some of the 'old' boys and informed us that there are also five newbies which are for the first time on stage (a warm welcome in the name of Libera-Dreams to them).
'
Joy to the world' brought me then slowly the 'Christmas-feeling' which was completly mountet with
'Still, Still, Still' sung by Ralph with an amazing amount of warmth and feeling in the song. Definitifly one of my favorite song. Also the next song
'Song of Life' was sung by Ralph. Maybe a little bit deeper then at Epsom, but still 'formidable' (I learned that it is important to put some french expressions into a review, because this shows you up as an expert
).
Cassius and Michael started then with her speak where they presented 'Moose' - oh, sorry 'Christmas-Moose'. As he's a bit vain, he has made himself with some Christmas ornaments even more beautiful. It continued with
'Sanctus' with the high parts sung by Stefan. This made me feel a little bit sad because I expected to hear the soft voice of Jakob (sorry Stefan - nothing against your voice
).
On
'Salva' I could not recognize who sung the high notes. From the voice I think it was Matthew RA but it was covered from the big boys and so I couldn't see him. Now I had a surprise:
'Stay with me' sung by Daniel and supported by Cassius. Also this song a little bit deeper in tone but in wonderful harmony with Cassius clear voice. Perfect.
'Hi, I'm Jude...' with his speak he introduced the musicians and of course also the Music-Director Robert Prizmann which apparently can not decide between the piano and keyboard (so Jude).
'Veni Emanuel' sung by Josh and Ralph. The highlight for me. The choir had pulled up their hoods and in front of the choir on the left side were Josh and Ralph. And then I couldn't belive what I heared, when Josh started to sing. His voice was full of emotions. I felt such a deep peace and also the deep desire that is described in the text, unbelievable. At this time it was Christmas for me.
The last piece before the interval was
'Exultate' and I remarked once more from the boys faces that this is a song which they like. Special the younger ones - could the reason be the steps they are doing?
The second half (which usually pass more quickly as the short first half) started with
'Carol of the Bells'. Well, each one of us know the Video about this incredible speedy Christmas Song. And I remember that there was some negative comments about the quick cuts in it. The choreography on stage was in the same way. There was so many movements in the same sequences as the song is build up and yes, I loved it and I'm pretty sure I was not the only one who rocked back and forth to the beat. I think to sing this song in this speed is not so easy, at least I had the impression that the boys was been very, very concentrated and they brought it without any error. And even that the 'Solo' is only a mini-nano-solo, Cassius is the right one to sing it. The reason? In this short sequence this nice little rascal looks like an angel. Ahm - little rascal in a positive sence, I think boys in this age have to be this
.
Unfortunately Camille Saint-Saëns was - my personal meaning - not present when
'Gloria' was sung. But I think he would like it as I did. The next speak has for me something like 'Dinner for one'. It doesn't matter how many times I see it - I have to laugh every time. The story about the nice white robes with the huge hood. This time it was
Barney as speaker and Cassius as 'comedian'. No way to explain it - you have to see it.
Once more Ralph acted as soloist, supported by Kavana in
'The Fountain'. No comments about Ralphs great voice, but have you ever noticed the range of Kavanas voice? I wonder if I ever hear a solo from him - I hope so.
The concert goes on with
'Eternal Light' with Stefan as soloist. His excursion into the world of opera has left its mark. So he moved his mouth very different then before and also his voice has a different 'timbre' since he was in Vienna.
For the next song
'Sing the Story' with Luke as soloist, I was very critical as this is one of my favorite since years. My comment: Sing it again, Luke!
Each time when
Liam or another of the 'Old Fellows' start his speak, I know that the concerts goes to its end. Maybe this has to do that usually he talks about the changement of the voice, which corresponds to the changements on the stage? On the other side, isn't this the 'Salt' of a concert? To see and hear the changes respectively the development from 'Newbie' to 'Senior'?
Let's go on -
'Ave Verum' with Carlos as soloist. I like this song, not only for the melody and the text but also for the choreografie. The boys are walking around and it looks a little chaotic - and in the end there is a perfect 'V' with the biggest boys on the head and descending to the 'Minis' or 'Nanos'.
'In Dulci Jubilo' was also great to listen to. Even that it's not really one of my favorites I did enjoy it.
I was very curious for Eoghan as soloist. Since I was not in the States or Philippines, I have not had the pleasure to hear him. With
'Glory to Thee', the time had come. Wow, what a great voice. Hopefully he is quite a long time at Libera.
Now it was (sadly) time for the
Goodbye-Speech. Which was held by Nano-Ben. He told how he comes to his nickname. A true joy to listen to him and I'm sure that he has conquered all hearts of the audience by storm.
The final song then was
'How shall I sing that majesty' and it ended in a big, big, standing ovation. As Encore we received
'White Christmas' with Stefan as Soloist. And after that, once more a big standing ovation and it was really nice to see the joy about the ovation in the boys faces.
The only thing I can say now, is a big big 'Thankie' to the boys and the staff for this great performance.