Music Review: Libera: Angels Sing--Libera in America
alec vanderboom
This Easter give the gift of music to your children and First Communion recipients! The award winning British Boy Choir has a new CD/DVD, a PBS special and a US Tour for their new album, "Angels Sing-Libera in America."
Libera is an amazing choir who has sung everywhere. Libera sang at the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium, the Kennedy Center Honors, and (my husband's favorite sign of a good band) on the Tonight Show.
If you can't get to a Libera Easter Concert, (or the thought of combining your young children with classical music makes you cringe) you can still enjoy some beautiful hymns inside your own home. Libera has a newly released DVD and CD called Angels Sing- Libera in America.
The Libera DVD was filmed live at 2014 concert inside of the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. The lush combination of 40 clear children's voices with a live orchestra against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful churches in North America can't be missed. I was so pleased to see the wide range of hymns included in this concert. So often my beautiful church music CDs are limited only to Christmas music. This DVD includes; "How Can I Keep From Singing?", "Ave Maria", and "How Great Thou Art."
I played the DVD for my 2 year old and 4 year old whose musical tastes are pretty much limited only to tunes from the Frozen soundtrack. My 2 year old said spontaneously "I love this music!" My 4 year old was initially shocked that their were no girls in the choir. (Yes, that's what a boy choir means!) However, she listened to the rest of the concert attentively and quietly. My two girls got through 3 songs peacefully with me, which is pretty much equal to a standing ovation from the preschool set.
I often fill up children's Easter baskets with so much junk. This Libera DVD is truly "candy for my ears!" There is something beautiful and instantly uplifting about hearing a hymn. I'm keeping this DVD in the DVD player for the rest of Lent. This choir DVD is such a feast for my eyes and my ears, it is an easy way to get a more prayerful attitude in my life. "She who sings prays twice!" I hope other families are able to experience the beautiful music inside the jewel of a setting that is our Washington DC landmark, the National Basilica.
The Libera DVD is going for $14.99 on Amazon. The CD is also $14.99 and MP3 is $9.49. There is also a chance to buy the songs individually for 99 cents each.
Many thanks to Allied Faith & Family who helped me review this DVD. If any readers go to a Libera choir concert, please send me an email. I'd love to publish a review about how this great choir sounds in person!