Re: London Concert - 1 December 2017
Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 12:15 am
Here is my first ever review in english... I will do my best I hope everything will be clear.
It was my second concert as I attended the Christmas concert 2 years ago at St Georges. I think it was quite different I enjoyed it more as I was less in shock and also I know the choir better so I knew where to look.
I was there early but then got lost around the cathedral. A bunch of boys with blue shirts came accross the street and so I followed them to be sure to find my way. Funny how Victor smiled at me. I was wearing a Hogwarts scarf so maybe that's why. Then again it's quite easy to make Victor smile !
I listened to the end of day service and I found the sound pretty good but the Westminster choirs were at the far back of the church and you couldn't see them. Libera's was quite different.
I might be mistaking but I didn't hear any mention of the evening concert and was surprised but I guess all the tickets were sold.
I also was lucky enough to see how Sam Coates checked all the mikes and it was exactly how I imagined it would be. A guy was whispering in it and telling him which number to check...
During the rehearsal everyone had to wait outside. That's when I met Patrick and two other french fans.
When the doors opened I discovered my seat on fifth raw on the left. I talk a bit with my neighboors who happened to be belgian fans and two nice ladies from Norbury.
The sight was pretty good but sometimes the eight mini-boys would mask the boys behind. I managed to get a signed program with 36 signatures (I haven't yet checked who is missing).
Among the 8 newbies, Ethan clearly is Leo's brocher. They look alike and in the program there is a pic where Leo holds his shoulder. Then at the end of the concert the boys said merry Christmas in 12 different languages. I don't recall what is Leo and Ethan's but they did it together. One of the boys is identified as Nick Taylor, he has been on twitter already but I don't know if he is Laurence ´s brother. Louis Boon is french.
Sam Wiggin and Matthew Madine were selling programs.
Now I will give a comment on every song but I am afraid I am bad to remember choregraphies and lights. And the songs might not be in order, apologies...
Do you hear what I hear was really good especially the begining which was made by 4 boys (Ale, Gabe, Leo and Alex G) without lights. Then everyone answered. I was really close to the ancient version and simple, it fits them quite well. I was stunned by how good their sound is... Still a shock. Also they are skilled to move while singing it's not easy and I can see why they practise blindfolded.
I noticed that Alexandre Menuet who is quite small sometimes had troubles because his neighboors would forget him and he had to fight to reach his spot.
Then it was Sanctus with Merlin doing the top notes. The different parts were really even and the miniboys seemed pretty relaxed on this song.
Gabe did a wonderful opening on Gaudete. His voice is so pure and he is able to sound profond and strong but this was light and angelic. I enjoyed the warm colors of the lights. Also I was enthrilled with the bass voices of Ale and Isaac that you could hear so clearly. It's powerful. Sometimes both of them would leave the stage but you wouldn't even notice. While Camden, Gregor and Alex M still can manage some high parts.
I am totally mixed up with the speeches I can't tell what was said and when. But before the Gaudete I know they joked about the change of venue "as you are aware" (indeed we were there). They said they would sing Christmas songs but not to much because it still is in three weeks.
Peter seemed to have trouble remembering his speech it was funny.
The speeches contained the usual explanations about the word Libera, the robes, the different cultures and languages of the boys - there was a french welcome by Victor and Alexandre.
They said the youngest members on stage were 8 like the miniboys except Daniel White who just turned 9 as he explained himself. He seems really relax and I think he might soon join the group. He was singing a lot of parts and leading the other newbies and alreading able to enjoy the show as much as possible. The oldest boys were 15.
They introduced Moose and said he has been to several places around the world but never to San Damiano in Italy.
Daniel spoke about being a mini boy and said it was their first concert. He explained they wouldn't always sing because they still had a lot to learn with so many harmonies. When they were leaving they sat on a bench behind.
I couldn't wait to hear From A distance but I have to confess I am a bit disappointed. I really like the CD record and couldn't get along with Merlin peculiar pronunciation. I find it doesn't match with the rythm nor the choir parts. But he knows his voice really well and it's powerful. He is totally dedicated to the song and smiles so much... Then the song was still amazing. I liked how the boys kneeled and get up when the song became intense.
Carol of the bells was really good. I liked the old choregraphy better. There were to lines of boys in the sides and in the middle two lines. These lines would split in the middle and the boys on either side would face each other when doing the bells movements.
I like the way each boy seems to be the music and moves with it. Some can't stay still like Samuel-Francis or Nick. Others smile a lot (Taichi, Leo, Victor, Merlin). I also noticed that some boys look at Robert a lot and other barely are looking like Adam. That's impressive how they know each other and their parts.
I didn't spot the boys who did the solos except the last one : Daniel White.
Stay with me has been a difficult time for mikes. Oliver and Taichi were barely audible. But I enjoyed Oliver's nice and simple pronunciation and smart breathing. It reminds me of the old record with Joe Sanders if I am not mistaking. Taichi was amazing it seems so easy for him...
How great thou art was really moving thanks to Alex G's voice. It is really peculiar with a lot of air in it and it sounds mystical. I also was quite relieved to hear him because his voice gets lower when speaking and I feared it might break before I had the opportunity to see him. I found the choir less moving than the American CD record but it might be because of the church accoustic.
Angele dei MUST find its way to Ely. I couldn't imagine how it might sound in live before. Well that's crazy how the boys manage to make it soft and smoothing...I could barely breath... It felt like when you take a bath and your head is under water and you hum gently and it feels like it's your heart that is making that sound... Rocco is awesome and Taichi and Leo just enjoy the high parts.
I noticed on this song and some others that Marc has a mike and is in the inner circle but I can't tell what part he is doing... If someone knows I am eager to find out !
There was a break and they joked again about not spealling drinks on their white robes.
I was glad to hear Dies Irae as it is a song I like very much. The red lights and serious faces of the boys are effective... I wish we could hear a soloist version because I find the pronunciation of the verset more impressive when done by soloists. Then again it sounds very medieval like with all the boys and the plums it was good !
The song transforms into Joyful joyful it's disturbing and impressive how different the atmosphere is. My regret is you can't here the "dum dum dum" from the introduction I like to hum ! There were so much smiles that Victor at some point forgot to sing. It seemed to amuse him and he smiled even more ! Leo did a wonderful job with the top notes I had goosebumps.
I am the day's return is a good new ! Alex G was doing the solo I think, with Oliver and Peter. It was just as good as if they never stopped performing it. I particularly enjoyed the lights and the way the boys were facing each other but somehow I can't find the words to describe it. It fits very well what I figured in my head when listening to the song. There is a new high line on the "eteeerna" I think Leo handled it. I am not used to it it puzzled me.
There was after that a soft soft Dreaming of home. It was more moving than the record I found. I remember at some point being surprised that Camden was kneeling with a bunch of boys singing a high part but I can't tell if It was in this song or Amazing Grace. Otherwise Taichi's solo part was terrific !
San Damiano surprised me. It might be the church's sound that gave that impression but it didn't sound like the CD as "one" song. You could here distinctly the different lines. I always thought this song must be hard and tiring for the boys. But mostly they seem to enjoy themselves. I think that song could benefit from a choregraphy.
For Salva me Taichi wore his hood and stood on the left behind the boys. He is really good at it. I enjoyed the lights that went from blue to dark it was impressive. I also liked the choregraphy, they raised their hands on "saaaa" and would lower it and raise again on "alva me". I had to restrain myself from doing it too !
Amazing Grace : some boys kneeled for the first row. Rocco is powerful and convincing on this solo !
Orinoco flow was a great moment. I think that's a song I do not really own I have only got a bad record. I expected changes in the arrangement but it is the same. The boys seem to like it a lot and I was pretty impressed because they mix "ah" "oh" "dut" and lyrics... Quite skilled they are !
Wayfaring stranger... Was so... So... Beautiful ! Alex's voice is a perfect match ! The V disposition and Green lights are so effective... I particularly like the moment when the boys join the soloist in the middle.!
On Smile Gabe and Ale are performing very well together. They both have strong voices and their harmonies are perfect. I was quite impressed by Romeo's flute part. It is rare at such a young age to be able to give such a smooth sound with an instrument. A lot of smiles on this song. My choir teacher once told us that to make people sad on melancholic song you have to smile. I guess he was right.
Fun fact : boys often check their mikes or arrange hair beetween songs. Well Koji couldn't plan to sneeze at the perfect time ! He was right in the middle during that song and snoozed 3 times in a raw... Ah, december...
The last song was Libera. Absolutely perfect : I was stunned by how precise was the a cappella introduction. Nota bene I had been wondering for a while if RP sometimes gives the note to the boys before starting the song and yes I have heard that several times during the concert.
I noticed that Rocco and Alex although singing the solo start the "libera me domine" with the other boys. It shows just how professionnal they are !
There was a standing ovation and right after Leo and Gabe came on the front where the mini boys previously stood. I wondered for a while why they both were looking to the left. And then I noticed RP at the piano.
This Do not stand was extraordinarily moving I felt a urge to cry. Gabe is at his maximum I believe he would be able to do outstanding solos... I would hope for a Stabat Mater. And Leo's voice is so pure and flawless... I wish he would not only enjoy his top notes but also solos like Thomas DL used to. Please give us a live Benedictus Deus !
I felt awfully sad and feared they would end the show like that. This choice clearly means something...
But then came the warm Dulci Jubilo.
I noticed that the mini boys gained confidence during the concert. At this time they seemed relax and happy with their experience. Daniel is already bold and independant. He was sometimes guiding the other newbies. Nick moves and moves sooo much !
After the concert I had a tea to warm up. I had the surprise to see two different boys coming to the same place. I thought about congratulating them but on second thought decided they deserved quiet family time !
I came accross Camden is the street followed by a little brother of him with the same exact smile. Really cute. Don't know if he wants to sing too.
Again Libera confirms their talent. I am really wanting to get to Ely now. Maybe...
It was my second concert as I attended the Christmas concert 2 years ago at St Georges. I think it was quite different I enjoyed it more as I was less in shock and also I know the choir better so I knew where to look.
I was there early but then got lost around the cathedral. A bunch of boys with blue shirts came accross the street and so I followed them to be sure to find my way. Funny how Victor smiled at me. I was wearing a Hogwarts scarf so maybe that's why. Then again it's quite easy to make Victor smile !
I listened to the end of day service and I found the sound pretty good but the Westminster choirs were at the far back of the church and you couldn't see them. Libera's was quite different.
I might be mistaking but I didn't hear any mention of the evening concert and was surprised but I guess all the tickets were sold.
I also was lucky enough to see how Sam Coates checked all the mikes and it was exactly how I imagined it would be. A guy was whispering in it and telling him which number to check...
During the rehearsal everyone had to wait outside. That's when I met Patrick and two other french fans.
When the doors opened I discovered my seat on fifth raw on the left. I talk a bit with my neighboors who happened to be belgian fans and two nice ladies from Norbury.
The sight was pretty good but sometimes the eight mini-boys would mask the boys behind. I managed to get a signed program with 36 signatures (I haven't yet checked who is missing).
Among the 8 newbies, Ethan clearly is Leo's brocher. They look alike and in the program there is a pic where Leo holds his shoulder. Then at the end of the concert the boys said merry Christmas in 12 different languages. I don't recall what is Leo and Ethan's but they did it together. One of the boys is identified as Nick Taylor, he has been on twitter already but I don't know if he is Laurence ´s brother. Louis Boon is french.
Sam Wiggin and Matthew Madine were selling programs.
Now I will give a comment on every song but I am afraid I am bad to remember choregraphies and lights. And the songs might not be in order, apologies...
Do you hear what I hear was really good especially the begining which was made by 4 boys (Ale, Gabe, Leo and Alex G) without lights. Then everyone answered. I was really close to the ancient version and simple, it fits them quite well. I was stunned by how good their sound is... Still a shock. Also they are skilled to move while singing it's not easy and I can see why they practise blindfolded.
I noticed that Alexandre Menuet who is quite small sometimes had troubles because his neighboors would forget him and he had to fight to reach his spot.
Then it was Sanctus with Merlin doing the top notes. The different parts were really even and the miniboys seemed pretty relaxed on this song.
Gabe did a wonderful opening on Gaudete. His voice is so pure and he is able to sound profond and strong but this was light and angelic. I enjoyed the warm colors of the lights. Also I was enthrilled with the bass voices of Ale and Isaac that you could hear so clearly. It's powerful. Sometimes both of them would leave the stage but you wouldn't even notice. While Camden, Gregor and Alex M still can manage some high parts.
I am totally mixed up with the speeches I can't tell what was said and when. But before the Gaudete I know they joked about the change of venue "as you are aware" (indeed we were there). They said they would sing Christmas songs but not to much because it still is in three weeks.
Peter seemed to have trouble remembering his speech it was funny.
The speeches contained the usual explanations about the word Libera, the robes, the different cultures and languages of the boys - there was a french welcome by Victor and Alexandre.
They said the youngest members on stage were 8 like the miniboys except Daniel White who just turned 9 as he explained himself. He seems really relax and I think he might soon join the group. He was singing a lot of parts and leading the other newbies and alreading able to enjoy the show as much as possible. The oldest boys were 15.
They introduced Moose and said he has been to several places around the world but never to San Damiano in Italy.
Daniel spoke about being a mini boy and said it was their first concert. He explained they wouldn't always sing because they still had a lot to learn with so many harmonies. When they were leaving they sat on a bench behind.
I couldn't wait to hear From A distance but I have to confess I am a bit disappointed. I really like the CD record and couldn't get along with Merlin peculiar pronunciation. I find it doesn't match with the rythm nor the choir parts. But he knows his voice really well and it's powerful. He is totally dedicated to the song and smiles so much... Then the song was still amazing. I liked how the boys kneeled and get up when the song became intense.
Carol of the bells was really good. I liked the old choregraphy better. There were to lines of boys in the sides and in the middle two lines. These lines would split in the middle and the boys on either side would face each other when doing the bells movements.
I like the way each boy seems to be the music and moves with it. Some can't stay still like Samuel-Francis or Nick. Others smile a lot (Taichi, Leo, Victor, Merlin). I also noticed that some boys look at Robert a lot and other barely are looking like Adam. That's impressive how they know each other and their parts.
I didn't spot the boys who did the solos except the last one : Daniel White.
Stay with me has been a difficult time for mikes. Oliver and Taichi were barely audible. But I enjoyed Oliver's nice and simple pronunciation and smart breathing. It reminds me of the old record with Joe Sanders if I am not mistaking. Taichi was amazing it seems so easy for him...
How great thou art was really moving thanks to Alex G's voice. It is really peculiar with a lot of air in it and it sounds mystical. I also was quite relieved to hear him because his voice gets lower when speaking and I feared it might break before I had the opportunity to see him. I found the choir less moving than the American CD record but it might be because of the church accoustic.
Angele dei MUST find its way to Ely. I couldn't imagine how it might sound in live before. Well that's crazy how the boys manage to make it soft and smoothing...I could barely breath... It felt like when you take a bath and your head is under water and you hum gently and it feels like it's your heart that is making that sound... Rocco is awesome and Taichi and Leo just enjoy the high parts.
I noticed on this song and some others that Marc has a mike and is in the inner circle but I can't tell what part he is doing... If someone knows I am eager to find out !
There was a break and they joked again about not spealling drinks on their white robes.
I was glad to hear Dies Irae as it is a song I like very much. The red lights and serious faces of the boys are effective... I wish we could hear a soloist version because I find the pronunciation of the verset more impressive when done by soloists. Then again it sounds very medieval like with all the boys and the plums it was good !
The song transforms into Joyful joyful it's disturbing and impressive how different the atmosphere is. My regret is you can't here the "dum dum dum" from the introduction I like to hum ! There were so much smiles that Victor at some point forgot to sing. It seemed to amuse him and he smiled even more ! Leo did a wonderful job with the top notes I had goosebumps.
I am the day's return is a good new ! Alex G was doing the solo I think, with Oliver and Peter. It was just as good as if they never stopped performing it. I particularly enjoyed the lights and the way the boys were facing each other but somehow I can't find the words to describe it. It fits very well what I figured in my head when listening to the song. There is a new high line on the "eteeerna" I think Leo handled it. I am not used to it it puzzled me.
There was after that a soft soft Dreaming of home. It was more moving than the record I found. I remember at some point being surprised that Camden was kneeling with a bunch of boys singing a high part but I can't tell if It was in this song or Amazing Grace. Otherwise Taichi's solo part was terrific !
San Damiano surprised me. It might be the church's sound that gave that impression but it didn't sound like the CD as "one" song. You could here distinctly the different lines. I always thought this song must be hard and tiring for the boys. But mostly they seem to enjoy themselves. I think that song could benefit from a choregraphy.
For Salva me Taichi wore his hood and stood on the left behind the boys. He is really good at it. I enjoyed the lights that went from blue to dark it was impressive. I also liked the choregraphy, they raised their hands on "saaaa" and would lower it and raise again on "alva me". I had to restrain myself from doing it too !
Amazing Grace : some boys kneeled for the first row. Rocco is powerful and convincing on this solo !
Orinoco flow was a great moment. I think that's a song I do not really own I have only got a bad record. I expected changes in the arrangement but it is the same. The boys seem to like it a lot and I was pretty impressed because they mix "ah" "oh" "dut" and lyrics... Quite skilled they are !
Wayfaring stranger... Was so... So... Beautiful ! Alex's voice is a perfect match ! The V disposition and Green lights are so effective... I particularly like the moment when the boys join the soloist in the middle.!
On Smile Gabe and Ale are performing very well together. They both have strong voices and their harmonies are perfect. I was quite impressed by Romeo's flute part. It is rare at such a young age to be able to give such a smooth sound with an instrument. A lot of smiles on this song. My choir teacher once told us that to make people sad on melancholic song you have to smile. I guess he was right.
Fun fact : boys often check their mikes or arrange hair beetween songs. Well Koji couldn't plan to sneeze at the perfect time ! He was right in the middle during that song and snoozed 3 times in a raw... Ah, december...
The last song was Libera. Absolutely perfect : I was stunned by how precise was the a cappella introduction. Nota bene I had been wondering for a while if RP sometimes gives the note to the boys before starting the song and yes I have heard that several times during the concert.
I noticed that Rocco and Alex although singing the solo start the "libera me domine" with the other boys. It shows just how professionnal they are !
There was a standing ovation and right after Leo and Gabe came on the front where the mini boys previously stood. I wondered for a while why they both were looking to the left. And then I noticed RP at the piano.
This Do not stand was extraordinarily moving I felt a urge to cry. Gabe is at his maximum I believe he would be able to do outstanding solos... I would hope for a Stabat Mater. And Leo's voice is so pure and flawless... I wish he would not only enjoy his top notes but also solos like Thomas DL used to. Please give us a live Benedictus Deus !
I felt awfully sad and feared they would end the show like that. This choice clearly means something...
But then came the warm Dulci Jubilo.
I noticed that the mini boys gained confidence during the concert. At this time they seemed relax and happy with their experience. Daniel is already bold and independant. He was sometimes guiding the other newbies. Nick moves and moves sooo much !
After the concert I had a tea to warm up. I had the surprise to see two different boys coming to the same place. I thought about congratulating them but on second thought decided they deserved quiet family time !
I came accross Camden is the street followed by a little brother of him with the same exact smile. Really cute. Don't know if he wants to sing too.
Again Libera confirms their talent. I am really wanting to get to Ely now. Maybe...