Customer Rating: 
Summary: A Real New Dawn
Comment: The latest Libera CD to add to my collection, "New Dawn," is slightly different than previous Libera CDs, in my opinion. This does not diminish the quality and artistry of the music in this CD in any way. Among the classic Libera style tracks are two tracks that one would classify as "pop" and "new age." One of the tracks I'm referring to is, "Love and Mercy" which was written by Brian Wilson and was performed by Libera on December 2007 at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. The other track is a cover of Enya's "Orinoco Flow" which is superbly performed. Some of the tracks on "New Dawn," such as "Ave Maria," and "In Paradisum" which is entitled "Lux Aeterna" in previous CDs, have been previously recorded with other Libera soloists. The songs Libera re-records on their later CDs only get better, not that the earlier ones are any less, so assuredly, you won't be disappointed if you buy a Libera CD with previously recorded songs. As I said before, "New Dawn" is a CD slightly different from other Libera CDs but still has the beautiful, angelic harmonies which Libera is known for. I highly recommend Libera's latest masterpiece, "New Dawn."
Customer Rating: Summary: Sunlit
Comment: A few years ago, one reviewer wrote this of "Luminosa":
"Classical purists will be aghast at Handel and Debussy sharing space with digital sound sculpting, which leaves "Luminosa" free to find a home as easily accessible, superior background music."
"New Dawn" continues Libera's tradition of producing communicative, superior vocal music to the infuriation and befuddlement of the "purists" and establishment snobs. In other words, this is classical--and not-so-classical--music for people who hate classical music (or classical purists).
The eclectic nature of the disc is demonstrated immediately, as "Orinoco Flow" shares space with a novel placement of the "Gloria" text to Camille Saint-Saens' "Organ Symphony," and an ethereal, inexpressibly moving arrangement of Bach's "Air" for three voices, exploiting the very highest notes of the treble range. Even a die-hard "purist" has to acknowledge the talent and expressiveness of the voices in this arrangement. On that note, Bach himself was well known for his transcriptions of his own music for other mediums and occasions; criticizing the ensemble for doing the same is awfully ridiculous.
"Love and Mercy" was given at the very end of the Kennedy Center Honors last year in recognition of Beach Boys' member Brian Wilson and is a slightly more involved arrangement than other tracks on the disc (such as the first). "May the Road Rise Up" and especially "In Paradisum" are soul-stirring breaths of fresh air.
The "choir" is magnificently versatile, from the pop strains of "Orinoco Flow" through the gentle notes of Bach's "Air," and finally the powerful sound of the "Gloria." Like "Angel Voices," "New Dawn" strikes a balance between the somewhat traditional work that was highlighted on releases like "Libera" and "Luminosa," and the rather popular, almost dance ambience of "Free." There are some beautiful moments here, but it still needs something strikingly groundbreaking: another "Sanctus" or "I am the Day."
If you're new to Libera, start with "Luminosa" or their self-titled album, as these contain their more well-known work, before moving on to "New Dawn." The album immediately previous to this one, "Angel Voices," is a fine cross-section of their work spotlighting the choir's unique sound.
Nonetheless, a fine offering with wide appeal (unless you're an ultra-purist, but who cares for them anyway?)
