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Libera ‘Dream’

‘Dream’ marks 25 years since the release of ‘Libera’ in 1999. Whilst the group of singers, under the direction of Robert Prizeman, had been singing and, indeed, recording together previously for many years, this represented a new name and a new direction for the group. Comprising almost entirely new compositions, that record contained some of the greatest signature ‘hits’ that we still perform today, such as ‘Libera’, ‘Sanctus’ and ‘Salva Me’.

The Libera sound was born; unique in the way the voices were used, the instrumental textures imagined, the production crafted, and the way in which multiple musical traditions and genres, both traditional and contemporary, were drawn upon.

I have fond and clear memories of singing as a young treble in those sessions or sitting wide-eyed in the control room listening in with Ian Tilley on the mixing console as it all came together. Parts would be added, changed, and adapted as we recorded them. The buzz of the creative process and not quite knowing how something would turn out was infectious.

So, where are we 25 years on? We never could have imagined the intervening years would see such opportunities as touring internationally, performing for popes and presidents, releasing a further twelve studio albums, and seeing generations of singers pass through our small corner of south London.

Across the years the sound has changed and bended to different musical sensibilities, sometimes leaning more classical, sometimes more pop or folk-influenced. Where then to start on this landmark record? The fundamentals remain unchanged – showcasing the boys’ voices in expressive and interesting ways and in new musical contexts. Every track on the record has its part in the story and some are particularly poignant such as the new pieces using the melodies of Liszt, Beethoven and Sakamoto. 2024 marks 100 years since Gershwin first premiered ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, and so, ‘Music was Born’, with lyrics by the recently departed British lyricist and composer Leslie Bricusse, is quite a leap from previous work, but it is so exciting to hear this sumptuous and thrilling theme sung by the boys.

I am so pleased that, alongside all the original arrangements on the record, there are a host of original compositions from alumni Josh, Ben, Liam and Raoul, but also from Katy and Chris Hill, parents of two current singers, who wrote the gorgeous ‘Seabird’. As the first few tracks took shape, a theme started to emerge, and before we knew it we had something of a concept album with dreams pervading almost every track!

This record is a homage to the bravery and creativity of the first but with nods to the past, the journey, and also a dream for what is yet to come.

Sam Coates 2024

Video produced by Sam Coates