Well the day is here!!
So pleased your album came early Molly I was surprised when it arrived on Saturday - but did not listen till after mid-night Sunday.
'Heroes' As far as the different voices of Jonathan are concerned, especially his powerful high notes - this is the one and well chosen for television and new fans. Of course I love it.
Now we are Free. I so love this, but I do think you have to have seen the film to understand the emotion. I know some people have thought 'violent' and did not go. To me the violence was graphics unlike modern day battles which do horrify me, and the sword movements by Russel Crowe were almost like scenes from a ballet, fascinated me to watch. But there is also a heartbreaking story to this of a man who finds his adored wife and son murdered and the music written for this film is outstandingly beautiful - the album still selling. Jonathans voice as usual, shows this sadness and feeling beautifully. The last part is the sequence from Africa in the film. If you know the story the words in the song have their own meaning .
The Godfather. I think his voice is like dark velvet in this and the accompaniment is so atmospheric. Love his entry into the lower notes.
Race to the End (Chariots of fire) Not a tune I have ever cared for, never wanted to see the film, running not my thing lol.....I do think it is meant as the race through life though, if he should stumble as he goes it doesn't really matter as long as he gave it his all - definately applies to Jonathan I do love the last verse and especially the long note of ' to freeeeeeeee him.
Romeo and Juliet. Love this. I was not happy at first about 'sharing' and not a great fan of HW. But it is so two young lovers and the way he 'wraps' his voice around hers in highs and lows and they sound very good together, and I did like her voice in this. One of my favourites.
Vois Sur Ton Chemin. Bit like a gavot - a Jane Austin story, it's lovely he and the All Angels sound gorgous together entwining. So short and very sweet.
My Own True Love. Loved it from the beginning and now a wonderful memory of Acapello and the room vibrating around me. Romance personified and such feeling and so love the orchestral background brings the film to the present. The last note is out of this world.
Down in The River to Pray. Completely different to the rest of the album, really like it. So right just to have the choir and shows jonathan ability to sing anything and why he can also do pop when he wants to.
SE with David Garrett. So suits his voice, the tone and emotion is very beautiful and DG accompaniment goes so well, I adore this.
Prayer in the Night. I find this affects me in a similar way to SE. To me these two really are classical and his voice is wonderful and really does make emotion run inside you - I would love him to sing these two on television at some point.
Si Un Jour. Again brings out the very best in his voice. They are not as obvious as some of the songs sung and hope that when he makes another album he will pick on the more 'unusual' that show his wonderful classical voice. He always sang ballads as in Broken Vow, with such heart, feeling and it was also wonderful to watch the emotions on his face as he sang from inside the words. Hope that maybe also an album of such music will also one day appear. Better make sure I stay alive.
Che Gelida Manina. Ah the long awaited CGM. I forgot that Jonathan is only 25 and therefore was putting the extra power he will have when he is in his 30s to the voice in my head and therefore taken by surprise. I think it is sung from the viewpoint of a very young man, with beauty, emotion and sweetness. But there is something slightly tentative in the voice and the way it is sung, as thought not quite sure - which I am not used to with Jon. The high note near the end he hits with perfection. But I am sure that one day, in a few years time, he will sing this again and that note along with the rest of the aria, will take my breath away.
I love the album and there is reason for great pride in a first album such as this and like everyone else will play it endlessly.
Oh and I must say. The words of dedication - with not a soul left out! So typical and brought smiles and a few lumps to the throat.
moxxx