klueger's Full Review: Voice of an Angel by Charlotte Church
On a recent trip to the library I checked out the first CD of Charlotte Church Voice of an Angel. Boy was this appropriately named for this girl definitely can sing. I was amazed when I read she was only twelve years old when she recorded this. Why couldn’t have I been blessed like that at such a young age.
This is considered a classical album, but I would also say it is spiritual it has a variety of songs both religious and ethnic in nature (Welsh mostly) which help you relax and meditate. In my quest to improve my spirit and relationship with my God I have found some music to be very helpful this CD is especially good at calming the spirit so you can get in touch with your feelings. It may also lull people into a calmness, which will enable them to fall asleep. However, I suggest staying awake so you can enjoy the magnitude and quality of this youngster’s voice.
It is stated that one of Charlottes favorite songs on this CD is Pie Jesu. Charlotte sings this in Latin and it is certainly soothing and a wonderful piece. Charlotte is a soprano which I usually don’t enjoy listening to songs song only by a soprano voice sorry gals, but a lot of times the high pitch just hurts my ears, but Charlotte voice is of such good quality and smoothness it perks my ears up to say wow I like what I hear. Unfortunately since I do not Latin I am not sure what the song is saying but it is still a delight to listen too. It is possible the reason this is one of Charlottes favorite songs is it helped get her discovered. She sang this song over the phone to some producers of a T.V. show who where running a talent search in her area and they immediately signed her up after hearing her sing this song. I found this little tidbit of information out by visiting her Website. A few of the other songs such as Panis Angelicus have the words written in English inside the jacket cover for those who wish to know what the words mean.
I would have to say some of my favorite songs on the CD are Psalm 23 which is exactly what it sounds like the Psalm set to music and song very inspiringly. You can feel the majesty of this wonderful Psalm. I also am very impressed with Amazing Grace, which was also one of Charlotte’s favorites too. I was a little surprised at enjoying this I usually like hearing a base or baritone sing it. I heard a version of it sung by Jim Neighbors (Yes Gomer Pyle), which was divine, I think this is still my favorite, but Charlotte does the song justice. I also enjoyed listening to I Vow to Thee, My Country I would like to give you a taste of the lyrics hear you judge for yourself weather this is inspiring or not:
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love: the love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test, that lays upon the altar, the dearest and the best; the love that never falters, the love that pays the price, the love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
With all that’s going on our world today I felt this song had a lot of meaning and really catches the spirit that everyone should have for their country. It can be sung and used for any country.
I will not comment on all the songs individually, in the interest of saving space and boredom, I would like to say that the interpretations are excellent and the gentleness of Charlottes voice makes each song special. I will, however, tell you the songs that are included on the CD.
1. Pie Jesu (3:26)
2. Panis Angelicus (4:11)
3. In Trutina (2:06)
4. The Lords Prayer (2:53)
5. Jerusalem (2:14)
6. Ave Maria (4:09)
7. Psalm 23 (2:42)
8. I vow to thee, My Country (3:54)
9. Danny Boy (2:45)
10. My Lagan Love ( 3:13)
11. Sou-Gan (3:11)
12. A Lullaby (2:58)
13. Amazing Grace (2:42)
14. Three Welsh Bird Songs (6:18)
15. Y Gylfinir (2:59)
16. Tylluanod (2:44)
17. Mae Heraeth yn y Mor (2:36)
18. When at Night I Go to Sleep (2:52)
As this list demonstrates there are a variety of spiritual and traditional fold songs from Whales and Ireland. I do have some Welsh in my ancestry but I must admit not knowing much about Whales or my ancestors from that area. However, I grew up hearing Danny Boy and it certainly didn’t sound like it does on this CD. But, my Dad did a good job anyway we can’t all have the vocal talents of this girl.
Charlotte has made a few more CD’s since this debut collection, which I have not listened to yet, but I certainly look forward to hearing more. She has also released a video under the same name A Voice of an Angel . I understand she got nicknamed Angel after this CD was released which she doesn’t exactly care for and according to her Website her friend’s say it is far from the truth. However, anybody with the talent this youngster poses has to have some kind of blessing from above.
I certainly recommend this CD to those who enjoy listening to Classical, Spiritual, and Operatic music. Her voice covers the Operatic style and she says her dream is to perform in the Opera Madame Butterfly I have no doubt she will someday reach this goal.
I am adding my own category to the list of what the music on the CD is good for while listening to it. Instead of using Epinions suggestions I say it is good to listen to while meditating.
I will sum up this CD in the words of my six year-old son (and you thought I was going to write a review without mentioning him) when I told him that the girl singing on the CD was 12 when she recorded it. He looked at me and said impressive.
Thanks for reading and I hope you found this helpful.
Klueger
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