John
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Amore
Apr 17, 2012 21:47:25 GMT
Post by John on Apr 17, 2012 21:47:25 GMT
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John
Moderator
Posts: 802
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Amore
Apr 17, 2012 21:54:25 GMT
Post by John on Apr 17, 2012 21:54:25 GMT
I was lucky enough one evening last week to log on to facebook just in time to respond to an offer from Amore for an invitation to see them perform at a private club in London this Monday. Imagine if you will a room roughly 15 feet (4.5m) square with an open fire in the hearth in the middle of one wall, an upright piano in one corner next to the door, various items of sound equipment scattered around, including two large loudspeakers on stands, a couple of largish sofas and several small square stools. This was the upper front room at Blacks club in Soho, ready to host the monthly gathering of the “Society of the Golden Slippers”. Add into this room somewhat in excess of thirty people, leaving space for the performers and you might begin to appreciate why the setting had been described to me as “intimate”. I think some of the guests might have used some different adjectives. The first act was Peter (at the piano) and Kerry (sometimes with guitar), a “Folk'n'B, New Wave” duo. They had a certain appeal, though it was not really my type of music. After they had finished, we all had to turn round and clear the opposite corner of the room for Amore. They appeared carrying glasses of... water (I think) and launched into the drinking song from Brindisi. Their other songs were Nella Fantasia, the Flower Duet (just the girls) and Ave Maria, finishing with ‘We Will Stand Together’, set to Elgar’s Nimrod. All these are tracks from their forthcoming album. It may not be the most innovative track list, but I certainly enjoyed listening to them. Each of them has a great voice and hearing those voices mixing in harmony was a wonderful experience. With a soprano, mezzo, tenor and baritone they are well equipped to handle traditional four part harmonies. A short interval followed and I somehow contrived to miss the final act 'Hyperpotamus', preferring to spend time with Amore in the bar downstairs. ;D They have three forthcoming events listed on their website, but there are likely to be more informal appearances over the coming months, perhaps at fairly short notice. I have just seen that Natasha Marsh is also performing at Audley End on 5th August. Hmmm! Suddenly the prospect of a two hour drive up the M11 is looking not too unattractive.
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John
Moderator
Posts: 802
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Amore
Jun 1, 2012 17:05:46 GMT
Post by John on Jun 1, 2012 17:05:46 GMT
Amore are marketed as an ‘Opera Group’, so it is perhaps a little surprising to find that only a third of the tracks in their debut album ‘Stand Together’ originate in operas. I don’t often go into track by track reviews, but this time I think it is the best way to do this album justice.
I love the hymn Abide With Me; to the extent that, from an early age, people have assumed that I am a football fan because of it. (Nothing could be further from the truth.) Most recordings disappointingly have only two or three verses but here we are treated to five. Starting with a straight baritone solo for the first verse, the voices are added in with interweaving harmonies as the hymn progresses to a wonderful climax in the final verse.
Is Nella Fantasia an overdone standard? Possibly, but the four voices in harmony bring a new dimension to this popular piece.
When I saw Amore live, the male voice harmony in the opening part of Ave Maria gave me goosebumps. The recorded version is almost as good. The ladies get to join in later, together with an ethereal sounding choir.
Amore may be a quartet but the Flower Duet really is a duet, with Monica’s lovely soprano and Victoria’s gorgeous mezzo voices combining in as good a version of this as I have heard.
Looking at the title Cantique De Jean Racine, I wouldn’t have known what to expect, but actually I did recognize the theme. Rich harmonies abound in this slow contemplative number.
The men have their turn with The Pearl Fishers, giving the ladies a breather. I have heard richer versions from choirs, but this duet is still great.
I think I became bored with Amazing Grace about forty years ago and I generally groan inwardly whenever I see the title in yet another collection. Even Hayley Westenra does little for me when singing this. But Amore’s version is somehow different. Unusual harmonies and subtle changes to timing raise this above the humdrum.
A magnificent rendition of Here's To The Heroes takes full advantage of the vocal range of the group.
Barcarolle flows along easily with the help of some sweeping instrumental arrangements. Whilst never mere background throughout the album, this is the only track where the orchestra threatens to outshine the vocals.
To me, Jerusalem is a hymn for joining in rather than listening to. But if you have to keep your mouth shut, then Amore are a treat for the ears.
The stirring words of We Will Stand Together, set to Elgar’s Nimrod, are perhaps somewhat contrived and need some concentration to follow, but it’s still a wonderful tune in a majestic arrangement.
Brindisi, the rousing drinking song, rounds off the album leaving you wanting more.
For me, consideration of how an album will affect the genre is a secondary concern. My primary focus is on how it affects me. I like this album!
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John
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Posts: 802
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Amore
Jun 4, 2012 8:55:07 GMT
Post by John on Jun 4, 2012 8:55:07 GMT
Here are Amore singing 'We Will Stand Together' on Songs of Praise yesterday.
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John
Moderator
Posts: 802
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Amore
Jun 4, 2012 9:04:49 GMT
Post by John on Jun 4, 2012 9:04:49 GMT
A rather wet Amore formed the core of the Royal College of Music Chamber Choir singing to the Queen at the end of her Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18316899
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John
Moderator
Posts: 802
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Amore
Jun 5, 2012 9:45:16 GMT
Post by John on Jun 5, 2012 9:45:16 GMT
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