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Title:
Charlotte Church in Jerusalem |
| Format:
DVD/VHS |
| Length:
45 minutes |
| Availability:
Excellent
in USA/CA Still Fair in UK/ EU |
| Price:
Approx
$17.00 (£12.00) |
Please
note: This Review is of VHS version which lacks the bonuses
of the DVD namely the Dream a Dream music video.
However the photos, were taken from the DVD version thus
giving you a peek at what additional features it offers.
Charlotte's latest release, Charlotte Church in Jerusalem, is reasonably priced around $20.00 and looks to be one of her best videos ever. This video was filmed back in July, but is just now being released.
The video begins with a background of Pie Jesu, and Charlotte is shown briefly wandering through the streets of Jerusalem, with a look of wonder and curiosity on her face.
Then you are taken to David's Tower at David's Fortress in Jerusalem, Israel. The setting could not be a more beautiful one than this, and I am sure she felt inspired by the awesomeness of her stage. This is an outdoor evening concert in front of an invited audience.
She is accompanied by The Ra'anana Symphonette Orchestra and the Chamber Cantus Choir. The conductor is Julian Smith.
Her first song is "Jerusalem", and she does quite a stunning rendition.
Then she tells you that the Tower of David is well over 2,000 years old and that the place she is standing on is 3,000 years old!
"La Pastorella" is very well performed, and it's fun to see her eyes and facial expressions during the part where she is flirting. However, I must comment on the fact that during the video she does very little with her hands as compared to her recent concerts.
Now she introduces Uri Miles, who will play the ulean pipes for her next song, "The Last Rose of Summer". She does an excellent job on putting emotion into this song.
"O Mio Babbino Caro" almost looks as though Charlotte could make herself cry about the sadness of her plight (in the song.).
Charlotte leaves amidst much applause to let the orchestra play a selection. Then you are swept back to earlier that day when they are building the stage and rehearsing.
When you return Charlotte is coming back on stage to sing "The Lord's Prayer". This song hasn't really
changed except that her voice has grown.
"Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer" is very beautiful and has much more energy in it than on the cd.
Next she performs "Ave Maria" -the newer version- with a very winning charm. This song highlights her voice very nicely.
Once again Charlotte leaves, and while the orchestra plays we watch Charlotte explore Jerusalem.
When we return, Charlotte sings "Plaisir d'armour". She adds a lovely flourish to the end, which was not on the recording.
After this song, Charlotte introduces Marina Blumen who accompanies her on "Pie Jesu". Marina is a good singer, but not Charlotte caliber. They do a wonderful job together.
Finally,
Marina leaves and Charlotte is alone for her finale. She sings "The Holy City" -a very appropriate choice- and this song is quite a perfect ending to a perfect concert.
In closing, I want to say that if you are looking for a video with a lot of behind the scenes,
get-to-know-who-Charlotte-is kinda stuff, this is probably not the video you
want (at least for the VHS version). If you want a really lovely video of Charlotte singing, then this is it. I encourage everyone to think about getting this video. The lighting, setting, filming, editing, and everything are just fabulous and a major improvement over the "Voice Of An Angel" video. This was an excellent video.
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