Wiki
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Release Date
27 November 2009
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Length
12 tracks
Being a music critic, albeit a quiet one at the moment, I was asked to review the latest Rhydian CD ‘O Fortuna’. I have no agenda; no axe to grind; and hopefully an objective view of that which I hear, so I invite you to read on…..
Once in a while, along comes a voice which, like it or hate it, you cannot ignore. Take Rhydian Roberts for example. His rise to fame via the X factor showed him in many lights and defied anyone to categorise what he did.
After a highly successful first CD there was a clue to the nature of the beast-a selection of thought provoking songs but definitely aimed at the mainstream marketplace. And yet the depths and messages of those offerings were telling; a reflection of someone with definite views on life and religion, and on someone who was not inclined to change those views to soar in the ratings and make his fortune. Not the easiest way to make your mark in the recording studio.
The latest CD ‘O Fortuna’ both confuses and confirms what we thought we knew. With tracks ranging from Annie’s Song to Ave Verum Corpus, the content is certainly not aimed at the traditional classical or popular markets and once again from the conventional viewpoint there appears to be little logic in this assemblage of material. Yet convention may not apply and we must look a little closer if we are to unravel the puzzle that is Rhydian. Notice the involvement of such notables as Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Bryn Terfel and Karl Jenkins and it becomes evident that this only happens because of the rare quality of the voice. People want to work with someone whose innate musicality is in tune with their own.
Forget the laws of reason and listen to the music. The voice has hints of Mario Lanza and the undoubted sincerity and quality of the singing may well win over those who initially decided that he was not for them or for their record company. This is music from the heart, and every track hits home .Confused we may be on repertoire, but confirmed once again is that inner viewpoint on life.
Make no mistake, every note, the musical arrangements and the backing shout out that this is a quality production with no corners cut. Even on traditional offerings such as ‘Land of my Fathers’ and ‘Myfanwy’ the emotional depth is involving and if you doubt this,try ‘Anthem’ from the ill starred musical ‘Chess’. The final moments of this may well bring the odd shiver down the spine.
So, who will buy this? Looking at the fan base I suspect that those from 30 to 60 are the most likely, but Rhydian seems to have the ability to cross conventional guidelines and might well make it on Classic FM so I shall watch its progress with more than a little interest. And as for the X factor faithful, we shall have to see.
So is there anything I don’t really like? Perhaps so-the cover photo reminds me of two things, the first of which is a memory of Nigel Kennedy’s attempt to look trendy, and the second? A fleeting glimpse of Bart Simpson! Ah well, nothing in life is perfect!
Philip Knighton
10Radio
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