Search - :: Hayley Westenra - Live From New Zealand

AN ANGEL AT WORK

John A. Jodell | Richfield, MN United States | 04/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"AT LAST! A live DVD of Hayley Westenra in concert, shot in her native New Zealand. This is a real treat, as it offers you not only a live performance spotlighting the young beauty and her smooth and alluringly pure voice, but also cameos of her wonderful family and a delicious taste of her rich New Zealand culture. We even get a glimpse of her younger sister Sophie as the two girls sing together on one song. When Hayley Westenra performs, the heavenly angels' jaws drop, and you will see precisely why when you view this DVD. Such simple, natural elegance and complete professionalism are rare for one of such tender years, and it is sheer joy to behold. Your life will be enriched by this performance. Buy this DVD---you will NEVER regret it!"

One word: WOW!

Kyle Y | Toronto, ON CAN | 05/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I came home from work today, opened the door, and there it is, my order from Amazon. I ripped the package open to survey my copy of the "Hayley Westenra Live From New Zealand" DVD - I am smiling. I walked over to my 22 month old son, pointing at the DVD, saying, "Hayley, Hayley." He repeats after me, "Ayley...Ayley." My son adores Hayley, but he has never seen her on video. He loosens himself from my wife's grasp, takes the DVD from my hand, and pops it into the dvd player.



The concert starts off (and ends with) the Te Orowai Maori Dance Group. I appreciate this gesture: It shows that Hayley is proud of her country, and the rooted cultures of the land. I fully respect her for this. All three of us are in awe as Hayley steps onto the stage; none of us has ever seen her perform (which leads me to say the I am extremely disappointed that Hayley could not fit Toronto, Canada, into her 2005 concert schedule). I will wait. Now, back to the concert. She has really grown into a gorgeous young woman; she is beautiful, and her attire is glamourous, yet dignified. Her hair flows, her eyes shimmer, and her smile - brilliant. Looking at her body language (it is generally quite simple and static, although with a naturalness) betrays the fact that she is still very young. But I much rather be amused at this, than to see a veteran going through the same rehearsed, often exaggerated motions.



The best part of course, is the singing. I own both "Pure" and Hayley's first self-titled CD (given to me as a gift, and brought home from New Zealand). I will not evaluate all the songs on this DVD, still let me tell you that Hayley sounds significantly better live, than in those CD recordings. What a treat! Her voice has matured over the years (even compared to her recent "Pure" album), gaining a richness and depth in the lower registers, while maintaining that clarity in the upper octaves. There is now a distinct fullness in her voice that I admire.



Carl Orff's "In Trutina" is sung with reverence, and it is my favourite rendition of this classical piece. The "Pure" recording is more intimate and subtle; this concert performance is more vocal and assertive. The tone and quality of her voice allowed her to express the meaning of the lyrics very honestly:



In my own wavering balance

Desire fluctuates with modesty

But I choose what I see

I bow my neck to the yoke

For the burden is sweeter after all

And so I take it upon me



Hayley sings "Across The Universe of Time" with her little sister, Sophie, which I thought was really sweet. Her rendition of "May It Be" is not as mystical as Enya's, however it is ethereal and powerful altogether. My wife has a fondness for "Who Painted The Moon Black", and I thought Hayley sounded more cute here. "Ave Maria" was a surprise, as it is sung in English and accompanied by a guitarist; I much prefer the Latin version from her first CD. Nevertheless, she sings wonderfully. Ravel's "Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte" is one of my favourite pieces written for the piano; even though "Never Say Goodbye" loses much of the body of the Pavane, it should remain a sentimental favourite, because the basic melody is just so lovely.



The bonus features are generous, including a 30 minute documentary of Hayley, and puts this DVD into the "must own" category. Heck, I would still buy it for the concert performance alone - she is that spectacular. The audio (encoded in PCM Stereo and 5.1 Dolby Surround) and video (in widescreen format) is first rate. Buy it now!











"

A Sweet Caress to the Soul

Holger Wemmer | Altdorf, Germany | 04/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is music that makes you wanna dance, there is music that is relaxing and there is this rare kind of music that touches your soul. The music of Hayley Westenra unquestionably belongs to the latter. Being blessed with a hauntingly beautiful voice that gives you goose bumps which just won't go away, Hayley is gradually bringing her talent to a perfection that is not of this world.



I have been a faithful admirer of Sarah Brightman for 18 years and I have always been positive that there cannot possibly be a voice with a clarity greater than hers. Having heard Hayley, I knew I was wrong. Her latest album she named "Pure" and the ever growing throng of Hayley's fans would right away agree that "nomen est omen".



Every song on this DVD is a masterpiece, so I would not dare make a ranking, but personally I enjoyed "May it Be", "Wuthering Heights" and "Hine e Hine" the most.



I strongly recommend that you buy this DVD. You would not want to miss out on an early concert of the artist that will one day be referred to as the "Voice of the 21st Century". At the same time you will be able to let your eyes feast on a very pretty, charming young lady that moves very elegantly to her celestial tunes. Do buy this DVD and share it with someone whom you truly love!"