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 Awesome theatrics Aug 04, 2008
This group not only sounds great and not only do they have a good arranger, they perform spectacularly.
Entertaining, But for Some of the Wrong Reasons Jul 07, 2008
I have to admit, I cheated on this one and saw the performance not once, but a few times on PBS, used as a vehicle for their interminable funding drives. In retrospect, I doubt that I would have purchased it.
Il Divo has an interesting sound, utilizing the talents of three lesser opera lights and a lounge singer. I find their "Three Ring Circus" approach to harmony, each freely working within the tune, pleasing to the ear. It gives a feeling of energy and the quality of their voices blend, even as they use them in accordance with their own feelings. If I were interested in close harmony, I would be listening to a barbershop quartet. The music selection has become a bit hackneyed, appearing in most of what they have recorded, but gives solid vehicles to showcase their talents.
The video, on the other hand, is amusing for all the wrong reasons. The heavy handed Cowell approach is most apparent, as each number is preceded by posing in various corners of the stage. Even as they perform, there is almost a mechanical assumption of supposed casual attitudes by each member of the troupe, whether leaning against components of the set or against one another. Now, perhaps they need not stand there woodenly and sing, but the stiff histrionics detract, rather than add to the quality of the performance. These are four talented and attractive young men (with, I fear, one possible exception) and their personalities are sufficient to have the desired effect on the female audience. The fashion model posturing is simply overkill.
It is obvious that each of them enjoys the effect they have on the audience, but Carlos' clownish portrayal of the "Latin lover" persona he exudes is well over the top. From the ever present sneer and hair curl carefully dropped onto his forehead (with a closeup giving the definite impression that said curl might well be a tonsorial addition, not natural growth) he makes a travesty of the boyish innocence the others present. A bit of a shame, too, as his voice can stand on its own with this material.
Anyone who has watched this group's history is well aware of the fact that after putting out CDs in machine gun fashion, the mill has grown strangely silent over the past year and a half. Has Cowell decide that their shelf life is about up? Did their last CD fall flat? Did the team solidarity break down? There appears to be no reason for them to have disappeared (at least in terms of recording). If indeed, they are on the down swing, it would be sad. They do have a great deal to offer artistically and I think with a solid background of audience acceptance, at least the three classical voices might try for deeper water, exercising some well earned training and significant talent in more demanding musical undertakings.
And, even though English is not considered the most melodious of languages, they might find that there is no crime in recording a song in the language in which it was originally written.
 Il Divo Life May 27, 2008
This a great video. I have bought several copies to give to friends. It is something you can watch over and over.
 Could be better if there were more balance and less forceful highs May 24, 2008
The spirit was good, the music was good (songs, orchestra, instruments, etc.). Here's my little constructive sugestion: David, the American tenor, was many times over-powering his team members thus the whole song section with his high forceful notes. It was unneccessary to make the event a success, maybe even counterproductive, but nobody has done anything to down mix him properly, live or in editing.
Otherwise, Carlos, Urs and Sebastian were great together. David wasn't bad but he could be better if he didn't try so hard to dominate the whole picture. Overall, Il Divo would sound better if they let Sebastien lead more, Carlos and David less often use their forceful voices.
Il Divo! Wish I could have been at the Greek! May 10, 2008
These guys are absolutley wonderful! No wonder their popularity is on the rise! Not only are they charming to watch, but their voices blend so well, resulting in the beautiful music they make on stage! If one is unable to see their actual concert in person, this is the next best thing!
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