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0:00:01 > 0:00:04- # Ar Hyd Y Nos #
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- Aled Jones is coming home.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- Home to North Wales.
0:00:12 > 0:00:18- Home to the cathedral that's - been an integral part of his life.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- Home for a very special performance.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- # Stars look down - and tell their story
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- # All through the night
0:00:39 > 0:00:44- # Here's the way to a land of glory
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- # All through the night
0:00:49 > 0:00:55- # Other light seems merely darkness
0:00:55 > 0:01:01- # When true beauty shines upon us
0:01:01 > 0:01:07- # Heaven's family tranquil over us
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- # All through the night...
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- The unique sound - of Aled's remarkable voice...
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- ..made him - one of the world's youngest stars.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24- Now, more than 30 years - since he last performed...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- ..with Bangor Cathedral Choir...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- ..he's back home to sing...
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- ..with a very special guest.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- The voice of his younger self.
0:01:36 > 0:01:42- # See how smiles a star serenely
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- # All through the night
0:01:47 > 0:01:53- # Beaming at the earth so keenly
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- # All through the night
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- # Night is old age with grief coming
0:02:04 > 0:02:10- # But adorning man and evening
0:02:10 > 0:02:16- # Pale light from us - will be streaming
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- # All through the night #
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- Who'd have thought it - Aled's - voice at 15 and Aled's voice at 45!
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- I've changed a lot as a person...
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- ..but since I'm singing with - my younger self in the concert...
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- ..ending the One Voice tour - in Bangor...
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- ..where I began as a chorister - makes perfect sense!
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- To tell you the truth, as a child, - I couldn't wait to leave Anglesey...
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- ..and head to London's big arenas - amid all the hustle and bustle.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Now, when I go home to Anglesey...
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- ..there's no feeling like it.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- Hiya. - A pint of beer, please. Thanks.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- There's nowhere in the world - like Anglesey.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- I'm lucky to have travelled...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..to places like Australia, - America and Japan...
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- ..but the minute - I arrive at Bangor Station...
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- ..and cross Menai Suspension Bridge, - there's no feeling like it.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- I believe - that Wales is part of me...
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- ..in what I sing, what I present - and whatever I do.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- Anglesey runs through my veins.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- By the time Aled Jones - turned 16 years of age...
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- ..he'd released 16 albums and - sold more than six million records.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- Some news from the pop charts - it's - not about Boy George or Wham!...
0:03:55 > 0:03:56- ..it's about Aled Jones.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- 14-year-old Aled Jones was - flown by helicopter to Cardiff...
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- ..to mark his winning - two gold discs.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09- Walking in the Air changed his life - for good and made him a global star.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- He sang before Pope John Paul...
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- ..the Queen, Prince Charles...
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- ..and Princess Diana.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- As a child, he was one of - the most famous names in the world.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26- As an adult, he's gone on - to release album after album....
0:04:26 > 0:04:31- ..and forged a career as a presenter - performer and broadcaster...
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- ..securing him international status.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- His career would've been impossible - had he not made a crucial decision.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- A decision - Aled made as a nine-year-old boy.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- The decision to join the choir - at Bangor Cathedral.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- I remember walking in - and I couldn't believe the place.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- I'd never seen a church as big - as this. The history was palpable.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- I was a slight child...
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- ..so walking into this place - was incredible for me.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- I'd never been here before.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- I'd been to - the parish church in Llandegfan...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- ..but I couldn't believe - these surroundings.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- To tell you the truth, I didn't - expect to become a chorister.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- I came here for piano lessons.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- Before I knew it I was a probationer - standing there as a nine-year-old.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- I worked my way up to be - one of the lead choristers too.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- Everyone says nowadays - that singing in a choir...
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- ..makes you a happier person...
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- ..but I already knew that - as a 9, 10 and 11-year-old child.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- I was very proud of being - a member of Bangor Cathedral Choir.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- Children at school mocked me, - saying, "You wear a skirt"...
0:06:02 > 0:06:03- ..but I didn't care.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- I believed I was singing the best - music in the best surroundings...
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- ..and it was a real privilege - to be able to do that.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- You don't just learn the notes - and learn to read music...
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- ..you also learn to communicate - with fellow choristers...
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- ..and sing with others...
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- ..and when to - take a breath correctly.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- Now I'm here, I'm mindful - I don't slouch in case I have a row!
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- I learned a lot about life, - not just about music.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- Bangor Cathedral - will be in my heart forever.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- The minute I walk in here - I almost feel as if I own the place!
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- God and me!
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- Fantastic. Well done.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- Amazing. How are you?
0:06:51 > 0:06:52- Good, thank you.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Good, thank you.- - Nice to see you. That was brilliant.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- How long - have you been working on that piece?
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- A long time.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- There were no girls in the choir - when I sang here. What's happened?
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- Is the choir better with girls?
0:07:08 > 0:07:09- Is the choir better with girls?- - Yes.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- No.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- Rehearsals at the cathedral - were on a Thursday night.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- It was only the choir - who turned up to sing...
0:07:19 > 0:07:25- ..but often, a woman by the name - of Hefina Orwig Evans joined us.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30- She always said to Mam, "You should - record his voice before it breaks.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- "Your son is incredible."
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- Mam, Dad and I thought, no, - there's nothing special about me.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- I just felt lucky - I got to sing the solos.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Unbeknown to us, - Hefina wrote to Sain...
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- ..and I received a letter - through the post...
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- ..inviting me to record an album.
0:07:49 > 0:07:54- I said, "Why not? It'd be - a nice memento for Nain and Taid!"
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- We released the record - and the rest is history.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- # Gentle breeze
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- # Gentle breeze
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- # Silently passing the door
0:08:21 > 0:08:27- # Mary lying on her bed of straw
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- # Watching her baby fair
0:08:33 > 0:08:39- # Thoughtfully gazing upon his face
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- # Nursing the Maker of God's grace
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- # Singing a sweet melody
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- # Sleep, sleep, my dearest one
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- # Sleep until morning comes
0:09:03 > 0:09:08- # Sleep
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- # Sleep
0:09:13 > 0:09:20- # Sleep
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- # Sleep awhile
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- # Sleep awhile
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- # Until the shepherds come
0:09:57 > 0:10:02- # Come, come, to a humble home
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- # Wise men in turn arrive
0:10:08 > 0:10:14- # Sleep until Herod - arrives with his sword
0:10:14 > 0:10:20- # Sleep for a while - then awake Living Word
0:10:20 > 0:10:26- # Sleep till the cross be thine
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- # Sleep, sleep
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- # My dearest one
0:10:34 > 0:10:40- # Sleep until morning comes
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- # Sleep
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- # Sleep
0:10:51 > 0:10:59- # Sleep #
0:11:13 > 0:11:14- .
0:11:18 > 0:11:18- Subtitles
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- # Oh, Danny Boy
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- # The pipes, the pipes are calling
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- # From glen to glen
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- # And down the mountainside
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- # The summer's gone
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- # And all the roses falling
0:12:03 > 0:12:08- # It's you, it's you must go
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- # And I must bide
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- # But come he back
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- # When summer's in the meadow
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- # Or when the valley's hushed
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- # And white with snow
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- # It's I'll be here
0:12:33 > 0:12:39- # In sunshine or in shadow
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- # Oh, Danny boy
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- # Oh, Danny boy
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- # I love you so #
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Someone made me feel very old - the other day.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- He said I was - the world's first crossover artist.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- The outstanding young treble, - Aled Jones.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- With the success - of his first album...
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- ..Aled's career took off.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Overnight - and still just a teenager...
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- ..the young soprano - was commanding attention.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- My life changed overnight, - to be honest.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- Monday to Friday - I tried to be a pupil...
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- ..at Ysgol David Hughes - in Menai Bridge...
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- ..and then Friday, Saturday, Sunday - I was in London, Hollywood...
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- ..Rome or Japan.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- I was a guest on the Wogan show - more times than anyone else.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- I appeared on the show - 11 times in all.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Have you any girlfriends?
0:13:42 > 0:13:43- Yes, hundreds.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Thousands, but unfortunately, - they're all over 60!
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- It was an incredible four years. - It was a fantastic experience.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- The most momentous year was 1985...
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- ..the year of Walking in the Air.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- # We're walking in the air
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- # We're floating - in the moonlit skies #
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- Walking in the Air was one of - my last recordings as a child.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- The reason I sang - Walking in the Air...
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- ..was because the boy who sang the - song on the cartoon, Peter Auty...
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- ..his voice had broken - when they needed a boy soprano...
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- ..to sing only 10 bars of Walking - in the Air on a Toys R Us advert.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- I walked into the studio, - recorded the 10 bars...
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- ..and the producer, John Altman, - said, "We've got four hours left.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- "Do you know the song?" I said, - "No, I've only learnt 10 bars."
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- He said, "Let's go through it - and we'll record the whole song."
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- If I hadn't done that, Walking in - the Air wouldn't have been recorded.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- I recorded the song, it went to - number one in the charts...
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- ..and number five - in the other charts.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- # We're walking in the air
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- # We're floating - in the moonlit skies #
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- That's enough of that rubbish!
0:15:10 > 0:15:15- This morning I did an interview - with BBC Cornwall or wherever.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- They all say, "We're - coming to Walking in the Air"...
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- ..expecting me to freak out.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- If I had a problem with the song...
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- ..then I'd be - in The Priory crying every day.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- It's impossible to avoid that song - at Christmas in Britain.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- If I'm in Homebase or B&Q, - it plays on the system.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- It plays on the system - on aeroplanes.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- When the children were younger...
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- ..they loved pointing at me, saying, - "It's you," but not any more!
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- Three years at the Royal Academy, - two years at Bristol Old Vic...
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- ..I've sung you 16 songs and you - applaud Walking in the Air the most!
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- While Walking in the Air defined - the career of his younger self...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- ..his adult career is divided - between performing as an artist...
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- ..and working - as a TV and radio broadcaster.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- More recently, as the presenter - of ITV's Weekend programme.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- I've just finished - my Saturday morning programme...
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- ..and here are the questions - for this afternoon's programme.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- What happens is, - I get the research notes...
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- ..and then I compile the questions - to ask and shape the chat.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- I've been doing that - since the series began.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- A lot of work goes into the - programme so I have to do it right.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- One minute there's music, - the next there's in-depth chat.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49- I get to discuss things with guests - that they wouldn't talk about on TV.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- I love it.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- As a child...
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- ..I worked a lot with Terry Wogan.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- I was lucky - to work with him as an adult too.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- I used to refer to him as - my radio dad and he called me Son.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- I remember him saying to me, "I've - got some advice for you, Jones.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- "Spread yourself - as thinly as possible...
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- "..as it makes it more difficult - for people to get rid of you."
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- And that's what I've done.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- I do many different programmes - for TV and radio.
0:17:22 > 0:17:28- I'm on Classic FM and Radio Wales, - I sing, do tours and record albums.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- I do something different every day, - which is great. I enjoy that.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- I often complain I'm tired - but it's my own doing.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- I've got fingers in lots of pies!
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- This is Classic FM's main studio.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- I broadcast on Sunday mornings but - I also present Classic FM Requests.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- The news has finished.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- I'm ready - for my first link of the show.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- There are 30 seconds left of this - cello piece and then I'm on the air.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- That's a musical clue - as to how it's going to be.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Welcome along - to Classic FM Requests.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- What I like about Classic FM - is that it's ageless.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- The listeners range in age - from small children to adults....
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- ..who love listening at home.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- When I was a child - you either liked pop...
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- ..or classical music, - but nowadays...
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- ..children like all kinds of genres, - which is fantastic.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- You never know - who the next caller's going to be.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- Classic FM Requests. - Email via classicfm.com
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- Hi, Aled, - this is Sally from North Wales.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- I'm heading off on a spa break - but I'm full of a stinking cold.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01- Could you find something to cure my - spirits and life my soul? Thank you.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- Poor you. - Nothing worse than a stinking cold.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- Hopefully the spa will help. - I think it will.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- Have a great time, - or as we say in North Wales...
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- ..good luck and enjoy yourself.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Bet you didn't know - I could speak Welsh. Course you did!
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- The best thing about the studio is, - say I'm missing Wales...
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- ..and I need - a bit of red in my soul...
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- ..I can alter the mood - and I'm back in Wales!
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- I feel as if I'm at - the Millennium Stadium now...
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- ..about to sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau!
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- The bosses don't like me - turning it all red usually!
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- Life without music - would be impossible.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- My wife and children say - that I sing all day every day.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- They're not always pleased about - that. The kids tell me to be quiet.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- But I sing here - without me realizing it.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- It's in my soul. It's who I am.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- I've sung since birth.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- When the music's playing...
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- ..I'll sing along or whistle along - to the music because it's in me.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- It's who I am.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- I released 16 albums as a child.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- But it was a fantastically simple - process for me.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- I'd record in a Penarth church with - Hefin Owen and Merfyn Williams...
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- ..and soundman Geoff Atkins.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- They'd be in a lorry outside...
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- ..and I'd be with Huw Tregelles - in the church.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- People would say to me...
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- .."You must've spent months - on that song to get it so good."
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- But the truth is, - I'd turn up in the morning...
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- ..I'd sit on the organ stool - with Huw Tregelles...
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- ..and if it was Bist Du Bei Mir, - I'd say, "Huw, it's a bit high."
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- "OK, I'll transpose it." So - he transposed it and I recorded it.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- That's how we recorded an album.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- That's how we recorded an album.- - But nothing lasts forever.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- Soon, the time came - when the soprano voice...
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- ..that had defined Aled - for so long broke.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- I was at the same church in Penarth - and I'd recorded four songs.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- My voice didn't sound the same, - I had a bit of a cold.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- I remember - shouting over the intercom...
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- .."How's the voice?"
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- "OK, we'll try it once more - - it sounds flat in some places...
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- "..and sharp in others."
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- I was never sharp or flat.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- I said, "Is Mam there?" They said, - "No, she's gone shopping."
0:21:37 > 0:21:43- Truth is, Mam was there but she was - crying, Geoff and Hefin were crying.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- They knew - this was the beginning of the end.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- We went for lunch together...
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- ..and I was with Merfyn in the car.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- I said, "I know you've spent - a lot of money on this session...
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- "..but do you mind if I don't go - back because I want to finish now."
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- I'm welling up, just recounting - the story! Merf said, "Don't worry."
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- Britain's - most outstanding schoolboy singer...
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- ..has announced his retirement - at the age of 16.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- Is this not premature? I gather - your voice hasn't broken yet.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- It's changing, - it's getting a bit deeper.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- It's better to quit - on a high note than a low note.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- I've never regarded my voice - breaking as a negative thing.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- It was something very positive.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- I was looking forward - to becoming a man.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- I was looking forward - to my voice breaking.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- You don't want to be singing like - a boy soprano when you're 19 or 20!
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- So when I made the decision - to give up singing...
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- ..I didn't have a problem with it.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- I knew I'd sing again in future...
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- ..whether it be in the bath - or at the Albert Hall.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- That wasn't up to me, - it was in the lap of the gods.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- I was going to be happy, regardless.
0:23:05 > 0:23:10- If I could sing at home, great, if - I could sing on stage, better still.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- # A simple youthful lad am I
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- # Who loves at fancy's pleasure
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- # I fondly watch the blooming wheat
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- # Another reaps the treasure
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- # Oh! - Wherefore still despise my suit
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- # Why sighing keep thy love?
0:23:35 > 0:23:40- # For some new charm - thou matchless fair
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- # I day by day discover
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- # While hair adorns this aching brow
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- # Still I will love sincerely
0:23:53 > 0:23:58- # While ocean rolls its briny flow
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- # Still I will love thee dearly
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- # Then tell the truth, - in secret tell
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- # And under seal discover
0:24:13 > 0:24:19- # If it be I or who is blest
0:24:19 > 0:24:25- # As thy true heart's best lover #
0:24:35 > 0:24:36- .
0:24:40 > 0:24:40- Subtitles
0:24:40 > 0:24:42- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- # "Bring me," said David
0:24:56 > 0:25:01- # "The harp I adore"
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- # I long ere death calls me
0:25:04 > 0:25:09- # To play it once more
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- # Help me to reach
0:25:14 > 0:25:19- # My beloved strings again
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- # On widow and children
0:25:24 > 0:25:29- # God's blessing remains
0:25:37 > 0:25:42- # Last night I heard
0:25:42 > 0:25:47- # A kind angel thus say
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- # "David, fly home
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- # "On the wings of thy lay"
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- # Harp of my youth
0:26:01 > 0:26:06- # And thy music, adieu
0:26:06 > 0:26:11- # Widow and children
0:26:11 > 0:26:17- # God's blessing on you #
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Hello there. How are you?
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- I'm fine.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- I'm the new patron - of the William Mathias Music Centre.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- I'm so proud of the role.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- I knew William well as a child. - His wife was my voice coach.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- I wouldn't be singing now - without his wife.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48- She got me into - the Royal Academy of Music.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52- Since Aled was famous as a soprano, - after his voice broke...
0:26:52 > 0:26:57- ..he had to face the possibility - of never singing publicly again.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01- Yet he was determined - to prove otherwise...
0:27:01 > 0:27:06- ..and was aided by the late composer - William Mathias and wife Yvonne...
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- ..to retrain his voice.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- William was a fantastic composer.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- I sang his music - as a chorister at Bangor Cathedral.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18- And Yvonne taught me to sing...
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- ..so that I could study at the - Royal Academy of Music in London.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28- My lessons with Yvonne Mathias - had to be seen to be believed.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- I'd reach their house - at around 10.00am on a Sunday...
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- ..and Yvonne and I - would practise scales.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- At 11.00am William would emerge - from his room...
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- ..where he'd been - writing brilliant music...
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- ..and he'd say, "I'll play - the piano. Yvonne, you get up."
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- I'd sing with William Mathias - at the piano, which is surreal.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- We were at Rochester Cathedral - and I talked about your dad...
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- ..bringing me a gin and tonic - in a singing lesson.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03- I had to ring my mum to pick me up - because I was a bit drunk!
0:28:03 > 0:28:09- William was a real eccentric and his - passion was expressed in his music.
0:28:09 > 0:28:14- He'd play the piano while I'd sing - and I'd think to myself...
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- ..how lucky I was - that this was happening to me.
0:28:17 > 0:28:22- He was fantastic. I loved going - to their house on a Sunday morning.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- For me to be able - to give something back...
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- ..and help the centre is great.
0:28:28 > 0:28:35- # Dominus secum
0:28:35 > 0:28:43- # Benedicta tu #
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- I think we have the best musicians - and singers in the world in Wales.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- Seeing those young singers - and instrumentalists...
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- ..was an amazing experience.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- Following the crucial retraining...
0:28:59 > 0:29:03- ..Aled graduated after studying for - three years at the Royal Academy.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- He spent a period at the Bristol Old - Vic Theatre School following that...
0:29:08 > 0:29:13- ..before Aled decided to release - his first album as a young man.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19- The decision to come back - and release albums as an adult...
0:29:19 > 0:29:23- ..was the first time I felt - real pressure on my shoulders.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- I had no idea how people - would take to my new voice.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33- My first album, Aled, went to - number one in the classical charts.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- It was such a relief for me.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- There came even more pressure - with the second album...
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- ..because I was worried I was going - to be a one-hit wonder as an adult.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- When I heard the second album - had gone to number one too...
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- ..I felt a huge sense of relief...
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- ..because I knew then that I had - something to offer as an adult too.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02- Aled the tenor has since released - more than 30 records.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- But the release - of the new album, One Voice...
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- ..provided an opportunity to feature - both voices - tenor and soprano.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11- Thank you so much.
0:30:11 > 0:30:17- I was on tour with Ian Tilley, - who produces my albums...
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- ..and who plays - accompaniment for me on tour...
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- ..and I happened to have a tape...
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- ..of the folk songs I'd recorded as - a child that'd never been released.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- We listened to the tape - and we couldn't believe it.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- I've never listened - to my singing voice as a child.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- There are lots of my albums - I've never listened to.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45- I'd go to the studio, - record them and move on.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- This was the first time - I'd sat in a car for four hours...
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- ..and listened - to these folk song recordings.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- I couldn't believe it, the voice - was, I suppose I can say it now...
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- ..but my voice was fantastic.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- I couldn't get over - how clear it was...
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- ..and my interpretation - of the songs.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- Ian said, "You've - got to do something with this."
0:31:09 > 0:31:15- I said, "I had a dream that I was - singing with my younger self."
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- I still feel I'm the same person.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20- When I sing...
0:31:20 > 0:31:25- ..the feeling I got from singing - as a child is still there.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- If you gave me a song as a child - I'd be able to sing it instantly...
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- ..and make the piece my own - and that's still there.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- We went to LA to record the album...
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- ..and Eriskay Love Lilt - was the first track.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- For five or eight bars - we're singing together in unison...
0:31:44 > 0:31:49- ..and I remember turning to Ian - and saying, "Did you feel that?"
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- All the hair on my head, - arms and neck stood on end.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- I've never had that feeling - in a studio before.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- We knew we had something incredible - on our hands.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09- # Vair me o ro van o
0:32:09 > 0:32:15- # Vair me o ro ven ee
0:32:15 > 0:32:21- # Vair me o ru o ho
0:32:21 > 0:32:26- # Sad am I without thee
0:32:35 > 0:32:40- # When I'm lonely, dear white heart
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- # Black the night and wild the sea
0:32:46 > 0:32:52- # By love's light my foot finds
0:32:52 > 0:32:57- # The old pathway to thee
0:32:58 > 0:33:03- # Vair me o ro van o
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- # Vair me o ro ven ee
0:33:09 > 0:33:15- # Vair me o ru o ho
0:33:15 > 0:33:22- # Sad am I without thee...
0:33:26 > 0:33:31- The decision to end my career as a - boy soprano wasn't at all negative.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36- But looking back at my young voice - and listening to it as an adult...
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- ..was a bittersweet experience - but I was glad I could do it.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- There's plenty of footage of me - singing as a child...
0:33:45 > 0:33:50- ..but no-one had heard this one - and I was so proud of the vocals.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54- It was a great experience - singing along with my old voice.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59- # Thou'rt the music of my heart
0:33:59 > 0:34:05- # Harp of joy, o cuit no chridh
0:34:05 > 0:34:11- # Moon of guidance by night
0:34:11 > 0:34:18- # Strength and light thou'rt to me
0:34:18 > 0:34:24- # Vair me o ro van o
0:34:24 > 0:34:31- # Vair me o ro ven ee
0:34:31 > 0:34:37- # Vair me o ru o ho
0:34:37 > 0:34:48- # Sad am I without thee #
0:34:59 > 0:35:00- .
0:35:02 > 0:35:02- Subtitles
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:35:09 > 0:35:16- # Sleep, child, on my bosom
0:35:16 > 0:35:23- # Snug and warm is she
0:35:23 > 0:35:30- # Mother's arms are tight around you
0:35:30 > 0:35:36- # Mother's love is under my breast
0:35:37 > 0:35:44- # Nothing will be allowed - to disturb you sleep
0:35:44 > 0:35:51- # No man will do wrong with you
0:35:52 > 0:35:59- # Sleep quietly, dear child
0:35:59 > 0:36:06- # Sleep gently - on your mother's breast
0:36:14 > 0:36:21- # Sleep quietly tonight, sleep
0:36:21 > 0:36:27- # Gently sleep - you are the picture of beauty
0:36:28 > 0:36:34- # Why do you now smile
0:36:34 > 0:36:41- # Tenderly smiling in your sleep?
0:36:42 > 0:36:48- # Are there angels above - that are smiling
0:36:48 > 0:36:55- # On you smiling merrily?
0:36:57 > 0:37:03- # You smile back in your sleep
0:37:03 > 0:37:11- # Sleeping quietly on my breast
0:37:19 > 0:37:25- # Do not fear, it's only a leaf
0:37:25 > 0:37:32- # Knocking, knocking on the door
0:37:33 > 0:37:39- # Do not fear a lonely small wave
0:37:39 > 0:37:47- # Washing, washing on the seashore
0:37:48 > 0:37:54- # Sleep, my child, - there is nothing here
0:37:54 > 0:38:02- # Nothing to give you a fright
0:38:03 > 0:38:10- # Smile quietly in my bosom
0:38:11 > 0:38:19- # On the white angels over yonder #
0:38:28 > 0:38:33- Following the success of Aled - singing with his younger self...
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- ..it was decided - that the duet should continue...
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- ..and what better way at Christmas - than with a song...
0:38:42 > 0:38:44- ..that sums up Aled as a singer?
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- We're recording the video - of us singing together.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- It's fantastic. - It's come full circle.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- Who'd have thought - that as a 15-year-old...
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- ..recording the original...
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- ..that I'd be - recording it again at 45?
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- But I believe - both voices fuse together nicely.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- I hope people enjoy it.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- I had a tear in my eye when I - began singing it, to be honest.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13- It's been pleasurable.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19- And for such a special song there - was only one way of launching it.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- We're here at City Airport in London - and we're flying to Cardiff.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- I'll be singing - Walking in the Air in the air!
0:39:27 > 0:39:31- It's the first time I've done that - at 18,000 feet.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37- Someone came up with the idea of - singing in an aeroplane, so why not?
0:39:40 > 0:39:45- Walking in the Air - has been rewritten by Howard Blake.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- We used the voice - of my younger self...
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- ..so Little Aled - is the little boy singing...
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- ..and my voice now is the Snowman, - so it's a proper duet.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- Howard is a fantastic composer...
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- ..and he also likes to stretch me.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- I think - there's a three-octave range...
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- ..in the part - I've recorded as an adult.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14- Howard's written an extremely - high falsetto just for a laugh!
0:40:14 > 0:40:20- # I'm finding I can fly - so high above with you #
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- Walking in the Air and - The Snowman is part of Christmas.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33- I'm proud my name is associated with - something as good as The Snowman.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35- The cartoon is fantastic.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- But when it comes to my Christmas...
0:40:39 > 0:40:44- ..I'm not at home singing Walking - in the Air to my kids - not at all!
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- Usually we spend Christmas - with Nain and Taid...
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- ..or we're with Claire's mother - up north.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- But if we happen to be at home...
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- ..we spend time as a family - eating and drinking too much...
0:40:59 > 0:41:01- ..and watching telly.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- We just want to be together.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- As I get older...
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- ..I'm conscious - that I'm not Superman.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- I like nothing more nowadays...
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- ..if I have - four or five days off work...
0:41:34 > 0:41:39- ..than going to visit Nain and Taid, - Mam and Dad, in Llandegfan.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- I say to myself, "Oh, I need this! - I need to recharge the batteries."
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- This place is so far removed - from where I live in London...
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- ..and the work I do in London, - which changes every half an hour...
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- ..from one place to the next.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- It couldn't be more different.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- It's just fresh air and sea...
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- ..which has - long been a part of my life.
0:42:29 > 0:42:34- As a child, I couldn't wait to get - back to London's hustle and bustle.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- But when I come back - to somewhere like this...
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- ..I feel the stresses and strains - lifted from my shoulders.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- Once I reach Anglesey - I feel completely different.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- It takes perhaps a day to unwind...
0:42:54 > 0:42:58- ..but after that I don't even - want to check my email or anything.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- Though Emilia and Lucas - were born in London...
0:43:09 > 0:43:14- ..and we all live in London - - I have to work there for my work...
0:43:14 > 0:43:18- ..it's important for them - to know where I was brought up too.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- They love coming to stay - with Nain and Taid.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25- They have so much room to run about - in the woods, at the seaside...
0:43:26 > 0:43:28- ..and in the mountains - and they love fishing.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- Everything they don't do in London.
0:43:32 > 0:43:34- It's a bit different to London.
0:43:34 > 0:43:35- It's a bit different to London.- - Yeah, definitely.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38- You can relax more.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40- Nain and Taid are lucky.
0:43:40 > 0:43:45- As a child, I remember Dad saying, - "Come on, we'll go sailing."
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- I was about 12 years old - and sometimes I thought...
0:43:49 > 0:43:53- .."I'd prefer - to play football with a friend."
0:43:53 > 0:43:56- But being with Lucas - on the Menai Strait...
0:43:56 > 0:44:01- ..and seeing him take in all - the sights that I saw as a child...
0:44:02 > 0:44:03- ..gave me great pleasure.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- We're so lucky - that Mam and Dad, Nain and Tad...
0:44:08 > 0:44:10- ..live in - such beautiful surroundings.
0:44:11 > 0:44:13- There's nowhere like Anglesey.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28- Anything I do, I hope - I do it to the best of my abilities.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- If I sing or - if I'm presenting on TV and radio...
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- ..I hope - I put my heart and soul into it.
0:44:36 > 0:44:37- I'm very lucky.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- Looking back on my singing career as - a child, I feel immensely proud too.
0:44:43 > 0:44:48- I hope I come across - as a genuine person...
0:44:48 > 0:44:51- ..and I hope I don't hurt anyone.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- I'm mindful now...
0:44:55 > 0:44:59- ..that I need that time off - to recharge the batteries.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03- I might think - of going to Penmon or Llanddwyn...
0:45:03 > 0:45:08- ..or sit in one of the pubs - in Beaumaris or wherever...
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- ..and just be.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- # Beside the sea
0:45:15 > 0:45:17- # Red roses growing
0:45:19 > 0:45:21- # Beside the sea
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- # White lilies showing
0:45:28 > 0:45:32- # Beside the sea
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- # Their beauty telling
0:45:38 > 0:45:40- # My true loves sleeps
0:45:42 > 0:45:45- # Within her dwelling
0:45:55 > 0:45:58- # Beside the sea
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- # The stones lie scattered
0:46:02 > 0:46:08- # Where tender words in love - were uttered
0:46:09 > 0:46:12- # While all around
0:46:12 > 0:46:15- # There grew the lily
0:46:16 > 0:46:20- # And sweetest branches
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- # Of rosemary
0:46:32 > 0:46:35- # Beside the sea
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- # Blue pebbles lying
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- # Beside the sea
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- # Gold flowers glowing
0:46:46 > 0:46:50- # Beside the sea
0:46:50 > 0:46:52- # Are all things fairest
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- # Beside the sea
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- # Is found my dearest
0:47:11 > 0:47:15- # Beside the sea
0:47:15 > 0:47:20- # Are all things fairest
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- # Beside the sea
0:47:29 > 0:47:34- # Is found my dearest #
0:48:09 > 0:48:14- # We're walking in the air
0:48:14 > 0:48:20- # We're floating in the moonlit sky
0:48:20 > 0:48:22- # The people far below #
0:48:23 > 0:48:25- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:25 > 0:48:26- .