Title : Classics
Author : Brightman, Sarah
Release Date : 20011120
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $17.98
Amazon.com Price : $10.25
(43
%) VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE
Editorial Reviews : Have some friends who still haven't discovered what the Sarah Brightman fuss is all about? You'll find the perfect introduction to make converts of them all in Classics, so they'll have no more excuses to remain clueless. Sporting a Botticelli-inspired image of the platinum-selling soprano on the cover, Classics is a classy anthology including highlights from three of Brightman's chart-topping releases along with seven new tracks. Songs personally selected by the diva as her favorite classical interpretations are culled from her previous blockbusters: Time To Say Goodbye, Eden, and La Luna. And whether you're a fan already in the fold or one in the making, the new material here shows the diva at the top of her form, in new renderings of 'O Mio Babbino Caro' and 'Nessun Dorma' (accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic)--fascinating displays of the operatic confidence she's developed over her career. Other new offerings include a touching version of Schubert's 'Ave Maria,' 'Winter Light,' a fresh take on her signature song 'Pie Jesu' (from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem). 'Alhambra' and 'Dans La Nuit'--a real treat, bathing the listener in Brightman's silky, sensuous vocalism--add two original titles to her famous adaptations of classical melodies to new lyrics (using Chopin's haunting E major Etude in the latter case). All told, a lovely affirmation of the directions Brightman has boldly taken in her career to date.
Buyer Reviews : Sarah Brightman's latest cd offering, 'Classics', is a fabulous compilation best of including previous operatic hits and favorites, as well as seven new recordings, which combine to create an operatic journey of grand proportions. S. Brightman's 'Classics' includes such favorites as the magnificent La Wally, that is able to redefine past notions of S. Brightman's operatic abilities; Anytime, Anywhere, a powerful classic melding both opera with pop elements; the exquisite duo Serenade/How fair this place from La Luna, that is as gentle as it is powerful; and the sweeping, grand La Luna, that showcases the power and sheer vocal range of S. Brightman's voice. 'Classics' features re-recordings of Pie Jesu, which creates a mood beautifully with Sarah Brightman singing deeply and more richly in the touching piece; and Nessun Dorma, in an updated form that lasts an additional half minute. New recordings, which are the real headliners of this cd, include the breathy elegance of Winter Light; Spanish inspired Alhambra, which finds Sarah's voice flowing and seamless and the orchestra complementing her perfectly with strings; marvelous Dan La Nuit that features S. Brightman's characteristic liberties on Latin-based languages; and sweeping and sweet O Mio Babbino Caro. The gentle Ave Maria is a gem on this cd, where an ethereal mood is set by the orchestra and Sarah's amazing voice. Another real treat is Sarah's solo version of Time To Say Goodbye, which was a very rare track up to this point. It's a very nice take on the duet hit. 'Classics,' by the end of its 54 minutes, comes off as a distinct album with powerful, moving songs and a selection of previous hits and favorites. At first listening, 'Classics' may not grab you, but it really does grow on you, meriting at least two listenings before developing your opinion on this resplendent addition to anyone's Sarah Brightman collection.
