Customer Reviews

Classical Barbra

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I can't say that Ms. Streisand is "the minx" when it comes to classical training but she has a natural and hardworking gift. She possesses a faultless dedication to her craft that I can truly appreciate. This CD is not a new release, (I have it on wax) but this fantasy-like music lulled my three-year old to afternoon naps for two years and I am classically grateful.

In this CD, it is her amazing vocal control and most especially, her need not to BOMBAST the listener with musical ploys that is to be commended. She has selected classic pieces and a variety of composers to lull us to another place. Some of her selections work better than others, but her musical choices are always amazing. well done and musically subtle.

If you have a little child that needs soothing or if you need quiet, calming music sung from a very carefully studied songbook, you will enjoy this timeless musical massage.

As someone who was trained as a classical singer, I was familiar with all of Ms. Striesand's choices. Although no Price or Sills, she still pulls it off with style through thoughtful phrasing and vocal reserve. My favorites are Après un rêve, Op. 7/1 by Faure and In Trutina, from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Finally, whatever she lacked in classical training, she more than made up for in interpretation and complete understanding of the text. So lovely. Brava!

I must Ms. Streisand credit...she took on something she had no experience doing and made it work in her special way. She is no small egoist and a perfectionist, and publicly not endearing or warm to many of us. However, she has that true storyteller's talent and understands, even in Latin, how to tell her story.

P.S. Not for impervious classicists, dotty tradionalists, or peevish intractables!

Proving that she really can pull off anything she sets her mind to, Barbra recorded this amazing collection of traditional, lieder classical music. Streisand's instincts are seldom off, and this incredible intuition follows her into the classical realm. Even in the context of this very difficult style of singing, Streisand's performance never seems anything less than completely natural. In fact, Barbra's elegant rendition of Carl Orff's "In Trutina" is one of the most beautiful vocal performances I've ever heard. Throughout the ten track album, Streisand sings in five different languages and seems completely at home in all of them. Most amazingly, she is somehow able to meet the demands of the compositions without completely surrendering her own unique attributes. This hybrid is at it's most spectacular on Hugo Wolf's "Verschwiegene Liebe" and George Frideric Handel's "Lascia ch'io pianga," in which the combination composition and performer create an almost surreal beauty that echoed throughout the entire project. Melodic and surprising, CLASSICAL BARBRA showcases yet another side to the indescribable talent known as Barbra Streisand.

You'll never find a more peaceful collection. It's almost like listening to the waves crashing ashore (in slow motion). Barbra hasn't the range of a classical diva nor does she attempt to go places she knows she cannot. But rather offers an hour of morning meditation, some afternoon calm or an evening prayer of thanks. This is one of those Cd's I've passed on to many friends, with much appreciation. "Higher Ground" would have been an appropriate title for this LP when it was released. Nothing so beautiful as when the earthly and the ethereal slow dance deep into the night. That's where this Cd takes you. Enjoy. ps: thanks Barbra for the endless pleasure of your voice

My grandparents who are both opera singers and voice teachers listened to 'Classical Barbra'. Their assessment is : the CD is not a great revelation of a promising opera or lieder singer. But she shows that she can tackle an art song and show off an important attribute of fine singing : legato. Barbra's vocal technique and hearing capability in music makes her the greatest pop singer of all times. Personally, the CD is a soothing work of the pop diva. I'll never get tired of this CD which has Streisand's unique treatment of art songs.

This CD shows why Streisand is who she is; the ultimate DIVA! This lady can sing anything and on this wonderful collection she proves it. Barbra recored the album way back in 1973, and because the record label was afraid of low sales due to the classical nature of the material, didn't release it until 1976. What a treat for fans of Barbra and fans of classical music. Barbra showcases hew vocal strengths in the 10 tracks singing in different languages. I first heard this CD at a dinner party 15 years ago and pretty much forgot about it until I saw a few for sale on Ebay. I remembered loving it and immediately bought it through Amazon. I highly recommend this CD for all those people who simply love music. It will put you in a very relaxed mood, almost as if your home is filled with candles. Since I bought it I've listened to it at least 20 times or more and will continue playing it in my home. Don't worry if you can't understand what Barbra is saying if you don't comprehend the laguage of the song; you'll know it's still Barbra doing what she does the best. A few final notes ; Barbra Streisand was nominated for a Grammy for the album. And Streisand has personally stated that this was the hardest album vocally she has ever worked on in her career. In short a beautiful CD for any home.

When it comes to singing/performing musical theater songs of Sondheim, Webber, Lerner/Loewe, Streisand is one of the top three voices in the music world who can deliver the songs with perfected artistry, vibrancy and great, exceptional delivery. There is no question about that. Do you know why ? Well, get this classical art songs done by the diva and learn the secrets of great singing and proper technique. Streisand didn't take the operatic/classical music world by storm when she released this body of work but she provided enough reasons to the critics why she can sing pop songs or musical songs with so much ease and beauty. Don't expect a Leontyne Price or a Victoria de los Angeles from this CD. But Classical Barbra shows off Streisand's mastery of legato, phrasing and a sharp ear for hard-to-follow melody. This CD remains to me as one of the finest works done by a pop singer in the field, unlike Michael Bolton's lack of technique in his supposedly aria music. She chose songs that are wonderful in melody but still challenging to follow. And she comes out high above the rest of them with this CD. Bellissima, Barbra ! The Funny Girl was a promising recitalist, maybe she is still so.

I find it utterly, amazingly, unthinkable that ANYone can come up with ONE 'negative' thing to say about this collection by the inimitable Ms Streisand. This CD..this music --- just transports me....elevates me...changes my mood and outlook......it is an ethereal listening experience..almost religiously hypnotic in its beauty, eloquence, and simplistic beauty. Some of the songs bring a lump to my throat. It's a joy and a privilege to hear this Artist render her vocal and emotional interpretation of these classic aural wonders.........a true gift to the ears. Bravo. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars/ Lisa Guerci in CT

In 1963, when Streisand released her first album, there was no doubt she was a unique and talented singer. Some ten years later, after becoming a great success, she proved with "Classical Barbra" what a nurtured and developed talent is capable of. She didn't sit on her laurels and continue to churn out Broadway warhorses in an attempt to play it safe. Instead, like a true artist, she challenged her abilities. Her reward, and ours as well, is this absolutely gorgeous CD. Her voice, at a level of near perfection, glides effortlessly across each tender note of these well picked gems. If anyone ever doubted man's reason for existence, please, do yourself a favor and buy this CD. You will be inspired for a lifetime.

With her god-given voice, it is such a joy to hear it used for purer sounds! It is often wasted on mundane material, but here the beauty of her voice meets its match: in haunting classical songs sung in Italian, French, German, etc. Anybody who finds her raspy and diva-esque will be surprised by her restrained, sensitive delivery here. Barbra at her best...The Voice Of The Twentiest Century indeed!

In short, this is a beautiful piece of artistic integrity and interpretation. Although classical pundits might snub the work because its vocalist is known primarily for her popular music, what such vapid haughtiness fails to appreciate is that music is a transaction between composer and singer. As a performing arts major in college, what I take for granted that others may not realize is that upon receiving input and feedack from either a director or conductor, a sensitive rendering of either a play's character or piece of music is best left up to the TALENT of the performer! Otherwise, rather than receiving a holistic portrayal, an audience is liable to witness imitation rather than artistic interpretation. Withal, although many can be "classically trained," only a few have a genuine gift.