Customer Reviews

Classics

5 star:		(102)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

Few artists engender such strong reactions as does Sarah Brightman. She is truly a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. This album is a perfect example of what divides people about her. The album is called "Classics" and is an album of classical material done Sarah Brightman-style. If you already like her voice and the production style of her music, it's probably for you. Sarah has never claimed to be a legit opera singer, and you'll probably find this CD in the vocals section of your store, not the classical section. So if you like legit classical singers or traditional opera recordings, of COURSE you're not going to like it. So put your axe away and buy something else. Sarah Brightman sings the classics her way; she does not try to imitate anyone else or give a traditional recital. A lot of the arguments made by reviewers here are old hat, from way back in the "Classical Barbra" days of Streisand's 70's classical album. They're TIRED, OLD arguments. Sarah's and Barbra's CD's were made for popular music fans who might enjoy hearing a few classical selections. If you're not part of that audience, what are you doing buying this anyway? So what do I think of it? I think it's pleasant and enjoyable coffee-table music. I much prefer Sarah's more diverse offerings, but I feel no need to tear it apart or swear my undying devotion to it. It stands up to repeated plays, and is an enjoyable listen for those who appreciate Sarah's recordings.

Listening to Sarah Brightman sing makes one realize that the human voice is truly the most lovely musical instrument (I think Chopin said this). I have 3 of Sarah Brightman's other CDs (Eden, La Luna, and Andrew Lloyd Webber) and this is my favorite of all three. I realize that the critique of music is a very subjective matter (there are beings that actually enjoy rap "music") so I should mention that La Luna is my least favorite of all because it's a bit "dark" and minor sounding. Most of the selections on this CD are very melodic and "happy" (sorry, I'm not a professional music person). All of the songs on this CD are derived from classical music, hence the name "Classics." I must mention that I am partial to classical music. This CD has taken the best parts of classical pieces and set them to words. Lovely! There are a few operatic pieces which are delightful. Listening to a Sarah Brightman CD versus today's pop music is like eating a fine creme brulee versus sampling a McDonald's apple pie.

There is no doubt (at least in my mind!) that Sarah Brightman has an exquisite voice, but just as important, she has incredible control over her voice which allows her to perform to perfection everything she sings whether it be opera arias, popular tunes, or jazz -- and let us not forget that she does all of this in five different languages! As many know, Miss Brightman likes to 'theme' her albums and "CLASSICS", I believe, is no exception. Each song flows beautifully into the next, creating a feeling of harmony and tranquility. While I have heard some complain that only four new songs are offered on this CD, it's important to note that many of the songs found on previous albums are presented here with new arrangements. I realize this is only a matter of opinion, but I rather enjoy hearing different arrangements, and in fact, find it refreshing. Additionally, since the previous recordings she has selected for this CD are among my favorites, I cannot complain on that note! The new selections she has given us are "Ave Maria", "Alhambra", "Winter Light", and "Dans La Nuit" which are all very nice. If I were to rate these four from highest to lowest, I would do so in the order that I have listed them -- but I truly enjoy all of them. While she has taken three selections from her "TIME TO SAY GOODBYE" CD, two of the three are new arrangments. There are four selections from "EDEN" and of these, "Nessun Dorma" is a new arrangement and is absolutely wonderful! Finally, there are three selections from her "LA LUNA" CD. In all honesty, I was not sure what to expect with this CD until I received it and listened to it in its entirety. In doing so, it became evident to me that Miss Brightman took great care in choosing songs that would keep with the theme she had in mind. The only recording that didn't take my breath away was the new recording of "Pie Jesu". For some reason, her voice appeared to be somewhat in the distance and didn't seem as clear to me as in previous recordings; but others have said they enjoy this new arrangement. If you are a fan of Sarah Brightman's, I truly feel you will love this CD! If you are new to the world of Sarah Brightman, I think this CD would be a wonderful introduction into her world!

WHOA! WOW! And that's just the CD jacket. Now about the music - I admit I have been a Sarah Brightman fan for only a couple of years; I am primarily an old rock music type, but all Sarah has to do to get my attention is put some air through her vocal chords. Now, having said that, her CD "Classics" has seven previously unreleased cuts, which is why I got the album. Here is another example that the person, who told me years ago that no human voice can obtain true perfect pitch was wrong. "Alhambra" is one of the sweetest songs I have heard Sarah do, and I have wondered for a long time how she would handle songs like "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night" (you can hear her do "Night" in "Christmas at the Vatican"). Sarah gives her usual wide range of talent in this album from the soft, sweet "Alhabra" to the dynamic build-up in "Bailero". An interesting note here - Deep Purple used the opening strains of "Bailero" as the intro to their 1970s cover of the Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" on their "Tails of the Talysin" album. That one caught me by surprise when I recognized the melody on this CD. Neat, Huh?
One review mentioned disappointment that not all songs here were classics by nature of being new. Well, they are now! I enjoyed this CD as much as the other seven or eight other CDs by her that I have. I would recommend this CD to anyone anytime, pun intended. My only regret is having to wait for the next album she puts out; I only hope she doesn't try to outdo the CD jacket, or my wife probably will make me put something over it, or worse, not let me get it!

I have been a Sarah Brightman fan since I first heard "Phantom of the Opera" in 1989. I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth as an artist. "Classics" is no exception to the fine material she has released in the past 10 years.

"Classics" is a bit of the old and new. There are tracks that have been in need of re-recording ("Pie Jesu," "O Mio Babbino") and tracks that just beg for Sarah's voice. Her rendition of "Ave Maria" is simply beautiful, sung in that soprano we know so well. Also, it was nice to finally get her solo version of "Time to Say Goodbye." I had the pleasure of seeing her do this song during the "La Luna" tour, and all I have to say is "Wow!"

Sarah is a classical music engima. If you don't believe me, simply look at the cover of this album! What she has done with classical music, though, is bring it to more people. She abandons the "stuffiness" classical music is known for, and makes it appealing to all. In this, she is a pioneer for such acts as Charolette Church (who cannot sing "Pie Jesu" the way Sarah does) and Andrea Bocelli. I look forward to more music from the Angel.

A truly inspirational work from our Angel of Music! The track list may have already known recordings previously recorded by Sarah, but still shimmers in time for Christmas.
What I found different in "Classics", compared to other SB CDs is the exotic and extravagant photos. Above all, the photos, may I say, add to the haunting and etherealism of the cd.

I think there are songs set on multiple moods. Take for example, "Ave Maria" has an crystal glimmer in it which takes the rolling notes where they have to go. "Winter Light" is to me, the sequel to "Winter in July", yet even more stunning. "Pie Jesu" celebrates a 'Renaissance' because it was never recorded in studio prior to this cd. And, the sound of the song is absolutely stunning! I was almost in tears when I heard how she re-worked it, with its vocal layering. It sounds like the soundtrack to a child's winter dream. Oh Joy!

Here is the tracklist for 1st time viewers.

1) Ave Maria 2)La Wally 3)Winter Light 4)Anytime, Anywhere
5)Alhambra 6)Laschia chio pianga 7)Dans La Nuit 8)Serenade/How fair this place 9)O mio babbino caro 10)La Luna 11)Pie Jesu 12)Figlio Perduto 13)Nessun Dorma 14)Bailero 15)Time to say goodbye solo version

On some online stores, they say that there is a bonus track called "On the Nile". It was not included on my copy. I believe they probably decided to edit the song off the tracklist at the last minute.

On Classics, Sarah's voice has changed a bit. I found when I first heard the cd today, I was surprised a bit to notice the vocal slides in sarah's vocal Bel Canto. Now I am a great SB fan, but the songs (Nessun Dorma and O mio babbino caro) are where Sarah falters a bit on the high notes. Maybe she is tired. I am in no way saying those songs are bad, but her voice is less tight.

I don't think that the new material on Classics was rushed. Sarah made a wise choice when she chose the 4 new songs for her cd. Same goes for the photos and the centerfolds inside. The shimmery jewels and the goth-like ambiance shower Miss Brightman in her reign as Angel of Music. It even appears that Sarah is painted in gold leaf. How quaint.
What is nice is on the back cover of the booklet, the writers of the selections are written beside each piece. It prevents you from having to open the booklet every time to search for it.

There are nice choral arrangements too! "Nessun Dorma" is now dubbed the "Nessun Dorma" extended version because at the end it continues after Sarah stops singing, with the choir wrapping up the last few chords. Fabulous.

Take a copy of Classics home with you and experience the thrill I did. Enjoy!

Hope the review helped you.

Now I'm as much a Sarah Brightman fan as the next guy; thought she was terrific vocally as "Phantom"'s Christine. Listening to this CD helps me to remember that was *20* years ago. What Sarah lacks in vocal control and tonality she makes up for in breathiness and her infamous "swooping" up into high notes.

This CD features a number of "new" recordings, although I don't understand why. Sarah takes on Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu" as well as "Time to Say Goodbye" alone. These two duets propelled her to stardom in their time which makes me wonder why she gives such a half-hearted effort at re-recording them alone with such shoddy results.

Sarah also has re-recorded Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" which allows one to hear firsthand the decline of her voice in just a few years.

The only redeeming tracks on this CD are those that were taken from previous albums--"La Luna", "Eden", and "Time to Say Goodbye". My recommendation would be to buy those CDs instead to hear Sarah Brightman at her best and to leave this CD alone.

When I saw a commercial for this CD on TV, I immediately checked out Amazon.com to see if it was available there, and it was! I ordered it, when the CD arrived, I played them, and got chills and goosebumps, especially when I heard "Classics." Not since Yma Sumac has there been a soprano voice the equal of Sarah Brightman's, and "Classics" is the perfect showcase for such a voice. Anyone who loves classical music sung in one of the purest voices to come along in half a century will find Sarah Brightman's "Classics" a must-have. This is far and away the best of Brightman's works that I have in my collection. Come to think of it, it is the very best CD in my collection!

This may not be a ChrisTmas album ~~~it is however full of spirit...Sarah's

Yes this is "SARAH'S CLASSICS"
This whole CD Flows...Floats... Fabulous
From the beginning of "AVE MARIA"
To the last notes of "TTSG"

AVE MARIA is absolutely Beautiful PERIOD.

LA WALLY is done in a pure Classical style no extra percussion/explosions. Done with the same type of sensitivity as La Luna

WINTER LIGHT has become a new Favorite to this listener..."whispers and I will follow"..

ANYTIME ANYWHERE... I Love anyway..*sigh* a sultry pining..

ALHAMBRA a Spanish guitar and Sarah...a beautiful song does it get any better than this ..

LASCIA CHI'O PIANGA....Lovely..soft piece

DANS LA NUIT...a Chopin piece I have heard many times before but never so beautifully sung..

SERENADE/...This is a Peterson Soltau
HOW FAIR THIS PLACE...this is Brightmans adaptation of Rachmannov it is exquisite by its self and especially when attached to Serenade

O MIO BABBINO CARO...You have heard this before too ...so what is that saying about things being better "the second time around"..this is a more mature voice it is beautiful..

LA LUNA...This brought tears to my eye's the first time I heard it ...and it does so now...Davorak must be weeping in his grave with tears of Joy!

PIE JESU....This has a bit different quality to ..and it sounds GREAT "as usual Ms. Brightman". Her voice has matured since she first recorded it and the FULL Orchestra in the back ground adds a touch of drama (Not that she needs it)

FIGLIO PERDUTO and BAILERO these are just great pieces they fit the album they are obviously favorites of Sarah's.

NESSUN DORMA....She doesn't need the full Orchestra but it sounds GREAT!! and just a bit different from the other times we have heard it...she still lifts you right off the ground !!

this CD closes with TIME TO SAY GOODBYE!!! It is fitting... one of Sarah's own.....one of her best!

Thank You SARAH

Thank You FRANK

What a GREAT ChrisTmas PresenT....(the caps here are intentional)

Lock the doors, Turn down the lights, Light the fire and the Candles..put your feet up..and FLOAT with your dreams along with Sarah!

This is "The DIVA" at her BEST.

Buy this album Folks!
For yourself and any other Sarah Fan or as an introduction gift to the voice of an Angel..

JAS

This is a great CD! I can't honestly say that I'm a huge fan of classical music. But a friend of mine let me hear "Time to Say Goodbye" featuring Andrea Bocelli and I instantly fell in love with Sarah's voice. I took a chance by purchasing this album (without knowing much about Sarah, nor this album) -- I was THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED! I repeat...this is a GREAT CD! I have a very objective view on the album -- I'm not familiar with Sarah's older theatrical/classical performances and I don't have a bunch of other classical and opera albums to compare this to. So putting aside the issue of whether Sarah has a genuine opera/classical voice or not, this CD is a great display of a talent. Sarah has a BEAUTIFUL voice, and she displays this in EVERY track on the CD. I also purchased the "Time to Say Goodbye" album which is good, but nowhere as good as "Classics." This is a great compilation of well-known classical music, and Sarah performs an EXCELLENT rendition of each one. Trust me...if you're just a fan of music in general, you'll definitely enjoy this CD. Take this from a guy that decided to try something other than Rap and R&B for a change (and surprisingly loved every minute of it)!