Customer Reviews

Sarah Brightman Symphony: Live in Vienna (CD & DVD)

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

It's great to finally have the opportunity to review this spectacular concert DVD and CD. The clarity of the audio recording and the picture itself is amazing, and they didn't hack the concert in the editing room when it was put from DVD to CD. You get almost the entire audio recording on the CD, including most of the verbal contact Sarah has with the audience. I think this CD is 100 times better than the Harem World Tour CD recording, which makes this package a totally worthwhile purchase. The photos are stunning and the printing of the glossy booklet make everything look so nice. The DVD is purple and the CD is black, with silver lettering on both. As for the artwork of the DVD insert, there is silver lettering on both front and back. The interview with some of the Cathedral's staff is really nice and they show just how appreiative they were of having Sarah perform in their majestic historical building.

Sarah's costumes and hair are gorgeous and she is definitely glowing and looking more pretty than ever. There is one small difference from the studio recording of "Fleurs Du Mal" and the recording in this package. What I'm saying is...Sarah doesn't do that high-pitched vocalise while the violin solo comes in in the intro of the song, compared to the studio album recording. I wonder if it would've wrecked the intro to the song if she did sing it while moving down the middle aisle.

"Sanvean" written by Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) is a beautiful vocalise consisting of no lyrics but just sounds. That is what I love about this song. It's just so haunting and original, and Sarah does it very well, even if some say she's too breathy. "Canto Della Terra" is beautiful and Alessandro Safina looks and sounds amazing as Sarah's duet partner. Together, they blow everyone away with their breathtaking live rendition of the song. "Atessa" is very pretty and much better than expected. It really doesn't appear they used any playback for this concert, meaning Sarah used her own voice for the whole recording. I was actually expecting Atessa to be dubbed from the studio recording because of that very outstanding high note at th end, which is incredibly hard to do without screaming it.

"POTO" turned out to be quite nice, although it was a little too fast-paced compared to the original version. But the rock concert edge gives it a totally new edge and Sarah was still able to sing over the volume of the rock band and the pipe organ high above her and Chris Thompson. Oh, that reminds me, my only negative comment would be....Chris Thompson looks like someone they dragged off the street to duet with Sarah. He sounded a little tired in "I will be with you". He sounded winded although he still had a rock edge to his voice...and to his style. But, on "POTO" he and Sarah really blew me away when I watched the performance for the 1st time.

It's really wonderful to have this beautiful DVD&CD package and I'll cherish it for many years to come. This is by far, Sarah's best live performance on DVD, to date...although there are some really amazing live performances on her other live DVDs. But this one really showcases Sarah's live singing voice, and how well she can work with a rock band. Get this item and you'll agree, it's totally worth the wait and the money.

If Sarah Brightman possesses anything, it is professional integrity. Every detail of her musical and stage productions exude a style, elegance and grace seen by few performers of her day. Meticulous with details, she truly strives to transport her fans to a different world.

With "Live in Vienna" Brightman has truly delivered a stunning concert both visually and musically. The setting, the Cathedral Stephensdom in Vienna. The cinematography fused with the breathtaking visuals creates an amazing experience for the viewer.
Either draped in a red stunning gown or a metallic gold corset, the style of the early renaissance clearly comes across in the custom made couture.

Brightman soars through nearly all the tracks from her most recent platinum release "Symphony". The songs from Symphony draw inspiration from gothic musical aspects, creating a rock/metal influenced operatic sound. "Fleurs Du Mal" (The opening song) sets the bar high. The song infuses rock and opera elements flawlessly giving it a very new yet familiar sound. The highlight of the evening comes when Brightman teams up with Chris Thompson on the rock inspired duet "Phantom of the opera" The song is given a modern makeover complete with bombastic drums and a powerful organ.

By concerts end, Brightman reminds us why she is the most successful soprano in history (Over 26 million records sold) when she delivers the stunning "Time To Say Good-bye", poignant for such a special and enchanting evening.

In my opinion there is not a lot of class out in the world of music today. Sarah Brightman is one of the very few who stand out. Not only is she very gifted with talent but the product she puts out shows it. this cd/dvd is excellent. The performance is wonderful and the extras show us what type of person she is and the effort she puts into each performance. im not going to do a set list run down. theyre all great. i highly recommend this set. thank you Sarah

I attended the Symphony concert in my town, 2nd row, and it was outstanding. As is this DVD/CD set. Sarah's voice brings tears to my eyes and I never tire of listening to her CD's over and over.
Fernando Lima's voice with Sarah's is a perfect blend. Gorgeous couple on stage, I might add. My favorite song on the CD was "Pasion". I was disappointed with Chris Thompson singing the part of "I will be with You", and think Paul Stanley's voice is much much better. I did not like Chris singing in "Phantom of the Opera" either. Too raspy and rough. Spectacular location, videography, lighting, outfits! Sarah is awesome!

It is amazing to see how Sarah improves with the times. There are no words to describe the emotions that she sends out with her voice and her music. I have been listening to other women that sing like her but there is only one Sarah Brightman and this concert is living proof of that!!

It is great to see how she sings with other people and despite that all of them are great singers she is too far above all of them.

Viva La Sarah!!!

I have had this for about 5 1/2 months now, i bought it through PBS.($100.00). This is by far here best Dvd to date! 'Live In Las Vegas' is real good also, but the picture quality and sound on this is perfect. Also the lighting is wonderfull. I guarantee this will be your favorite dvd by her..

Excellent performance in a very nice setting; The DTS audio quality is fantastic. Highly recommended.

I can watch the DVD day and night.I just love it,the music,light and all.....just buy it and love it.

I love Sarah Brightman's voice, and upon seeing her live performances on dvd, I can also say that I love her stage performance as well, from the elaborate outfits to the stage design (or in this case, the lovely cathedral). It really does take you to another world. This is the second dvd I own of hers, the first being the Live From Las Vegas tour. I'd have to say that the Vegas tour is my favorite, but this Vienna tour has a different vibe and easily stands on its own. What I mean is that it doesn't feel like you're watching the same performance in a different country, which can happen with some musicians. Now I have two Sarah Brightman dvds to enjoy!

Sarah continues to exhibit a gorgeous figure and that celestial voice of hers in a solemn ambiance, quite opposite from previous exhuberant scenarios, as her Vegas show for example. This is one to just enjoy her renditions and not to be awed by impressive gowns or glittering surroundings.