Customer Reviews

Serenade

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

 

 

I will admit that when I first saw the track listing for this CD, I felt disappointed. "Come on!" I thought, "Katherine should be more original than this! Practically every soprano records `O Mio Babbino Caro' at one point or another, and here are two common songs from the classical crossover genre, `Nella Fantasia' and `The Prayer'. Should I even invest in something that will only be a re-hash of things I have already heard many times?" In the end however, I decided that even with the unimaginative song selections, I would buy this CD.

I am very glad I did! There are so many gems here that I now consider this Katherine's best album. Surprisingly, "Nella Fantasia" instantly became a favorite of mine. Her rich, warm tones really brought this song to life in a way I had never heard before. It could have been written for her! Ultimately, I concluded that she did justice to every single track, from the rousing gypsy dance ("Chanson Boheme") to the beautiful hymn, "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind." I would not have left out a single one, not even "O Mio Babbino Caro" (which I still think is sung too often.)

One thing people seem to be arguing about is what genre Katherine belongs to. With arias like "One Fine Day" in her repertoire, she can hardly be called a pop singer, but seeing that she has never actually performed in an opera, she can't rightly be called a legitimate opera singer, either. Instead, she is a part of a growing community of what we call "Classical Crossover" singers. Some people like this, some people don't. I just accept her for who she is - a classically trained recording artist who consistently produces wonderful music.

Katherine Jenkins is quickly establishing herself as one of the leading operatic mezzo-sopranos, and her 2006 album, entitled "Serenade", is one of her best.

Jenkins has the knack of choosing some of the greatest classical pieces but also manages to inject her repertoire with modern selections (her 2005 album "Living a Dream" featured a mix of contemporary musical theatre and classical pieces). Here on the "Serenade" album she's joined by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and together they spin magic with Delibes' "The Flower Duet". For the serious opera fans, it's probably the best track on the album. Jenkins also enchants with a very pretty "Lisa Lan", "Green Green Grass of Home" and "The Prayer" (normally sung by a tenor, but equally stirring as performed here by Jenkins).

A very fine album indeed. [Universal/UCJ Music 476 571-8]

A well balanced selection of music, performed with feelings and charisma and most of all an accomplished and sensual voice, making this album unique and a joy to listen to. Katherine Jenkins certainly represents a successful & appealing cross-over between classical and modern genres. Wonderful to have Dame Kiri Te Kanawa joining in 'Flower Duet', as well as Bryan Adams in 'Everything I Do'.

Well done Katherine!This fine voice of Katherines is reaching maturation,paticularly for her age.When this voice reaches maturity I predict she will be one of the top Divas.Her repertoire on "Serenade"will hopefully appeal to younger followers and give some of the popular opera's more exposure to a younger generation of listeners!
We look forward to the release your next CD and a tour of New Zealand soon

Thank you Katherine. What a beautiful voice. We have bought all of Katherine's CD's now and look forward to the next one. Only wish I was in London in the next couple of days to see her perform live. Hurry on back to New Zealand!

She stirs me!

Katherine's voice is sweet, yet full and flexible. Her interpretation of songs, whether serious opera or slightly lighter, is always impeccable and precise.
This CD is a wonderful compilation showing her versatility and true talent. Being as gorgeous as she is, is simply a bonus to a remarkable voice!
Jacques

Some folks are highly critical of what has been come to be known as "Popera". However, for someone like me, who likes the music but hates to sit and watch fat people screeching at one another, Katherine Jenkins is just perfect. She's unbelievably easy on the eyes, and she can sing with great power or great sweetness, as the occasion requires. The choice of tracks here is slightly uneven - I got the feeling that it was a put together from tracks that didn't make in on her other albums. No matter - it's great to have them as fillers. The final measure for me is that listening to these songs makes me happy, and I consequently want to do so over and over. If you like beautiful soprano voices, you need to buy this album. You will definitely not be disappointed.

This is a fine CD to select as a first purchase of Katherine Jenkins. My favorite song is Quello Che Faro. I've listened to it a hundred times and believe it represents the best work she has recorded to date (12/21/10). I also think the CD presents the best cover of this natural beauty. Her minders seem to be driving her "look" into a kind of Jane Mansfield direction, which is really unnecessary. For the discerning eye, an entertainer does not need to enter into the crowded field of bleached blonds. Katherine would be fetching even if she were bald. There is no doubt whatsoever that she is well-endowed and incredibly sexy, but this comes as a kind of bonus for people (men) who enjoy her voice. After watching a couple of her videos, I am convinced that Katherine is the real deal -- wholesome but not puritanical. Maybe she was an ugly duckling in grammar school? She doesn't seem to be fully aware of her awesome physical allure, and I hope she remains this way.

I believe her work is improving with time -- not that her voice is evolving but more along the lines that she is choosing her CD recorded songs more carefully. It's a case of apples and oranges to compare her to Sarah Brightman who first broke the barrier between classical music and pop. My recommendation to Katherine is that she not record or perform songs already released by Sarah Brightman. Why risk the comparisons? Katherine's rendition of "Time to Say Goodbye" with Andrea Bocelli (viewable on YouTube) is an embarrassment. Katherine herself should know the limits of her vocal capabilities. I cringed on her behalf. Alternatively, she can present a startling finer contrast in songs such as "The Prayer," previously recorded by Celtic Woman (and others). To be unique and original, Katherine must stay away from Andrew Lloyd Webber compositions. This is territory clearly owned by Sarah Brightman, so why go to bat against a performer who has been in the biz for decades? Why produce anything that has already been recorded with accolades?

I'm a big fan and will stick with her come what may. There is a growing list of "cross-over" artists. To stay ahead of the pack, Katherine must locate a comfortable niche. In my know-nothing opinion, I believe Katherine excels in more modern works such as Quello Che Faro. Come rain or shine, Katherine is well on her way to becoming a major league player -- a much deserved position. I think by the time she finishes her USA tour, she will cross that border into super-stardom. To Katherine I can only say keep grinding away. You have more fans in the United States than you probably realize. Bless you for training hard and perfecting a voice that can release so many listeners from their daily woes.

This SERENADE is marvelous, I love almost all songs.
Some people critizaice Katherin Jenkins about she is a copycat of Sarah Brightman,but they are totally diferent.

Returning to the album,the song selection is great,I can ask for more!!!!!

My favs are
*(Quello Che Faró) Sarà Per Te [(Everything I Do) I Do It for You].- I wasn't sure about northamerican songs translated to italian and sung in an operatic style-alike, but this piece is beautiful..
*Nella Fantasia.- This is a Sarah Brightman "original song",Katherin did an excellent job with this song.
* Il canto.- I like the music and MS Jenkins voice brights in this song.

Marvelous selections, a mix of classical, hymns and pop. Lovely smooth voice, though she has difficulty with syllable flowing together. So she chooses material that lets her hold a note on a vowel. Most of the songs were made popular by others. But for Saturday dinner music, this is about right.