Sarah Brightman

My am a Sarah Brightman fan and this CD is beautiful music for winter or anytime.

I have been a Sarah Brightman fan since her days as Christine in Phantom..and was very excited when I heard (in WALMART, of all places!!) her first Christmas album was out. Couldn't find it ANYWHERE..not even Barnes & Noble or Borders. And they usually have EVERYTHING!!
So I came here, ordered it, and listened to almost nothing else up till the holiday.
Sarah's ethereal soprano is always an instant classic, and the ability of her and her producers to mix orchestral and modern musical genres works as incredibly as always.
My 11 year old who, since "Time To Say Goodbye" was one of the CDs in her lullaby libary, has grown up listening to Sarah and is also a fan, and her favorite was Silent Night as well as Arrival (which is also one of my favorites-I mean, I could just visualize in my head that song sung by Sarah heralding the angels' arrival to the shepherds on Christmas night), Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Child In A Manger (sung to the tune of "Morning Has Broken")..and Ave Maria. Least favorite was the one with the kids "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday"..she just seemed awkward with the childrens chorus, but then, maybe its the cultural difference between the USA and Europe. (I don't know anyone, teachers or other adults who call a bunch of kids "children"..we call them "kids"..but, again, it could be just me.) Amazing Grace was good, but can't compare to Chris Tomlin's version, sorry. "Colder Than Winter" was kind of sad, but I know that the holidays are very hard on people who are alone or suffering a loss this time of year, so that's probably appropriate; and "I Believe In Father Christmas" is an uplifting, hopeful song that is a good choice for closing out this outstanding album.

I love Sara Brightman's sweet ethereal voice, and I was seduced by the gorgeous album cover--but I was disappointed by the music. The album contains rather an odd mixture of music, with some tracks that have been done too many times before, and a couple that she should not have done at all ("I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day" and "I Believe in Father Christmas"). The most irritating thing about the album though is the orchestration. Sarah has such a sweet voice, but it's not a big voice, and she's all but drowned out by the heavy orchestration on many of the tracks.

At the same time as I bought "A Winter Symphony" I also bought Lorena McKennitt's "A Midwinter Night's Dream." The cover art on this album is quite different, but lovely also, and the music more than lives up to its promise. The choice of material is more interesting than "A Winter Symphony." It's not just the same old, same old--and the music accompanies and accentuates Lorena's beautiful voice, but never overpowers it.

Sorry Sarah.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MUSIC EVER HEARD BY ME. IT IS EXTRAORDINARY AND THE SELECTIONS ARE MAGNIFICANT. HOORAY FOR SARAH. MADE AN EXCELLENT PRESENT FOR LOVED ONES.

This holiday CD is enjoyable for those who like Brightman's orchestrations. Unfortunately it continues her breathy style of singing that is not particularly attractive on many of the songs. She might as well be Brittney or any of the other "singers" who don't really sing. She doesn't need to sound like an opera singer to sing out with slightly more power. The song selection is fine, repeating some "old chestnuts", but adding enough difference to make them interesting. Fernando Lima continues to be amazing, even in subdued form on one song.

One of my very favorite artists is Andoria Bocceri. He often sings w/a lady whose voice is just incredible. She seems to be able to sing in other launguages. Ever since I heard her voice, I wanted to know her name.

Last month, when I heard the advertizement of Sarah Brightman's concert was coming up to just north of Seattle. I was excited because when I heard her voice, it was the voice I'm so familiar with. That was the way I've discovered her name. I just didn't know before.

Her smooth, transparent high soprano, her angelic voice puts me in the sky just like when I fly my airplane. When I'm flying above the clouds, it's nothing but wonderful feeling. That's what Sarah Brightman's voice does that to me.

Ok, so Sarah Brightman isn't generally my cup of tea, but I actually enjoyed this CD. I bought it for my bf and we listened to it three times in the car before I got annoyed! :) It really is a good CD--go ahead, buy it...

Thumbs up to Sarah and Mr. Stanley. I am proud to be a KISS fan!!

I own and love all of Sarah's albums. I didn't immediately fall in love with this one, but it did grow on me. I know I'm in the minority but I don't like Fleurs Du Mai (I always skip it). My favorite songs are Symphony, Canto Della Terra - featuring Andrea Bocelli, Let It Rain and Pasión - featuring Fernando Lima (his voice is so beautiful!).

I became aware of Sarah Brightman by watching a PBS program with her performing SYMPHONY in a cathedral. I was amazed at her pure voice and the range of her voice. I literally "fell in love" with her music and her style of singing. This album is a MUST if you like Sarah Brightman.

Seems a bit silly reviewing something so well known but, having the original with Sarah Brightman on vinyl and not playing it I really did want it on CD, beautifully done and a delight to play again. However i do have one big grouch. Each time I put it in my basket I got a message that it could not be sent to my address (In OZ). I wonder why, I even tried a site that said posted from Australia, no go. I only got it from the UK and was charged an exhorbitant price in the end. Certainly nothing like when I buy from USA, so Aussie buyers beware where you purchase from.

With 356 four- and five-star reviews already posted, there is not much more to be said about this show or this recording. This is almost the complete musical--good solo lines, strong choral parts and orchestrations that become part of the package, not just background.
I cannot give this a five-star rating, because the lyrics and dialogue are very difficult to understand at times. This is partly because of the accents, and partly because of unprecise enunciation. If you want this as background music, or listen-to-on-the-headset-while-walking, it is fine. But to immerse yourself in the story, you must stay glued to the libretto.

"The Phantom of the Opera" is a show I like, but for the wrong reasons.

For many it's their first musical often because as a global hit there are productions around every corner. The result is a lot of people, including myself, being attached sentimentally to the show rather than for its artistic merit.

That's not to say it doesn't have its moments - despite very self-indulgent and over extended "Music of the Night" has become a standard. The reprise of "All I ask of you" with Michael Crawford's haunting falsetto can be moving and "The Point of no Return" can be a showstopper. "Poor Fool, he Makes me Laugh" is funny and "The Mirror" is a haunting revelation of the Phantom, but this revelation can become tiresome with the over repetition of the melody - unskillfully transposed to add some interest by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The title song also needs to be re-arranged into the 21st century as the synthesized drums have not aged well (there was some improvement in the 2004 film cast). In this particular recording Sarah Brightman can also be unintelligible at points.

Still, there is no denying the music is catchy and hard to dislike (except when it's repeated throughout the show many times). It's no "Fair Lady", but because of its few redeeming tracks, its very high quality recording, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman's definitive performance of their roles and its place in musical theatre history, the 1986 cast recording of "The Phantom Of the Opera" is a must buy for anyone who listens to music.

As a PHANATIC, this double box set is a must-have. I must say that the box is cute, it has the complete libretto (with ALL dialogues)... all inside a little cute box.

I used to have a 80' double K7 set, given by my aunt when she saw the Phantom for the first time back in 90'. The main difference is that those K7 had the COMPLETE DIALOGUES, with NO cuts. And these CDs do not have little dialogues... but it still worths buying.

Had just finished watching the film version and realized how much better the original cast sounded.

Wish I could have given it 10 stars! If you love Italian opera, don't miss this one. I fell in love with Con Te Partiro the first time I heard it, blasting from a passing convertible in Brooklyn, NY back in 1998. Didn't know the artist at the time, but ran to the record store and hummed the tune that was replaying over & over in my mind. I was introduced to Bocelli that day on the Romanza CD and have loved him ever since.
As a long time Pavarotti fan, the thought of someone else trying to sing Nessun Dorma made me shudder, but Bocelli nailed it (Viaggio Italiano CD).
No, I am not your typical Italian opera fan. I am a 57 year old Black woman from Brooklyn, NY that happens to love Italian opera. I cried when we lost Pavarotti, and I thank God for bringing us Bocelli.
You'll love him too!
Dianne
Brooklyn, NY

I have all of Bocelli's CD's, but if I could have only one, it would be ROMANZA! I ordered this up for a friend who recently just discovered Bocelli. This has got to be the most romantic collection ever made! My friend? She tells me she has this CD playing, volume full blast in her car on trips - over and over again!

Like many Americans, I was first introduced to the magic of Andrea Bocelli through television. I often find myself still reaching for "Romanza" as a way to relax and take a journey through a musical masterpiece. Though it was recorded over a decade ago, the album has, for the most part, withstood the test of time.

To get the reason for the four-star rating out of the way: several songs on the album do date themselves to the mid-90s. I was never a big fan of the saxophone-driven jazz accompanied by synthesizers that was popular ten years ago, and it is for this reason that I don't give the album five stars. For those who love this style of music, songs like 'E Chiove' and 'Le Tue Parole' will sound fanstastic. And, while 'Caruso' has become a classic in some circles, the song simply isn't my cup of tea.

The rest of the album is, however, timeless. 'Vivo Per Lei' is a stirring duet about the power of music, while 'Il Mare Calmo Della Sera' captures the beauty of the Mediterranean. 'Vivere', since recorded as a dual-language song, is still stirring despite being entirely in Italian. And 'Miserere', the song that launched Bocelli's career, highlights the power of his voice when sung live. (Note: though some reviewers have complained about Zucchero's voice, the version on this album was recorded with John Miles, not the Italian star.)

Then there is 'Con te Partiro', the song that made Andrea Bocelli a household name and, like 'Nessun Dorma' was for Luciano Pavarotti, has become "his" song. While the second version on the album, a duet with Sarah Brightman titled 'Time to Say Goodbye' is stirring, it is the original which captures the power of Bocelli's voice. It is this song that I first heard on television over a decade ago, this song that led me to the voice that has captured the world, this song that still resonates so strongly over ten years later. If you listen to no other Italian-language song in your lifetime, you must listen to this one. It is powerful, emotional, and so beautiful it hurts.

It's easy to love one song by an artist, and while it was 'Con te Partiro' that led me to Andrea Bocelli, it was "Romanza" that made me fall in love with his voice. Celine Dion once said that, "If God had a singing voice, He would sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli." This album is proof of that statement.

As a new listener of his music, I wanted one album that would be representative of Bocelli's distinctively romantic voice and that included my personal fave: "Vivo Per Lei." This album is perfect.

The music is almost to level of chanting for meditation and provides enormous psychological comfort.

Sarah Brightman has come to the forefront of Pop and Classical Music. Her Diva collections shows her voice range, her ability to capture the emotion of the songs and the listener feels almost like they were part of her performance in respect to pulling in the audience to the story.
I think with Symphony she broke that barrier that all classical music has to be only in that genere. It is her amazing voice and choice of songs that will entrance the listener.

To this collection of Sarah's great songs, the only thing I would have added is more of her wonderful singles
This version of "A Question of Honor" is in the best I have heard, and listening to Steve Harley sing "Phantom of the Opera" with Sarah is a spectacular addition to the album as well.

Beautifully packaged. Released by one of the many labels she has been under to compete with the "Very Best of 1990-2000." Great for beginners and collectors.

I have several Sarah Brightman recordings and this one is very enjoyable.I especially enjoyed her duet with Fernando Lima who has an exquisite voice. I prefer listening to her voice on a CD as her performances tend to be
too glitsy with too many "unusual" costumes and weird choreography which distract from her singing.

I Purchased This Dvd For Myself And Just Had To Purchase Another One For A
Family Member. Awesome Dvd!!

What a rare treat to hear such a wonderful voice! The music transcends the various languages( Latin, Italian, French, Spanish and almost no English) and communicates directly, beyond intellect, deeper to sooth the soul. This we expect from Opera and Religious selections such as Pucinni's "Nessun Dorma" and Lloyd Webber's "Piu Jesu". A favorite is the solo rendition of "Time To Say Good-bye". Orchestrations are as light and lyric as the voice. Some tracks are found on other CD's and the enclosed photos are a bit risque, but again, the music reaches a much higher plane than most. You won't be disappointed.

I bought this for my brother for Christmas. It came when it was supposed to and was in perfect condtion. Wonderful experience, would order from this dealer again.

So many times when a person buys a CD there are only a couple of songs that they consider good. On this CD there are over half the songs that are more than good. They are great. This CD has all the Sarah's greatest hits and more. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves Sarah Brightman.

Love Sarah Brightman, however, this CD doesn't have one song on it in English. While I enjoy a mixture of her other CDs that are bilingual, this entire CD consists of songs in other languages I don't understand. Very disappointing. Played it thru only once. Probably won't play it again. No speakers on my computer so I can't "test run" these. My own fault, I guess.

Superb performance. Great selection. Incredible voice.
Can suite easy listening as well as classic lovers.

Very good album from the British musical masterpiece. Nevertheless, the song "The music of the night" has been replaced from the original score. It has some little changes in its lyrics but is good. In order to have a good souvenir from the recording and for the whole performance, I recommend the 2 CD box set with the original cast.

I really enjoy the music and singing of the original Phantom of the Opera. I have been looking for just the musical CD for sometime. I play it alot whil I am cooking, cleaning etc. The sound is great and so are the voices of Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. The original soundtrack is the best and it gives me such a lift to hear such beautiful voices. I have recently bought a CD of Sarah Brightman just because I have the recording of the Phantom.

Very good condensed version of Phantom of the Opera. Transaction was speedy and quality excellent.

This is an excellent compilation of the best songs from this production performed by the original performers.

I first got the whole phantom CD, and was bored by all the speaking and segways. The songs even sound different. Especially "Music of the Night" I thought they were two different singers till I got the highlights CD. SO much better! I never saw the musical, I think sitting through all that might be kindof boring after listening to the long version. THIS IS GREAT! Music of the night, and all of it sounds perfect. SO GLAD I got this CD!

Could not find this anywhere. Amazon had it and delivered it 2 days after I ordered. Thank you

Arguably the least flawed of her albums, Brightman's "Time To Say Goodbye" is a collection of songs (new and classic standards) which could argue were written exclusively for her. Flawless duets galore and high notes that bring tears to listeners, her powerful voice generates more emotion with its dramatic storytelling than any film actress alive could do with the same material, using voice and facial emotion. A must have for fans, and those interested in La Divina for the 1980s and beyond.

If you are looking for a versatile and pleasant female voice to listen to, this would make a great addition to your collection.

As a classical singer, I'm depressed to see Sarah Brightman listed in Classical Vocal at all. The world is full of excellent, clear-voiced sopranos; Sarah Brightman, like Andreas B, is a POP music singer. Broadway is a different industry with different priorities, and kudos to her for her excellent work there... but this is *not* classical music.

The sound on this CD seems to underline the fact that Brightman's voice is not really made for classical repertoire like Orff and Puccini--I can *hear* the reverb and post-production added to "In trutina" and several other tracks. Bravo for Brightman introducing classical works to a new audience; I just wish people would stop categorizing her CDs as classical just because she sings "O mio babbino caro."

I'm not deriding Brightman's accomplishments; she's a fine artist in her field. I wouldn't buy Eddie Vedder's Mozart Requiem, though, if HE decided to put one out.

If you want to hear someone sing the soprano solos in Carmina Burana, the Slatkin / Saint Louis Symphony recording with Sylvia McNair is phenomenal. There are so many well-trained and beautiful instruments out there; Sarah Brightman had a successful career on Broadway, and has a different flavor of talent.

Sara Brightman is a very sexy women with an wonderfull voice.
Hearing her sing is an relief from all the carbage we hear daily on the radio en TV

I'm a huge fan of Sarah Brightman's and listening to her sing all of these amazing Andrew Lloyd Webber songs is great! My favourite song would have to be Amigos Para Siempre the song she sings with Jose Carreras which always gets repeated a couple of times.
I was also happy to finally find an album of Sarah Brightman's with Michael Crawford on it too as the phantom and not Steve Harley for a change!
Recommend this album to anyone who love's Andrew Lloyd Webber's music or the voice of Sarah Brightman!!

Great starter album in the series of Andrew Lloyd Webebr Collections. There are atleast 4 currently.

Thank you for the CD, it's condition and the speed in which I received it!

If you like Andrew L. Weber musicals, this CD has the "greatest hits" collection. And Sarah Brightman has an ethereal, voice perfectly suited for these pieces. You won't be disappointed.

Mature, well practiced and versatile voice. CD's vary considerably in content, so be sure to preview before buying.

well, I don't know what's wrong with one of the songs...it is like 2 songs are mixed together....so everytime that I listen that CD I need to skip that song...the rest of the CD is fine. Thanks

A stunning effort, "Eden" picks up where "Time to Say Goodbye" left off and trailblazes Brightman into a successful territory where few, if any, classical artists could succeed. Emotional, beautiful, exotic, tender, and pleasant all the way through. Obvious influences come to mind with the myriad of diverse songs which suit even the most discriminating of listeners.

Very solid CD. I love listening to it and consider it a great buy for anyone who loves good singing.

Of the four Sarah Brightman CDs I own, this is my favorite. I can listen to it over and over. Her La Luna CD is aslo a good choice.

I saw this concert in Denver, and it was this album that made me into a fan of hers. The movements of Nessun Dorma moved me to tears. Her voice has layers and you can really hear it in the music of this album. You will not be sorry that you purchased this album.