Sarah Brightman

There's not much that can be said about this album that someone hasn't said in some form before me. Personally, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I did Harem. For those who enjoy her arias, the music on this CD is substantially inferior to Timeless. That being said, I haven't seen anyone address the song Forbidden Colours or the Japanese packaging. On the side of the packaging, there really isn't much to say. The booklet is essentially the same, with the added inclusion of the white sheet of lyrics in Japanese. The back of the digipak only lists 13 tracks. Only on the CD itself, which is black and looks virtually identical to the US version, is the 14 track listed. I will admit that the colors on the pictures inside the CD case do seem a bit more vivid and, as such, are slightly prettier, but it is only a slight enhancement.
It's a shame that Forbidden Colours is a Japan only bonus track. It's sadly one of the best songs on the CD. It's slow, methodical, and has something of an eastern feel (which is probably why it was given to Japan). The only negative thing I can say about it is that it feels misplaced on the album, but really, so do Fleurs du Mal and Where the Lost Ones Go, though maybe not so badly as this one because of it's eastern sound. If you like Sarah and want to pick up an extra great track by her, then get this disc. If you're looking for some über-cool Sarah packaging to wave about in front of your Brightman-loving friends, this won't be the one. Maybe the song will be picked up as a bonus track on a later release in the US or Europe that's not so expensive. Also, if anyone was wondering, the Fleurs du Mal Reprise is included on the Japanese edition as well, but it's added to the end of Forbidden Colours instead of Running, to keep it consistent with being the last 'track' on the disc. I hope this helps people thinking about buying the Japanese version.

I am enjoying this CD alot and am happy to add it to my collection of Sarah Brightman CD'
Anyone who enjoys Sarah will love this CD.

What a great selection of music! I love the way she mixes it up with rock at the beginning, classical numbers and guest duets. Even the melancholy songs come out beautifully. So much emotion in every song!

Thanks to Sarah for providing us with another creative album of music to enjoy.

Having eagerly purchased this rather over-glossy CD - all silver and red - and as an ardent fan of Sara Brightman,I am totally disappointed. Just because the whole album is just a rehash of already existing music, both crossover and operatic classical.

Why does Sarah need to ape Emma Schapplin brand of cross over melodies and instrumentations (Fleurs Du Mal) or familiar Lloyd Webber resembling tunes (Symphony) or "Time to say Good Bye" type duets, once again with Bocelli? No doubt this particular duet "Canto Della Terra" is the saving grace, with the other 3 duets also helping the album from going under as a total disater.

But the blatant "lifting" of one of Richard Strauss's greatest works for soprano voices - replace "lock, stock and barrel" with melody, chords and style!- for "Schwere Traeume" and crediting the music composing to Peterson and Soltau is something shocking! Great reviewers should have pointed out this - but I have so far not found a single mention anywhere! This song is nothing but a new "avatar" of Strauss's 4th song in his cycle "FOUR LAST SONGS" and is titled "Beim Schlafengehen". Classical music lovers have been hearing this rendered by great voices - Kiri,Renee Fleming, Jessey Norman, Schwarzkopf etc.

Why had the production team to stoop down to something low like this? Sarah,as a soprano singer herself, should have pointed this out.

So,in all a disappointing album, in spite of all the hype!

Mohan Narayanan
Composer, Musicologist and Music Teacher
Chennai, India

One of the things I really admire about Sarah Brightman is her willingness to experiment with new directions in her art. Every single project she undertakes is different from the last, and every album she releases is very carefully put together on a specific theme and/or to produce a particular mood. Because of this, it's best to listen to each new album without any preconceptions of what to expect. I've also found that I usually have to listen to her new albums a few times before I can decide whether I like them or not. The first listening is just to get an idea of what her latest sound is like.

SYMPHONY is basically the unexpected I've come to expect from Sarah. Once again, she has daringly put together something very different. This is perhaps her most personal album to date. It's not quite like anything else she's ever done; it reminds me most of a combination of FLY and TIMELESS, somehow (counterintuitive though that sounds). This one is darker, rawer, and more difficult than any of her previous albums. As others have noted, the songs don't flow together as seamlessly as they do on her other albums; I'm not sure if that is the point or if she had recorded a lot of material and wanted to release it some way. On first listen it was jarring, but the more I listen to it, the more sense it starts to make. There *is* a theme here, but it's more subtle than the others have been. The theme of SYMPHONY seems to be the range of human emotions - particularly the darker ones - like the range of themes in music.

This isn't, and will never be, my favourite Sarah Brightman album. The biggest problem with it, I think, is that the orchestration is too overdone. Other reviewers have noted this as well: Sarah has a delicate, ethereal voice, and on a lot of the tracks, her voice is totally overpowered by the music and hard to hear.

The other things that make it not my favourite are more a matter of personal taste: I prefer her soaring bel canto soprano to her pop voice, and she sings more in her pop voice here; she's much breathier than I like most of the time, and often when she's not breathy, she's belting. Also, though I enjoyed most of the duets on this album, I was left feeling like I hadn't heard as much of Sarah herself as I'd have wanted. However, I don't think that any of this makes it a bad album; it's just not so much my taste.

I had to listen to this three or four times before deciding whether I liked it or not - and in the end, it's started to grow on me. I like it better each time I listen to it. "Fleurs du Mal" is positively hypnotic; "Symphony" and "Let It Rain" are good in a very raw, soul-searching sort of way; "Running", which I didn't think I'd like, is surprisingly rewarding; and a lot of the duets are good. I particularly enjoyed "Pasion" and "Canto della Terra" (though in the latter Sarah does get drowned out a lot). Fernando Lima and Alessandro Safina were new and welcome discoveries for me.

Overall, I would say that the album *is* flawed, in terms of the overall sound quality, but ultimately it is worth it. It's not as approachable as some of her others, and requires some patience; and yes, most of it is not my favourite style. But if you get used to it, there's a lot of very rewarding stuff here. It may not be my favourite SB album (and yeah, I do hope the next one has less of her breathy pop-voice), but it's added to my respect for her as an artist. She's always experimenting with her craft.

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.

I chose to purchase this after my 4 year old became obsessed with the Highlights of Phantom of the Opera CD. We both like this one much better. I had forgotten some of the songs over the years since the Highlights CD does not cover them all. The 'new Phantom' as my son calls it is wonderful. My son listens to it every day during his rest time and I often catch him humming songs from the CD around the house!

The Phantom Of The Opera soundtrack by Andrew Lloyd Webber is the best and most meaningful music ever created. The music provides story with a catchy tune and still provides a powerful theme. Throughout the songs you can establish a story about a young opera singer named Christine, and how she has encounters with the Phantom. The song, "The Point of no Return", is the most meaningful because it has the Phantom giving Christine a decision to spend her days with him, or watch her boyfriend, Raul, get hung. This part is very suspenseful and is presented in a very awesome way because it has all of the characters singing in a trio.
The theme of The Phantom Of The Opera is that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. The Phantom wears a mask over his face so people won't see how ugly he is. When the mask is on people don't think he's unattractive at all, but just mean. When Christine rips the mask off of his face, she sees how disgusting it looks and she freaks. Then she realizes the theme of this story and she gives him another chance by going back and looking for him so he'd teach her, but mysteriously all she sees when she goes back is his mask lying on a table before her.
At first riding in the car to see the show, I thought that I would hate it because it was opera but then my mom slipped in the CD and my thoughts about opera totally changed. That's when I finally realized that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover because you never know. Someday you might try deep fried banana.

I purchased this CD because I have heard so much about 'Phantom of the Opera' being an avid Josh Groban fan. I have heard the songs 'Music of the Night' and 'All I ask of You' but never experienced the entire musical score. Once I heard the whole thing I was immediately taken over by the beauty of it all!!
I am lucky enough to live in New York City where 'Phantom' is still playing on Broadway and I took my family to see it, we all loved it! Even my teenage Jonas Bros. fan is asking to hear more of 'Phantom'.
If you've never seen the show or have seen it twenty times this is one CD you MUST have! It brings back all those wonderful memories! I still get teary eyed!

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

With that being said, I will never understand how anyone could not appreciate this album, or Sarah Brightman's music, in general. I would not go so far and say that she is the be all and end all of soprano singers, and there are most assuredly others who have a bigger range, or are capable of belting out powerful notes with ease. But there is no denying that Ms. Brightman is incredibly gifted. She sings with such a purity and grace, so much so that when listening to her you feel at ease with life-truly soothing and beautiful. This album is not pop, opera, classical, or easy listening-it is all four combined. For those who are searching for opera in the truest sense, I suggest you go see an opera. I find it entertaining to see reviews that are less than positive-I dare anyone who has shared their opinions on this site to attempt to sing any of the songs on this album as well as Sarah. Let us not forget that Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the part of Christine in "Phantom Of The Opera" specifically with Sarah's voice in mind, and I would also encourage anyone who purchases this album to think about the soundtrack to Phantom, another beautiful example of the talent this woman possesses.

It is a shame that some are faulting her, and this album, for the title of operatic singer that has been thrusted upon her-do not let that discourage you from purchasing this, or any album that she has to offer-you will not be disappointed. All you need to do is view the ratio of positive reviews to those of the negative if you need any assurance as to the quality of her songs.

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

This is a used CD, which was definitely stated. However, there is static on it that sounds like loud cracking noises when it is being played. There were also some cracks in the case. But for the price, not a bad purchase.

This is by far one of his best albums, the selection of songs is incredible. I keep a copy in the house and one in the car, it's that good. The duets are amazing and you will likely find yourself trying to sing along with many of them.

For those who think they can't handle classical, pop classical or opera -- this is the ticket to expanding your musical appreciation. For those who love him already, this is a must have.

When I first bought this CD, I couldn't stop playing it! For days I did almost nothing but listen to this extraordinary voice singing these beautiful songs. After more than five years, I still listen to it often and am surprised to find that I love it every bit as much as when I first discovered it. This is the best of Boccelli's albums (although his concert at Lake Las Vegas is a close second). If you're new to classical music and wondering whether to buy this CD, don't worry about the label of "classical" ~ nearly every musical taste will greatly appreciate and enjoy this collection.

Who cares what the words mean? I can light a candle, pour a glass of wine, turn down the lights and I know Andrea Bocelli is singing to me from his soul. What more could I want?

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.

An absolutely dreadful CD, with one decent rendition (Ave Maria); the rest -- pure awfulness.

It's like listening to Susan Alexander Kane (Citizen Kane's second wife) sing a whole album. Brightman's voice wavers & quivers all over the high notes. Oh, it is SO bad.

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

Is there a better singer in the world? I don't think so, but in any case, this new album from the now very svelte and very georgeous Sarah Brightman is superb. The power, the control, the clarity is all there. This experienced vocalist is the definition of a world class diva. The proof of it all is the fact that her fans, of which I am one, could listen to her for days on end without getting tired of her lovely voice. This album has it all. Get it, and enjoy!

Of all the excellent Brighton discs I have heard, the Classics is the best. Her voice is as awesome as the selections.

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!

The highlights from Phantom are some of the most beautiful music of our time. Phantom is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's finest moments. The performance is a joy. I love the bombastic orchestral effects and the tender vocal phrases. The popularity of this work speaks positively of the musical and artistic taste of our generation.

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.

This is my second copy of this cd. The first was discovered by my then 16 year old daughter and after being passed repeatedly back and forth and between both cars.....well, you know how it was--it just wouldn't play anymore--she is now 20. Now that I have the new one, my now 16year old son heard me playing it in the car and he said "wow" this is good. He steals it from me every night and plays it when he goes to bed. Did I mention he listens to that really heavy screaming metal? Sarah Brightman appeals to everyone--all ages and her music is timeless. I have all of her cd's but this is by far my favorite with Harem close behind. Buy it!

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

What's all the complaining about - If you already have some of these songs on another cd - that's your fault for buying this CD. Your rating should be judged on her beautiful voice and songs on this CD.

You spent alot of energy complaining. Hopefully the glass is half full for your rest of the day.

The illustrious artistic trajectory of 25-year music career from Sarah Brightman starts with the Hot Gossip passing through "The phantom of the opera" "Deliver me ", "Eden", "Time to say goodbye", "A question of honour" and the unforgettable homage in memory of Freddie Mercury, "Who wants to live forever" includes too a brief but invaluable introduction with the diva talking about fresh and serenely with the camera about those unsaid insights of every piece. It's a delightful album that deserves be included in your personal DVD collection.

I love this CD!! Sarah Brightman is superb in all of the arrangements. I specifically bought it for the Time to Say Good-Bye piece, but all of them are wonderful. I bought my copy in December, and bought this copy for my sister in Florida. I know she loves it, too.

If you like Sarah, her voice, her style, her range...you will really enjoy this CD!

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.

Great voice and great music. Can't go wrong with that!! Great collection of songs!! Rare to get a cd with so many great songs!! Highly recommend!!

This album is very enjoyable. I knew some of the songs but also have enjoyed those that are new to me . This CD provides an opportunity to hear the full range of Ms. Brightman's voice which is spectacular. Anyone who likes Ms. Brightman or sees many Broadway shows would like this collection.

Fantastic!! Since his first cross-over CD/DVD, "Under The Desert Sky", I have awaited another such set. I have listened and viewed it many times and it just gets better. One of our most prized operatic voices heard today. The wonderful artists that appeared on stage and performed with him were outstanding. The backdrop of the Tuscany countryside was beautiful and well chosen. I look for more of these entertaining concerts which I prefer over classic opera.

The CD portion was shorter than expected, but the quality of the music/sound is wonderful.
Seeing Bocelli live and in person would be great, but the DVD is the second best thing to it!

Beautiful music, even though CD was scratched. I hope to buy again from a different seller.

The vidiography and the site location couldn't have been more impressive not to mention the choreography of the full program. This was one of my best investments in music. Most of the performers are my favorites and their individual and duet with Bocelli were just dynamite!

His Vivere Alabum is the most powerful and romantic voicee as himslef, But His DVD Vivere Live Concert in His Hometown is more romantic and more entertained with more talents super-star to join him... It is really great DVD Concert for all family members... AND HIS MUSIC NO NEED TO TRANSLATE.