Classical soprano Sarah Brightman is perhaps the most accomplished Opera singer in history. From her performance in Phantom of The Opera to her work with the master himself, Andrew Lloyd Weber, to her genre defying albums, she has little, if anything, left to prove. Fortunately for her fans, she doesn’t seem to realize this fact and continues to shatter her prior accomplishments with each new outing. Such is the case with her latest release, Symphony Live in Vienna, which is available as a CD/DVD combo and as a standalone CD.
The fact is that Sarah Brightman is amazing on CD. The surprise is that she is even more amazing live. Having just reviewed wonderful CDs by Anna Netroboko and Rene Pape, I was reminded almost immediately just how wholeheartedly Brightman walks in tow worlds. The most obvious reminder sets the tone for this performance as a matter of fact. Brightman opens the show with the unbelievably gorgeous “Pie Jesu” but quickly and effortlessly switches gears to the contemporary, near rock, sound of “Fleurs Du Mal” that will surely appeal to any fan of Gothic Rock from Leave’s Eyes to Evanescence – but making them look amateur in comparison. This performance features a host of Brightman songs including “Symphony,” “The Phantom of the Opera (with Chris Thompson),” and “Ave Maria” among others. Alessandro Safina also appears alongside Brightman to complete beautiful renditions of “Canto Della Terra” and “Sarai Qui.”
The only thing more stunning than Brightman’s spot-on performance is the magnificent scenery that surrounds here. Symphony Live in Vienna isn’t just a concert, it’s an event. Pulling from the worlds of Rock and Opera alike, this performance features multiple wardrobe changes, hi quality camera footage from a variety of angles (giving the look and feel of it all a very rock and roll aesthetic), and wildly elaborate stage sets. Watching this DVD is truly a memorable experience, something few musical artists can lay claim to. Brightman’s calm demeanor and perfect prose only add to the perfect presentation of these songs.
Overall you really can’t go wrong with Symphony Live in Vienna if you have even an inkling that you may enjoy Opera music. Brightman blurs lines and crosses boundaries consistently and effortlessly making her as authentic as they come these days. This is one of 2009’s “Must Own” releases.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
