Following the duet, “Schwere Traume” is an operatic throwback to more recognizable terrain for the soprano. The track is peaceful but not distractingly so, setting the stage for “Sarai Qui,” a tonal duet with Italian tenor Alessandro Safina. The track, which was originally a Faith Hill hit written by Diane Warren, features great up-swinging momentum as the two voices come together. Following that is “Storia D’Amore,” a tune that begins with classical strings. The song often sounds like the fluid music one finds in gorgeous gardens or other well-designed locations and is a calming reminder of the eclectic mix of this album.

“Let It Rain” is next. This song is archetypal pop, principally piano-driven and sung with lucidity from Brightman. The chorus is a reminder of love lost and pictures of a vagabond Sarah Brightman looking for a place to rest her head enter the mind. “Let It Rain” is one of the most personal-sounding of the tracks and is a probable single with its “ready for radio” tones.

“Attesa” follows the ballad with a more classical return, again swelling up with big strings and epic proportions. Brightman’s vocals here are tender and lucid, again proving her range. “Pasión” follows, which many consider to be the album’s signature piece. Released as a digital-only single in November of 2007, this duet with Fernando Lima is an excellent reminder of Brightman’s pedigree and her capability to melt with other voices. “Pasión” was used as a theme song for the Mexican soap opera of the same name and also appears on Lima’s album of the same name.

The album comes to a brisk close with “Running.” Released back in August of 2007, “Running” was used as the International Association of Athletics Federations Green Project Charity song. Brightman performed the song live in a breathtaking performance in Osaka at the opening ceremonies for the IAAF Championships. There is also a hidden track that is basically a reprise of “Fleur Du Mal.” Other versions of the album contain other bonus tracks.

All in all, Brightman’s Symphony is a courageous and diverse album of ambitious proportions. It continues to play in steady rotation at my home and likely will for quite some time. Each track brings something different to the album, but they all share the warmth and quality of Brightman’s unimpeachable voice and her ability to create musical magic. The duets are strong, as are her solo performances.

It helps matters, too, that the packaging for the CD is gorgeous, with shots of Brightman looking as elegant as she’s ever looked gracing gothic backdrops. Symphony is an excellent album that will please any long-time Brightman fan and will likely make several new ones. I think it is her best album to date.