Perhaps the most striking thing about Sarah Brightman is how clear her voice is. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to experience the world’s top selling soprano do what she does best. With countless CDs and concert DVDs gracing our collection and tickets to Brightman’s show in Vancouver providing part of my better half’s Christmas present, it was with high spirits that we dug in to A Winter Symphony together.
Brightman’s first ever holiday record is a charming piece of music that makes the perfect backdrop to a pleasant evening with loved ones by the roaring fire. A Winter Symphony covers a lot of ground in terms of the emotion of the holidays. Christmas is not always a happy time of year filled with rejoicing and Brightman’s song selection reflects that. While she does include joyful noises like “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day,” she balances it out with songs that are a touch darker.
“In the Bleak Midwinter,” a Christina Rossetti carol, was also covered by Loreena McKennitt this year on A Midwinter Night's Dream, but Brightman’s crystalline quality gives the tune gentle spirit. Vince Gill’s “Colder Than Winter” tells a story of lost love with incredible sorrow. “Yes, I’m going to miss him; he’s torn me apart,” Brightman sings.
There are two versions of the beautiful “Ave Maria,” one of which is a lush duet with the incomparable Fernando Lima. The other is from the Gounod composition, which was based on J.S.Bach’s "Prelude No.1 in C Major." Brightman sings it warmly in the original Latin.
One of the more attention-grabbing tracks is Sarah’s version of Neil Diamond’s “I’ve Been This Way Before.” Using moderation and her stunning tone, she crafts the song into something rich for the holidays.
“Silent Night,” my personal favourite, and the traditional “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” are both affectionate, subtle pieces. Brightman works her usual magic on the vocals, hitting all the right notes and never overpowering the delicate music with over-commitment or strident bellowing. What sets Sarah apart from other singers is her ability to command and control her voice.
Brightman’s A Winter Symphony is a tremendous collection of songs. Containing a vivacious assortment of emotions and feelings, this is one holiday album that can be played year round and enjoyed for the tantalizing pleasures of this immaculate vocalist.
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