Fans of the British crossover singer Sarah Brightman can look forward to a real Christmas album. On A Winter Symphony, however, the soprano is not limited to traditional Christmas carols such as Silent Night, In The Bleak Midwinter, Child In A Manger and other classics such as Amazing Graze and Bach / Gounods Ave Maria. Covers by ABBA (Arrival), Vince Gil (Colder Than Winter) and Neil Diamond (I'v
… Been This Way Before) have also been arranged for Brightman's angelic sweet voice and string orchestra. The abundance of quiet ballads might make it all too unearthly and 'airy'. Fortunately, the cheerful uptempo I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday (Roy Wood) provides a boost. The last track I Believe In Father Christmas (Greg Lake) also ends in a grand climax of singing voice, choir and strong orchestra. A highlight is the duet Ave Maria with the sweet-voiced Argentine-Spanish countertenor Fernando Lima. A Winter Symphony may conjure up more of a winter mood than a Christmas mood, but fans of ethereal soprano voices will enjoy this album. (SvdP)more
