In January 2008, Sarah Brightman recorded and filmed Symphony -- Live in Vienna within the mystical walls of Stephansdome Cathedral in the heart of where classical music evolved -- Vienna, Austria. Renowned for its awe-ins... more »piring Gothic architecture, the cathedral was the perfect setting to enter the magical world of Symphony lead by the voice of the beautiful, gothic-angel. The concert includes repertoire from her album Symphony and some of her most popular songs ("Phantom of the Opera," "Time to Say Goodbye"). COMBO PACKAGES TRACKLISTING*
1. Pie Jesu
2. Fleurs du Mal
3. Symphony
4. Sanvean
5. Canto della Terra (duet w/Alessandro Safina)
6. Sarai Qui (duet w/Alessandro Safina)
7. Attesa
8. I Will Be with You (Where the Lost Ones Go) (duet w/Chris Thompson)
9. Storia d'Amore
10. Pasión (duet w/Fernando Lima)
11. Running
12. Let It Rain
13. The Phantom of the Opera (duet w/Chris Thompson)
14. Time to Say Goodbye
15. Ave Maria
16. Vide Cor Meum (*bonus track) DVD extras:
The Production (interview with Sarah Brightman)
The Songs (interview with Sarah Brightman)
The Location (interview with Father Anthony Faber and historian Elisabeth Lloyd-Davis) Photo Gallery
Extras RT approx. 45 minutes
Total RT for combo pkgs approx. 75 minutes« less
Genres:Music Video & Concerts, Musicals & Performing Arts Sub-Genres:Pop, Classical Studio:Manhattan Records Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 03/10/2009 Original Release Date: 01/01/2009 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2009 Release Year: 2009 Run Time: 1hr 15min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 2 SwapaDVD Credits: 2 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
"It's great to finally have the opportunity to review this spectacular concert DVD and CD. The clarity of the audio recording and the picture itself is amazing, and they didn't hack the concert in the editing room when it was put from DVD to CD. You get almost the entire audio recording on the CD, including most of the verbal contact Sarah has with the audience. I think this CD is 100 times better than the Harem World Tour CD recording, which makes this package a totally worthwhile purchase. The photos are stunning and the printing of the glossy booklet make everything look so nice. The DVD is purple and the CD is black, with silver lettering on both. As for the artwork of the DVD insert, there is silver lettering on both front and back. The interview with some of the Cathedral's staff is really nice and they show just how appreiative they were of having Sarah perform in their majestic historical building.
Sarah's costumes and hair are gorgeous and she is definitely glowing and looking more pretty than ever. There is one small difference from the studio recording of "Fleurs Du Mal" and the recording in this package. What I'm saying is...Sarah doesn't do that high-pitched vocalise while the violin solo comes in in the intro of the song, compared to the studio album recording. I wonder if it would've wrecked the intro to the song if she did sing it while moving down the middle aisle.
"Sanvean" written by Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) is a beautiful vocalise consisting of no lyrics but just sounds. That is what I love about this song. It's just so haunting and original, and Sarah does it very well, even if some say she's too breathy. "Canto Della Terra" is beautiful and Alessandro Safina looks and sounds amazing as Sarah's duet partner. Together, they blow everyone away with their breathtaking live rendition of the song. "Atessa" is very pretty and much better than expected. It really doesn't appear they used any playback for this concert, meaning Sarah used her own voice for the whole recording. I was actually expecting Atessa to be dubbed from the studio recording because of that very outstanding high note at th end, which is incredibly hard to do without screaming it.
"POTO" turned out to be quite nice, although it was a little too fast-paced compared to the original version. But the rock concert edge gives it a totally new edge and Sarah was still able to sing over the volume of the rock band and the pipe organ high above her and Chris Thompson. Oh, that reminds me, my only negative comment would be....Chris Thompson looks like someone they dragged off the street to duet with Sarah. He sounded a little tired in "I will be with you". He sounded winded although he still had a rock edge to his voice...and to his style. But, on "POTO" he and Sarah really blew me away when I watched the performance for the 1st time.
It's really wonderful to have this beautiful DVD&CD package and I'll cherish it for many years to come. This is by far, Sarah's best live performance on DVD, to date...although there are some really amazing live performances on her other live DVDs. But this one really showcases Sarah's live singing voice, and how well she can work with a rock band. Get this item and you'll agree, it's totally worth the wait and the money."
Sarah Brightman delivers yet agian
Cole M | Indiana | 03/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If Sarah Brightman possesses anything, it is professional integrity. Every detail of her musical and stage productions exude a style, elegance and grace seen by few performers of her day. Meticulous with details, she truly strives to transport her fans to a different world.
With "Live in Vienna" Brightman has truly delivered a stunning concert both visually and musically. The setting, the Cathedral Stephensdom in Vienna. The cinematography fused with the breathtaking visuals creates an amazing experience for the viewer.
Either draped in a red stunning gown or a metallic gold corset, the style of the early renaissance clearly comes across in the custom made couture.
Brightman soars through nearly all the tracks from her most recent platinum release "Symphony". The songs from Symphony draw inspiration from gothic musical aspects, creating a rock/metal influenced operatic sound. "Fleurs Du Mal" (The opening song) sets the bar high. The song infuses rock and opera elements flawlessly giving it a very new yet familiar sound. The highlight of the evening comes when Brightman teams up with Chris Thompson on the rock inspired duet "Phantom of the opera" The song is given a modern makeover complete with bombastic drums and a powerful organ.
By concerts end, Brightman reminds us why she is the most successful soprano in history (Over 26 million records sold) when she delivers the stunning "Time To Say Good-bye", poignant for such a special and enchanting evening.
"
First class! superb!
james ahlgrim | stoughton, wi United States | 03/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In my opinion there is not a lot of class out in the world of music today. Sarah Brightman is one of the very few who stand out. Not only is she very gifted with talent but the product she puts out shows it. this cd/dvd is excellent. The performance is wonderful and the extras show us what type of person she is and the effort she puts into each performance. im not going to do a set list run down. theyre all great. i highly recommend this set. thank you Sarah"
Beautiful Concert, Beautiful Sarah
cepet | ohio | 04/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I attended the Symphony concert in my town, 2nd row, and it was outstanding. As is this DVD/CD set. Sarah's voice brings tears to my eyes and I never tire of listening to her CD's over and over.
Fernando Lima's voice with Sarah's is a perfect blend. Gorgeous couple on stage, I might add. My favorite song on the CD was "Pasion". I was disappointed with Chris Thompson singing the part of "I will be with You", and think Paul Stanley's voice is much much better. I did not like Chris singing in "Phantom of the Opera" either. Too raspy and rough. Spectacular location, videography, lighting, outfits! Sarah is awesome!"
Outstanding...
Chris | Chicago | 04/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent performance in a very nice setting; The DTS audio quality is fantastic. Highly recommended."