BRIGHTMAN, SARAH

With EDEN, Broadway diva Sarah Brightman ("Requiem," "Cats") stretches beyond the constraints of what's considered show music. Here, she sings an assortment of classical adaptations, rock, and sleek modern pop songs. The entrancing opener, "In Paradisum" combines pre-recorded nature sounds, atmospheric textures, and echoes of Gregorian chant, setting the regal and eclectic mood. "Nella Fantasia" is an adaptation of a tune by movie soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone, with Italian lyrics by Ferrau, and here the exquisite longing in Brightman's voice transcends all language barriers. She transforms Kansas' philosophical hit "Dust in the Wind" into a theatrical ballad that transcends time or setting. The production is lavish, judiciously mixing lustrous, gently throbbing modern pop textures, and conventional orchestration in a way that showcases the songs and the singer without being obtrusive or maudlin.

Estimated despatch 5-10 days after ordering.