"I am sure that most people know Jose Carreras as one of the Three Tenors. His reluctancy though, to confine himself to opera, has made his style of singing more accessible to everyone. His rich, velvety voice reaches out and touches our very souls. This cd covers some of the most romantic music ever, given new life with lyrics, and he sings them all with such passion. And so, this album is at the same time both intensely familiar, yet dramatically new. This is a wonderful album, guaranteed to stir the soul. Although, of course it may not appeal to those Classical Purist types, but then, who cares."
Jose Carreras/Passion
pianomia | ROSAMOND, CA USA | 06/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the first note to the last, Jose Carreras has-once again-reminded both loyal fans and new friends what a lyric tenor voice should sound like! He's magnificent! From Ave Maria to Brave New World, his voice carries you on a wonderful journey of sound. Powerful as the opera and gentle as a breeze! A definite must for fans and new friends!"
Carreras sings wonderfully, but the lyrics could have been b
PhantomOfTheOpera | Norway | 10/15/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is a result of Carreras' wish to be able to sing some of the most beautiful instrumental music in the world. It's really a wonderful idea. I just wish he had had better lyricists.
The English lyricists, unfortunately, aren't always on target here. I feel they have varying success with the lyrics written to this wonderful music. In my opinion the song "Close to me" is one of the better attempts here while "Love is a melody" is not. I read a review of this song somewhere and the reviewer said that it reminded him of a person locked out because of the sentences "Searching in the night, I found the light I found the key" and unfortunately I have to agree with him.
The Spanish song "En Aranjuez con tu amor" (the music written by Joaquin Rodrigo) is my absolute favourite song in this album. I can't comment on the lyrics as I don't speak a single word of Spanish, but the music is really beautiful and no-one sings Spanish like Carreras. I also love the aforementioned "Close to me" where the music is written by Brahms. It's a wonderful and romantic piece of music and when you add the sensual voice of José Carreras it's an absolutely irresistible combination.
Even if I have a few reservations about the English lyrics I find this album to be very good; mostly because of Carreras' ability to make whatever he sings sound as though it comes directly from his heart. (I bet he could even sing my shopping list- which I might add, is not very exciting - with unrivalled passion). I wasn't sure whether to give the album 4 or 5 stars, but have decided to deduct one star, because of the English lyricists. José Carreras on the other hand, deserves 5 stars for doing a wonderful job with these sometimes soppy lyrics."
Absolutely beautiful. I cried.
pianomia | 01/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard this CD while doing dishes on Christmas Day. With all of the bussel, it was hard to get a true appreciation for the size of the music. I finally took the time to purchase the CD and played in in my car. By the time I drove home, I was in tears.The music is relaxing, uplifting, and introspective. It is power and heart and love. You can listen alone or with a friend; a glass of fine wine to compliment the relaxation. You can play it in the background and pick up on only some of the sounds to remind you of the power of the music. You can even do yoga to it. And while you are stretching and practicing breath control, think of the discipline and control and power Jose must have to do what he does. Thank You Mr. Carrares"
A special song for Asian
vivianwkli@hotmail.com | London, England | 11/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a really good CD for "singing classical musics". The passion and love Jose expressed can reach the audience's heart deeply. More than this, Jose sang a special Chinese song "a place far far away" as the 14th song for the Asian market. It is very nice to hear my favourite Tenor sings in my home language, plus that is one of the best Chinese songs composed. I feel very privilaged!"