This magnificent operatic vocalist stands out from most modern classical singers in her success at fusing ethnic world elements with her rich traditions. Throughout this emotionally empowering disc,
Summer delights in blending languages. She sings Italian for her dramatic, choir-enhanced rendition of
Ennio Morricone's "Nella Fantasia," Spanish for the whimsical, flute-spiced Latin grooves of
Joaquín Rodrigo's Aranjuez Ma Pensee, French for Benjamin Godard's Berceuse, and German on
Richard Strauss' longing romance Morgen. She also has an uncanny ability to join vastly different eras (
Beethoven,
Vivaldi,
Sting), finding beautiful connections between the cultures and centuries. Her attraction to the modern magic that is
Sting is understandable, but her tentative reading of "Fragile" seems a bit out of place amidst the passion and conviction she brings to the rest of the legendary material. Still, a joy for all seasons of the romantic-minded heart. ~ Jonathan Widran