Fans of small, pretty-voiced soprano Sarah Brightman will not be disappointed by this CD. In addition to some pop songs, Brightman sings high-flying excerpts from Orff's Carmina Burana, Puccini's "O mio babbino caro" (performed better by almost any other operatic soprano elsewhere), and "Alleluia" from Mozart's Exsultate Jubilate. One might call this a crossover disc; others might just see it as a recording featuring a pop singer with artsy aspirations. Whatever it is, Brightman's fans love her; others do not. Two duets with tenor Jose Cura remind the listener what opera singing really ought to sound like. --Robert Levine

Sarah Brightman Photos

More from Sarah Brightman

Classics	Diva: The Singles Collection	Eden
Diva: The Video Collection	Live from Las Vegas	La Luna (Live in Concert)

Arguably the least flawed of her albums, Brightman's "Time To Say Goodbye" is a collection of songs (new and classic standards) which could argue were written exclusively for her. Flawless duets galore and high notes that bring tears to listeners, her powerful voice generates more emotion with its dramatic storytelling than any film actress alive could do with the same material, using voice and facial emotion. A must have for fans, and those interested in La Divina for the 1980s and beyond.

If you are looking for a versatile and pleasant female voice to listen to, this would make a great addition to your collection.

As a classical singer, I'm depressed to see Sarah Brightman listed in Classical Vocal at all. The world is full of excellent, clear-voiced sopranos; Sarah Brightman, like Andreas B, is a POP music singer. Broadway is a different industry with different priorities, and kudos to her for her excellent work there... but this is *not* classical music.

The sound on this CD seems to underline the fact that Brightman's voice is not really made for classical repertoire like Orff and Puccini--I can *hear* the reverb and post-production added to "In trutina" and several other tracks. Bravo for Brightman introducing classical works to a new audience; I just wish people would stop categorizing her CDs as classical just because she sings "O mio babbino caro."

I'm not deriding Brightman's accomplishments; she's a fine artist in her field. I wouldn't buy Eddie Vedder's Mozart Requiem, though, if HE decided to put one out.

If you want to hear someone sing the soprano solos in Carmina Burana, the Slatkin / Saint Louis Symphony recording with Sylvia McNair is phenomenal. There are so many well-trained and beautiful instruments out there; Sarah Brightman had a successful career on Broadway, and has a different flavor of talent.

Sara Brightman is a very sexy women with an wonderfull voice.
Hearing her sing is an relief from all the carbage we hear daily on the radio en TV

With that being said, I will never understand how anyone could not appreciate this album, or Sarah Brightman's music, in general. I would not go so far and say that she is the be all and end all of soprano singers, and there are most assuredly others who have a bigger range, or are capable of belting out powerful notes with ease. But there is no denying that Ms. Brightman is incredibly gifted. She sings with such a purity and grace, so much so that when listening to her you feel at ease with life-truly soothing and beautiful. This album is not pop, opera, classical, or easy listening-it is all four combined. For those who are searching for opera in the truest sense, I suggest you go see an opera. I find it entertaining to see reviews that are less than positive-I dare anyone who has shared their opinions on this site to attempt to sing any of the songs on this album as well as Sarah. Let us not forget that Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the part of Christine in "Phantom Of The Opera" specifically with Sarah's voice in mind, and I would also encourage anyone who purchases this album to think about the soundtrack to Phantom, another beautiful example of the talent this woman possesses.

It is a shame that some are faulting her, and this album, for the title of operatic singer that has been thrusted upon her-do not let that discourage you from purchasing this, or any album that she has to offer-you will not be disappointed. All you need to do is view the ratio of positive reviews to those of the negative if you need any assurance as to the quality of her songs.