Pure Classics

PURE CLASSICS has something for everyone. It's a musical potpourri from the worlds of mainstream classical and crossover, presented by an A-list roster of well-established stars and up-and-comers. Traditionalists will enjoy performances by Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming, Bryn Terfel, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, among others. The young tenor Juan Diego Florez shows that he's ready for the climb to superstardom with his thrilling rendition of "Cessa di piu resistere" from Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' Andrea Bocelli, Russell Watson, and Sarah Brightman ably represent the newer generation of crossover singers, and more adventurous listeners will be drawn to the high-octane style of Bond. Many of the selections fall into a stylistic middle ground, notably Ute Lemper's sultry reading of Kurt Weill's "September Song," pianist Keith Jarrett's improvisations on "Someone to Watch Over Me," and the Anne Sofie von Otter/Elvis Costello duet "For the Stars." The album closes with a flourish via the unmistakable fanfare of John Williams's majestic STAR WARS theme.