Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Why don't I like this, even though it has sold millions? Up to a point it is fine: the singers sing well and look very good - and that is the point. With the exception of outstanding bass-baritone Nick Garrett I could recruit a quintet that sing as well as Amici Forever without leaving my village. But my singers would not look as good. What about the music? There are few surprises and much of the material suffers from being ripped out of context. Take "Nessun Dorma". This must be on every opera compilation ever and it shouldn't be. In 'Turandot' it is pivotal to the story. In a compilation album it becomes an opportunity for the Tenor to show off. Sung by a quintet it is a mess. We get one or two religious pieces, such as "Zadok the Priest" and "Adestes Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)" which is why a copy has made its way to us but they are treated as product not ministry. When I think of the many artists who struggle to get anywhere and then see the promotional push that has gone into shifting so many Amici Forever units it makes me sad.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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