Composer: José Carreras
Works: Around the World, Hymne à l’amour, Paraules d’amor, Quando sento che mi ami, Alfonsina y el mar, Kawa no nagare no yoni, Vurria, Kumbaya my Lord, Manhã de carnaval, Nosotros, A la luz de una luna azul, Hine e hine, Wind of change, With love, Volver, Island in the sun, Sorrow of the red beans, Greensleeves, Senza ritorno (Jeżeli)
Performers: Vienna Symphony Orchestra, John Cameron (2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 13, 16, 18), Paul Bateman (1, 3, 6, 15, 17), Christian Kolonovits (7, 10, 11, 12, 14)
Recording: Warner Classics 8573-85798-2
Label: Warner Classics
José Carreras’s “Around the World” offers a curious excursion through a diverse landscape of songs, reflecting the tenor’s well-documented passion for traversing genres and cultural boundaries. This collection, released in 2001, presents Carreras not merely as a purveyor of operatic arias but as an artist venturing into the realm of popular international melodies. The selections range from the haunting “Hymne à l’amour” to the spirited “Kumbaya my Lord,” capturing an eclectic array of emotions and styles. However, the very ambition that underpins this project—creating a global tapestry of song—reveals both the strengths and limitations of Carreras’s approach.
From the outset, Carreras’s singing is characterized by a certain phonetic confidence, even when navigating languages that are not his native Spanish or Italian. This confidence, however, does not always translate into authenticity. For instance, his rendition of the Polish “Senza ritorno (Jeżeli)” in Italian raises questions about the integrity of the original song’s emotional resonance. The overall interpretation tends toward a homogenization of sound, where the distinctiveness of each piece is often smoothed over in pursuit of a consistent stylistic approach. This is particularly evident in the arrangements by John Cameron, Christian Kolonovits, and Paul Bateman, which uniformly favor lush orchestration and romantic sentimentality, occasionally at the expense of the songs’ cultural origins.
The arrangements themselves exhibit a remarkable professionalism and polish, with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra providing a lush backdrop that complements Carreras’s voice. However, this orchestral support sometimes veers into overly saccharine territory, with the romantic slush dominating the thematic fabric of the album. For example, the treatment of “Greensleeves,” a piece steeped in English folk tradition, loses its identity under the weight of excessive orchestral sentimentality, rendering it almost unrecognizable. The engineering quality is commendable, with a clear and rich sound capturing the nuances of Carreras’s voice, yet the sonic clarity underscores the sameness of the arrangements rather than enhancing their individuality.
The recording’s attempt to appeal to a broad audience is evident, and while Carreras’s well-known charisma remains compelling, there exists a risk that the artistry is overshadowed by commercial considerations. The production feels crafted for mass consumption, which may alienate listeners seeking depth and authenticity in these beloved songs. “Island in the Sun” stands out as an example where the interpretation lacks the rhythmic vitality and cultural nuance that characterizes its origins, leading to a performance that feels flat rather than vibrant.
A careful examination of “Around the World” reveals a dichotomy inherent in Carreras’s artistic choices. While the album showcases his vocal prowess and the technical skill of the accompanying musicians, it ultimately sacrifices the unique qualities of each song in favor of a universal, albeit bland, appeal. For those enamored with Carreras’s voice, this collection may still resonate, but it raises critical questions about the balance between accessibility and authenticity in the realm of classical crossover. The endeavor to encapsulate a world of song is ambitious, yet the outcome suggests a retreat into safe musical territory, leaving the listener yearning for a more genuine connection to the diverse cultural expressions represented in the program.
