Sarah Brightman: Harem

This lavish counterpart to classical crossover vocalist Sarah Brightman's 2003 CD of world music goes heavy on sexual innuendo and Arab stereotypes and light on artistic illumination. The point of Brightman's album, Harem, was to marry rhythms of the Middle East to the diva's more ethereal pop vibe (as opposed to her big, operatic sound), and prominently features such collaborators as violin star Nigel Kennedy and Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir. The DVD, by contrast, is an exotic fantasia of fabled images of harems (where lust is tempered by silky decorum), sheiks on horseback, and Brightman herself in various stages of undress. Ironically, the baroqueness of it all and Brightman's awkward, apparently untutored attempt to move like the other sensual dancers on display create the impression that this star of stage and PBS specials is slumming. Fortunately, the music suggests otherwise, particularly Brightman's fascinating performance on the pulsing "Mysterious Days," the moving "The War Is Over," and the beautiful "Stranger in Paradise." Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, the disc also includes a lighthearted, half-hour “making of” documentary. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)