Too much talent!
Onovo Carneiro | 02/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an impressive album where Dulce Pontes turns cinematic themes from the Morricone repertoire into songs in English, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, and she is breathtaking in most of them. Dulce Pontes embellishes Morricone's compositions with an epic grandeur that few other singers could have achieved. Her voice is very potent and playful, yet subtle when necessary. I'm always surprised by how gracefully her vocals blend with the music and succeed in recreating the absurdity, the nuances, and the overwhelming beauty of Morricone's eccentric musical temperament. My favorite songs are those in English, particularly "Your Love" (with music from Once Upon a Time in the West). Dulce's elegant venture into a Brazilian arrangement makes "Nosso Mar" another favorite of mine. Her best achievement, however, is probably "No Ano Que Vem", a song inspired by Jerusalem and set to the strangely upbeat music from the film Maddalena. Focus is a superb accomplishment in Dulce's career. In the end, one could not possibly deny her the classical stature of Ennio Morricone."
Beyond earthly realms
A. J. Pinheiro | Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa | 03/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As cliched as it might sound, there are no words to describe either the talent of Dulce Pontes or the quality of this recording. This is one breathtaking singer, approximating the status of divinity on "FOCUS". For those lucky enough to understand the Portuguese lyrics, what a blessing; you may as well have discovered a new planet, a new world, particularly with regards to "Renascer" and "Voo". The inclusion of songs in English and Italian is a bonus.Dulce is so much more than a singer on this disc - she is life itself, in all its magical strains, in all its tortuous twists. Listen to "No Ano Que Vem" and you'll know what I'm talking about. No wonder that the album has done so brilliantly in Portugal and is now infiltrating countries such as Greece, Spain, Italy and Japan. Focus is a universal event, a celebration of that exquisite beauty which for so many of us remains a mere longing. Along Dulce's short career, this is the moment we've all waited for - now the world needs to discover it also. When I first heard this masterpiece, I felt that I was transcending, re-emerging, beginning to live all over again. Inevitably, Ennio Morricone must be mentioned - a great genius! The passion of his compositions remains unequalled - "A Rose Among Thorns" is testimony to the brilliance of both composer and singer. Through Dulce's miraculous imterpretation, Ennio Morricone's music must perforce become the new standard. I have been listening to the album for three days... and I feel like buying it again! Bravo, to two magical human beings perfectly poised on the wings of a wonder!"
