Familiar Songs

[Oksana]

I've noticed that in her albums, Hayley usually opts for somewhat obscure, lesser-known songs. In the song reccommendation thread, many people (including mself!) suggested songs that had been recorded hundreds of times by other sopranos. But now I've changed my mind. I think Hayley wisely puts a few familiar songs on her albums so that someone who picks it up can find something they recognize, and buy it. But mostly, I enjoy the pieces I have never heard before. A reviewer on amazon also praised Hayley for this:

Westenra also eschews the usual round of classical-pop songs, like "Nella Fantasia." I love that song, but it's been done so many times.

So what do you think? Should Hayley record songs like Memory, Ave Maria, Nella Fantasia, Pie Jesus, etc, etc, on future international releases?

[1littlegirl]

I would absolutely love to hear Hayley's rendition of "Nella Fantasia." I would also love to hear her do "Pie Jesu" by John Rutter sometime.

I also enjoy new songs she picks out, so I think Hayley should continue mixing new and old.

[Richard]

Hello Oksana!

Hayley has already recorded "Memory" from 'Cats' on her first Universal New Zealand CD 'Hayley Westenra', back in 2001. She made a very good job of it, but now her voice has matured I would love Hayley to rerecord the song for a future album.

I think Hayley should continue to record a mix of new and familiar songs, combining show tunes, folk songs and classical pieces. Hayley's voice suits all these genres perfectly. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Best Wishes,

Richard

[roger]

There is comfort in the familar and there is mystery in the unknown. Regardless of the artist, if a CD included a few familiar tracks, I would consider buying it. If there were none, I would put it straight back on the rack. So I think a few established songs are helpful to attrack the public. But once bought and played a few times, it is often the lesser known (or unknown) tracks that have enduring appeal. Personally, I would favour approximately one third of the tracks to be well-known.

Roger

[Natasha]

I don't know if Hayley should sing "Nella Fantasia" or not. The thing is I really don't know if she can handel this kind of aria, as her voice really isn't suited for opera music.

Sorry I can't be to much help on that one, lol.

Many hugs,
Tashi