One of the most intriguing, unexpected and artistically satisfying recordings by Italian über-diva who at the age of 60 shows no signs of either stagnation or curiosity - trough decades, Mina had sung everything from San Remo ballads, Italian folk songs, Jazz, Broadway tunes, Bossa Nova, Tango and Disco to some of the best jewels of Italian pop classics but so far she had not attempted a full-on album of religious music. Here, somewhat belatedly but still masterfully, she corrects this omission and presents the most unusual album in her rich discography, the album that leans heavily on classical music and composers from 17. and 18. century.
At first it sounds like "Mina does Gregorian Chant" since the opening "Magnificat" soars in Heavenly heights and she is backed by stately Gregorian choir, it is the most, well, magnificent opening you can possible imagine and brings the singer in different sphere, here she is much more than pop artist. Several different arrangers (under the baton of her producer/son Massimiliano Pani) make sure there are various approaches to this ancient material - some surround her with classical sound, strings and Gregorian choirs, other give her late-night, Jazzy combo and it all works surprisingly tight, thanks to tasteful orchestrations and lady's absolute command of still impressive voice. It is definitely unexpected to hear Mina singing music by such classical heavyweights like Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Claudio Monteverdi and Charles Gounod, though purists from either pop or classical camp might wince at the idea but in all honesty it works perfectly - there are no compromises, this is dead serious, contemplative and even meditative music and the best of all, I cherish the idea of ever-changing artist who is still capable of growth and surprises.
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