Amira Willighagen's follow-up to her debut CD on Sony Masterworks, Amira, is a collection of 12 Christmas and sacred favorites, presented in tasteful arrangements that support the 11-year-old singer without overwhelming her voice. The orchestra has been kept to chamber size, and the dynamics rarely go above mezzo forte, so
Willighagen doesn't have to strain but is allowed to sing more or less naturally. She has a sweet tone which is charming in the simplest selections, such as
Bach's Bist du bei mir, the Pie Jesu from
Fauré's Requiem, and
Gruber's Silent Night, though some of the more difficult pieces, such as
Vivaldi's Nulla in mundo pax and the Sancta Maria, based on the Intermezzo from
Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, seem a bit advanced for her stage of development. Even so, most listeners will overlook the slight problems with breath control and phrasing, because
Willighagen is still growing into her instrument, and what she can do at her age is still impressive. The producers have avoided over-sentimentalizing this young star's talent, and the music is appropriate for quiet Christmas listening. ~ Blair Sanderson