Inspirato

New age icon Yanni often uses singers in his live performances, and he occasionally opts to do albums with vocalists. Recent examples include 2009’s Voices and now 2014's Inspirato. Here he collaborates with regular producer Ric Wake and tenor maestro Plácido Domingo, as well as other high-profile collaborators, to remake old favorites with new lyrics (sometimes written by the singers themselves or by songwriter Plácido Domingo Jr.). The backings are often sweeping orchestral arrangements that are calibrated for maximum emotional impact, although pop does enter the equation on “L’ombra dell’angelo” with a soaring Katherine Jenkins and “Ode à l’humanite,” with beguiling vocalist Pretty Yende. Also inspired is “Amare di Duovo” with a sensational Nathan Pacheco, and both he and Jenkins appear on “Nello specchio.” Of course the duet of Domingo Sr. and Renée Fleming stops traffic on “Hasta el último momento,” and each makes strong appearances elsewhere too. This set was four years in the making; the patience needed for this Herculean task (and its scheduling nightmares) has paid off handsomely.