Mary Schneider

In an era of superstar divas and pop-friendly opera uncles, the sight of a classically trained singer yodeling her way through the classics might seem like another stab at giving classical musicians some mainstream clout. But Mary Schneider's talent is undeniable and her delivery sincere and astounding enough to banish thoughts of Top 40 offshoots or sold-out stadiums. For this 1996 disc, she is joined by Tommy Tycho and the somewhat dubiously named Sydney International Orchestra for a refined Swiss romp through the music of Brahms, Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini, and Bizet. Schneider shifts from some yodeling acrobatics on Offenbach's "Can Can Overture" to a singing and yodeling combo on the pop-friendly "Toselli's Serenade." She further runs the gamut by moving from the delicateness of Brahms' "Lullaby Yodel" to the patriotic bombast of some Sousa marches. While classical music purists will be aghast, those who appreciate a set of truly astonishing pipes will find much to enjoy here. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide