Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
It stars William Christie, Sarah Connolly, Angelika Kirchschlager, Danielle De Niese, Christophe Dumaux. It was directed by David McVicar, Robin Lough. By Opus Arte.
The regular list price is $49.99.
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5 comments about Handel - Giulio Cesare (Glyndebourne Opera Festival 2006).
- I would be whole-heartedly on board with the praise accorded this disc if it weren't for the Cleopatra of Danielle de Niese. Yes, she has glamor and stage charisma and a vivid characterization. But her voice is unbelievably coarse, an unattractive timbre produced without refinement or nuance. Without her stunning visual allure, I do not think anyone would actually buy her in an audio-only recording of this opera.
Apart from that, this set is magnificent, with peerless performances from Connelly, Bardon, Kirchschlager, Maltman, Abdeslam, and others. These are noble voices and fervent portrayals. I am not put off by the temporal transposition of the staging, and choruses and choreography are enchantingly integrated. The whole production has a surpassing grandeur, and I loved the multiple prosceniums.
I would rate this five stars if it weren't for de Niese, but with Cleopatra such a key role and her music the most famous in all the opera, I had no choice. Some people, indeed, will be able to enjoy her performance for its many non-vocal strengths, but for me the music comes first. My reaction to de Niese's portrayal may be somewhat exaggerated by the fact that her weakest number is the "V'adoro pupille." She delivers the other arias rather more convincingly, but without seductive tones in "V'adoro" I cannot be won over by a Cleopatra.
Frankly the set is worth the price of admission for the performance of "Son nata a lagrimar" offered by Patricia Bardon and Angelika Kirchschlager, and that is by no means the only highlight. It's certainly a set I revisit, and often, but I always have to look past the Cleopatra.
Needless to say, the featurette highlighting de Niese did not enchant. And, honestly, I could do without all the interviews with stage directors, set designers, and choreographers that have come to litter opera sets. The artistic vision should hold up on its own. I tend to tune them out as so much meretricious persiflage. If the set could be reduced by a disk by omitting these features, I would be very content! (I concede that multiple disks have become commonplace for the sake of the sound quality, and the sound here is extraordinarily rich.)
It pains me to run contrary to the prevailing opinion, but I base my opinion on repeated and comparative listening, and the verdict must stand. I endeavor to write reviews that can guide even a prospective buyer with markedly different sensibilities in making an informed decision.
- Though I adore Danielle de Niese, it's the guys who carry this show. Countertenor Rachid Ben Abdeslam's Nireno is the cutest, gayest, quick-on-the-uptake servant I've ever seen in opera. He is also a very fine countertenor as is Christophe Dumaux, whose acrobatic bad guy Tolomeo keeps threatening to steal the show.
Baritone Christopher Maltman (Achilla) gets to display his buff physique and his singing is as attractive as his pecs. Having Maltman in such a relatively small role is true luxury casting!
David MacVicker's direction is generally good and the scenery works except for the pointless blimps and warships that crowd the back of the stage towards the opera's end.
The special features were fine, especially the behind-the-scenes "tour" with de Niese as she gets ready for the evening's performance. (However, Glyndebourne's Gus Christie comes across as a bit of a stuffed shirt in this feature.)
In November, I'm planning to see the Chicago Lyric Opera's staging of this production with several of this DVD's principals, including Dumaux and de Niese. It should be a juicy, joyous four hours of Handel.
And since so many other Amazon reviers have covered this release in detail, including the fine work by the female principals and the witty Bollywood dance moves, I'm wrapping it up.
- This production of Giulio Cesare, staged for Glyndebourne, is hard to fault. McVicar did a fantastic job of generating action, movement, political commentary and humour without distracting from the singing. The sets and costumes are equally up to the task. Moreover, everything that happens on stage makes sense - it is never there 'just for pretty' or because the director got nervous about "too many notes"...
The singers are excellent, with Sarah Connolly the standout. To my mind she is a great Giulio Cesare: not only was her singing perfect in sound nad style, but she was so persuasive as an older man of authority that at no point was it necessary to suspend disbelief! If I had to choose one moement from this DVD - the one that has stayed with me the most - it would be the magnificent performance of 'Va tacito e nascosto'.
I found the very beautiful Danielle de Niese much more convincing in Cleopatra's extroverted arias than in the more introspective ones: there was no sign of pianissimo or piano! "Piangero" was just too loud (and the audience evidently agreed with me, judging from the tepid applause that greets this famous aria). But I was impressed that De Niese could manage so much dancing while singing her last aria!
"Cara speme" was the high point of Kirschlager's role - you feel that time stops while she sings this aria. Achille (Maltman) and Cornelia (Bardon) were also excellent - Bardon got more impressive as the opera went on. Countertenor Dumaux in the role of Tolomeo almost stole the show, and certainly stole all his scenes.
William Christie - well, he and the orchestra are just magnificent. The young woman violinist who appeared on the stage (as a young man) for a solo during an Act II scene represented the admirable musicianship, good humour and sense of theater of this orchestra in the best possible way.
All in all, an unmissable DVD for any Baroque lover - or any opera lover, period.
- This has to be one of the finest Handel operas on DVD, not only for the singing but for the production: the sets are great and there is always action on stage that goes well with the music--even when Handel is being intentionally silly!
Highly recommended!
- During a youtube journey, I stumbled across this Opus Arte production. Intrigued by the evoking video clip, I bought the DVD. The reviewers were correct with their praise and critique. In addition, I found the sublime team effort utterly impressive: the whole cast, the director and conductor inspired each other obviously in this lively energetic perfomance. Age differences and cultural background of the performers were remarkable merged on the stage along with the sweeping music beat. Although still young (some critique her voice),de Niese is already a big stage personality with a inspiring demaneour. I found the vision to present Handel like this very convincing. A refreshing performance, you will talk about.
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
The artist is Artist is Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. By RCA.
The regular list price is $11.98.
Sells new for $8.33.
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5 comments about Amazing Grace.
- I purchased this CD looking for bagpipe tracks to listen to. The recording of Amazing Grace is flawless, and inspiring. However - much of this CD is the entire band playing more modern music (of course this album was recorded in the 70's). The pipe playing is excellent, but this is not really a bagpipe CD.
- The pipes, like a few other things, are something you either love or hate. If you are not a Scot, they may sound like someone is scalding cats. If you are Scot, or even partly so, they will make your blood boil. This album certanily does that. It has a mix of traditional and more upbeat music. The traditional "Amazing Grace" is fantastic and the last selection is an upbeat Caribbean rendition that is great.
- This is a great album of bagpipe and drum music. 'Amazing Grace' is so beautiful and heart stirring.
- Is this really how the pipes are supposed to sound? I do like track 4 which means this recording is a little better than "Highland Cathedral". Once again though, the whole recording is badly out of tune on way too may levels. I guess it's the carinets/flutes that really rattle the fillings worst on this one though. Track three really makes one wish they had never invented woodwinds. Sadly, they are not alone. Cornet Carillon is an absolute embarassment. Is that a clarinet or is someone strangling a cat? Really hard to believe that this disaster has been in print since 1972. The only really good thing about this recording is that it is mercifully short at 34 minutes total.
- i love "amazing Grace" and i love the pipes and the drums. this cd was a wonderful combination of all...
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
By Elektra / Wea.
The regular list price is $24.98.
Sells new for $19.29.
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5 comments about The Pirates of Penzance.
- I love listening to these CD's. (There are 2 of them.) This recording of The Pirates of Penzance is great fun and quite entertaining. The lyrics are enclosed so I can check to see what is being sung if I'm not sure. The melodies are enchanting. The wonderful humor of Gilbert and Sullivan is intact. The silliness and musical talent remind me of the Marx Brothers, especially something like A Night at the Opera.
Linda Ronstadt is amazing! Kevin Kline can do anything! George Rose IS the modern Major General! And Rex Smith ("how rare his beauty") is perfect!
- My favourite performance of this classic Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta. Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstat, and the whole cast are perfect.
- The entire "Pirates" score plus much of the dialogue is found in this recording. The voices are extremely appropriate to each of the characters, and the comedy of the score is apparent. The energy is extremely high, which, in turn, excites the listener. I never tire of listening to it.
- You have to be a muscial fan to love this. This play is very fun and funny. This soundtrack has the songs from this wonderful play that you will want to hear over and over again.
- Fantastic CDS based on the stageplay and video. I missed Angela Lansbury as Ruth but it is a fanatastic recording and interpretation of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta.
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
By Sony.
The regular list price is $29.98.
Sells new for $29.91.
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5 comments about Forrest Gump: The Soundtrack - 32 American Classics On 2 CDs.
- I loved Forrest Gump since the first time I saw it in a cinema, even when some people considered it as a "Soap Box-Opera" movie. And kept watching it over and over again, every time is on TV. So I got the soundtrack as soon as it was on the record stores, because the 32-Hit selection made it a "Classic" almost automatically. However, in 2001 the same soundtrack is reissued as "34 American Classics On 2 CDs". This is, those crazy guys in Sony/Columbia Production Dept. decided to add two extra songs, Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" and Jackson Browne's "Running On Empty". However, they never considered to add The Doors' "Love Her Madly", even when the song was included in the original movie audio track, as well as other wonderful songs... Why???? I agree with "fendercustomstrat": this soundtrack should have been issued as a 3 or 4-CD boxed compilation... The extra bucks for having all those beautiful songs together, would be worth the price!!!
- When you need to get your mojo back, this CD might help.
- If you need a quick getaway this score will take you there. This is my favorite score from my favorite movie and I'm not sure which influenced the other most. Track 1 - "I'm Forrest . . . Forrest Gump" will immediately turn a day around for me, it is a strange song that calms the spirit and instills confidence at the same time; much like the rest of the score. Great for background music at work! The soundtrack is a great collection of classic hits but it doesn't take me where the score can. Just an incredible work of art!
- great soundtrack! It is a baby boomers slice of heaven. All you need to do is put on an oversized pair of headphones, crank it up or light it up and sit back and give it a listen. It's like a trip on the magic bus to our days of rebellion when we thought we could change the world through our music. Well, the world has changed, albeit all not for the better and the music stands the test of time.
- Love the movie...you'll love this soundtrack...follows the movie, track for track. I love this era of music as well...listen as it transends through time. You'll love this CD...just try it!
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
It stars Josh Groban, John Williams, David Foster, Lili Haydn, Andrea Corr. It was directed by Robin Felsen Von Halle, David Horn. By Warner Bros / Wea.
The regular list price is $29.98.
Sells new for $20.71.
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5 comments about Josh Groban In Concert (with Bonus CD).
- Josh has expanded his repertoire on this CD and carries it off with excellence! A pleasure to listen to and the DVD as well to watch. Josh will be a young man as his career continues to grow along with him. An excellent purchase!
- I have really enjoyed listening to Gosh Groban on his In Concert DVD and complimentary CD. I took note, for the first time, of him when he sang with Sarah Brightman on her La Luna concert DVD. I was very impressed and wanted to hear more. I am not a technician of any sort and do not expect perfection of anyone or anything since that is not possible. I and my wife found his performance pleasing to our ears and have listened more than once in a short time. You will not be disappointed unless you just don't like that sort of music in which case, get something that you do like.
- If you like this kind of operatic pop, this is a beautiful concert. Josh Groban sings some beautiful Italian love songs...
- I'm a big fan of Josh Groban's so this is a treat to see a concert. Seeing faces to names is a plus too -- his family, his fans, the people behind the whole production, musicians, etc. All the background info. What can I say; Josh could sing the alphabet and I'd be happy. I'd addicted to his voice.
- Josh Groban is an angel sent from heaven! There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of his voice. And to be able to watch him is just an added bonus! The DVD is great and it is nice to also have the live CD that comes along with it. If you are a fan, you will love it all and if you aren't, you will become one! Josh is the most amazingly talented man, and to hear that voice come out of someone so young is almost unbelievable! His music and voice will fill your soul with the most peaceful and beautiful feeling! He is one of a kind! You will see the passion in what he does when you watch him sing. You can't go wrong with this purchase!
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
The artist is Artist is Various Artists. By Disney.
The regular list price is $12.98.
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5 comments about Aladdin: Special Edition Soundtrack.
- It's surprising, very suprising. The score is excellent, it's suprisingly strong for this genre. The songs, although not brilliant in composition, at least have catchy lyrics and an infectious melody. Alan Menken is a Disney guy, and you'll hear reminices of 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'The Little Mermaid' throughout the CD. I haven't actually listened to the 'Special Edition' of the Aladdin soundtrack, so I can't rate the extra songs and features, but I trust the original score and songs have remained unchanged. In closing--don't judge a CD by its cover. Come to think of it, don't judge this movie by its cover. If you actually take the time to stop and look past the goofy stuff 'Aladdin' is a beautiful--and entertaining--movie. If this movie wasn't animated (marvellously animated, I might add) this score would probably be considered the ultimate paragon of 'Arabian Nights.'
- in 1992, walt disney pictures continued their hold on the world of animated entertainment with aladdin. that year, aladdin snagged 217 million dollars and was the highest grossing film of the year; it also won two academy awards for best score and best original song. however, compared to other works by the same composer and lyricists?
First up is the academy award winning score by alan menken. the score shows brilliantly what menken's greatest strength is. he can incorperate elements of both the story and the setting to make a great score that fits perfectly in the film. his use of middle-eastern sounds, rhythms and instruments is great and brings an intensity that can only be provided by the setting. his score also shows his ability to stay fresh with each project and he rarely duplicates himself and his earlier works; that said, aladdin is the worst score for duplicating earlier themes, but its never enough of a problem to truely seem that flawed.
SCORE 5 out of 5
during this production, howard ashman (menken's lyricist for little shop of horrors, the little mermaid and beauty and the beast) died. several of his works remain but tim rice was brought on to finish the remaining songs. ashman was an amazing force in musical entertainment and his death was a true tragedy, but how does rice do filling in? the truth is not all that bad. the following is a breakdown of all the songs from the picture.
ARABIAN NIGHTS -(ashman) this is one of the strongest songs of the entire piece performed by bruce adler. the intensity of the vocals and use of local rhythms and sounds provides a great opening that clearly shows how "we're not in kansas anymore"
5 out of 5
ONE JUMP AHEAD -(rice) this is the real opening where we first meet aladdin (sung by brad kane) and the guards chasing him. this is a fun broadway-esque number but falls somewhat short of other disney openers, notably beauty and the beast. however this is definately another strong song from this great soundtrack
5 out of 5
ONE JUMP AHEAD (REPRISE) -(rice) this is a softer, slower reprise that is beautiful and touching. maybe a longer or similar version would've fleshed out the entire piece better and given more depth and emotion.
5 out of 5
FRIEND LIKE ME -(ashman) as strong as this song is, the only problem is that by here, the whole jazzy feel doesnt quite work as well. this is a strong song (it is the second academy award nominated song) but by here, the whole over-the-top and larger-than-life feel is getting a little old.
4 out of 5
PRINCE ALI -(ashman) another strong song that works mildly better than the above due to the fullness of the orchestrations, but again is feeling a little bit too large but still fun and again broadway-esque
4 out of 5
A WHOLE NEW WORLD -(rice) here it is, 1992's winner for best original song and well deserving too. finally we find a song that is moving and emotional. this is the strongest song out out of the film easily; it is powerful and establishes aladdin and jasmine's love for one another. brad kane and lea solanga's vocals are both truly beautiful and moving as well
5 out of 5
PRINCE ALI (REPRISE) -(rice) this is a deveously fun little track sung by jafar that definately could've been a little bit more fun if it was a little longer, but still fun in a darker way.
4 out of 5
SONGS OVERALL 4 out of 5
the biggest problem overall is probably in the material. it didn't offer any real moments for a soft moving ballad (a whole new world aside). ashman's death definately weighs heavily on this album since one sits and wonders what he could have done, but really even his contributions show just how fun a piece this is intended to be, it's not supposed to be as powerful as other disney works. aladdin definately succeeds here, but in the grander scale of things, this is disney's weakest contribution to the disney rennisaince.
- I concur with all the other reviews. These are some Menkein's best songs, and Ashman's lyrics are superior. The bonus tracks are wonderful, although I question the newer version of "A whole new world."
My beef with this and many other soundtracks is the rearrangement of the material from movie order. I'm sure for cassettes it was handier to have songs on one side and background music on the other. But in CD format, it means you emotionally go through the story twice. Come one, why not give us the material in show order. Not all CD players can be programmed so that isn't the right answer. The same holds true for Lion King (movie). Is it SOOoo hard to put the songs and background in the film order?
- I was hoping that the Aladdin soundtrack would be re-released for the Platinum edition DVD and now it sounds better than ever with its all new enhanced music. You also get the extra tracks that were never released with the original CD. If you're a fan of the music and songs from Aladdin, then I definitely recommend this re-release.
- Captures the essence of the film and allows my daughters to enjoy the music they know so well without sitting in front of a TV.
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
It stars Kelly Sheridan, Melissa Lyons, Julie Stevens (IV), Mark Hildreth, Mark Luna. It was directed by William Lau. By Lions Gate.
The regular list price is $9.98.
Sells new for $3.92.
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5 comments about Barbie As The Princess and the Pauper.
- Bar none, hands down the best Barbie movie ever made. I buy it for all my girlfriends and their daughters. I love the story, the morals, the music, a masterpiece!!!!!
- It can't even be published in writing the bad language that is used in this movie. Unbelievable!! And this is made to be seen by small children??
This should be PG 13, and definitely not for little kids!!
- I received the this DVD, My grandaughters all loved it and I would recommend it to any one who likes the Disney movies.............
- It's a great Barbie movie. My girls love anything Barbie and they love this movie as they do ALL Barbie movies.
- This is a great movie. It has been my 6 year old's favorite since she was 3 years old. She wanted to borrow it so much we just bought it on Amazon so we could have it at home. A good telling of a Mark Twain classic. Great music too. My daughter loves to sing along with Barbie. A Good Buy.
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
By Sony.
The regular list price is $24.98.
Sells new for $12.99.
There are some available for $6.00.
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5 comments about Forrest Gump.
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The music compiled on this sound track spans years from the 50's to the 80's and contains lots of greats that give you a flavor of what was happening during those times in America. For me, each song evokes something beyond what the movie portrayed which makes it a great collection.
I have found that I can put this CD on in a mixed crowd with people of all ages and most people find the two discs set enjoyable to listen to plus it often starts some interesting conversations. Many tunes I find myself singing and dancing along to like Aretha Franklin's "Respect", which makes it a great CD to put on for a party.
- If you ever saw the Forrest Gump movie and loved the music playing you will love this soundtrack. All of the different musical eras that were portrayed in the movie were classics.
- What a mistake. I heard the Forest Gump Suite and it was pretty. The CD is a compilation of old radio music, My fault, should have paid attention to the listed contents
- The soundtrack to the movie Forrest Gump gives us an excellent assortment of American hits that cannot be ignored; they're all THAT good. The quality of the sound is excellent; and the artwork is very tastefully done.
The track set starts off with none other than Elvis Presley singing and belting out his famous number, "Hound Dog." The guitar work and drums work well; but Elvis' voice carries this number and the backup vocalists are great! "(I Don't Know Why) But I Do" by Clarence 'Frogman' Henry registers huge on this scale; this gets the royal treatment and it fits perfectly with so much of the other music on this album. Similarly "Walk Right In" by The Rooftop Singers has an infectiously happy melody to it; and this is an excellent example of 1960s folk music. Moreover, "Blowin' In The Wind" by Joan Baez sparkles as if it were still fresh and new today--it's that much of a classic. Excellent!
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" features The Four Tops singing their hearts out; and it all works very well. "Respect by Aretha Franklin is easily one of my favorites on this two CD set; it's awesome and it's easily a major highlight of this two CD set.
"California Dreamin'," of course, features The Mamas and The Papas; this song inspired so many young people in the 1960s to journey to California in search of inner peace and a better quality of life. "Mrs. Robinson" is equally bright when Simon & Garfunkel sing it; they harmonize perfectly and their guitar work is mighty fine!
"San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair)" by Scott Mackenzie really sounds great as it ever did; Scott's melody is really very pretty and I enjoy this number very much. "Aquarius" and "Let The Sun Shine In" by The Fifth Dimension are hauntingly beautiful and instantly memorable, too.
"Joy To The World" is a number by Three Dog Night that really strikes me as very passionate; and listen for "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." B. J. Thomas sings this passionately with great sensitivity; and it's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard! What a great soundtrack this is! "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd really rocks well with a fine country twist; Lynyrd Skynyrd could really rock out a tune!
"I've Got To Use My Imagination" is a fiery ballad by Gladys Knight & the Pips that really tugs at my heartstrings whenever I hear it; and there's also "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson.
Overall, the soundtrack to Forrest Gump gives us so much Americana music it's hard to ignore this two CD set. I recommend this CD set for fans of the movie Forrest Gump and people who enjoy some oldies mixed in with classic pop vocals.
- I ordered this item for my sister who just loves the Forrest Gump movie. She was looking around for the soundtrack because she enjoyed the music in the movie alot. She was very pleased with this item.
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
The artist is Artist is Various Artists. By Red Ink.
The regular list price is $24.98.
Sells new for $13.95.
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5 comments about Les Miserables Original London Cast.
- Excellent. Everything I was looking for. Had the entire musical on it, not just a collection of hits from it. Highly recommended.
- Exactly what I asked for - what more can one say ??? Origional artists , well produced music , enunciation to the highest quality , musical production as I expected from the origional cast . - THANKYOU AMAZON !
- Les Miserables is my absolute favorite musical, and this is my favorite recording. I have spent a long time with this recording, the original Broadway cast, the 10th Anniversary Cast Recording, and the Complete Symphonic Cast Recording, and this is still the one I put on first when I just want to hear the show. The only true exception is Javert, which is epitomized by Philip Quast on the CSR (his best recording) and the 10th Anniversary. This is also the only recording to include Patti LuPone, as Fantine. While she neither reprised her role on Broadway or ten years later in concert, I still prefer hers to any other recording; "I Dreamed a Dream" is my favorite song. This recording also restores the absolutely beautiful melody "I Saw Him Once," giving a much deeper understanding to the character of Cosette.
When people ask me what recording of Les Miserables to buy, I tell them to buy the Original London Cast for Fantine, Jean Valjean, Marius, Cosette, Eponine and to buy the Complete Symphonic Cast Recording for Javert and Enjolras, as well as for its completeness and for my favorite version of "One Day More" [which it should be noted is done in a completely different counterpoint for all four major english language recordings].
- This isn't every single musical note from the show, but it's the full cast recording from the 1985 London version, spanning 2 discs. It includes more of the songs than the Broadway highlights album and is similarly priced.
This London production was the first English-language version of Les Mis and some songs have been tweaked for the later Broadway productions.
My first exposure to the wonderful music of Les Misérables was through the Broadway cast highlights CD, so I am a little biased toward that version (although this is the original).
This version is a little different from the Broadway version. "Who Am I?" is sung a little slower and seems more thoughtful. "A Heart Full Of Love" has differnt lyrics and is incorporated into a three-song "Love Montage".
This cast includes Colm Wilkinson as Valjean (he also played that role on Broadway and in the Tenth Anniversary Concert), Roger Allam as Javert, Patti LuPone as Fantine, Rebecca Caine as Cosette, Michael Ball as Marius, Frances Ruffelle as Eponine, David Burt as Enjolras, and Alun Armstrong as Thénardier.
I prefer Terrence Mann's rendition of "Stars" (from the Broadway cast) to Roger Allam's version on this CD. I really do. Maybe it's because I'm used to that one.
And Thénardier has a strong British-type accent on this CD, so "Master Of The House" will sound a little weird if you're used to the American version.
The actress who plays Eponine in the London cast is the same one from the Broadway cast (Frances Ruffelle). But for the people who were annoyed by her whiney performance on the Broadway CD, she sounds a little better on this recording.
CONCLUSION:
This is a pretty good recording of Les Mis and is available for a reasonable price. The Complete Symphonic Recordings includes even MORE of the show's music, but the cast is different (no Colm Wilkinson!). If you are used to the Broadway (American) version, I'd recommend you stick with that (although the Broadway equivalent of this 2-disc recording is a lot more expensive). The Broadway highlights CD is cheaper, but has only about half of the songs.
I'd also recommend you check out the Tenth Anniversary Concert CD. It features an all-star cast of Les Mis alums (plucked from the London, Broadway, and other casts). The recording spans 2 discs, so it includes songs that the highlights CD doesn't (similar to this London recording), AND it's about the same price as the London disc or the highlights disc. If you're looking for more music than the highlights CD offers, but you're not familiar with the London cast and you don't want to shell out $30-something, the Tenth Anniversary Concert CD may be the way to go.
- We have owned the Les Miserable music book for quite a while and play them on the piano ourselves. Some of those songs are so grand and emotional that I was looking for a great treat from the "Original London Cast". We also bought the Les Miz movie and loved Liam Neeson in it. After watching it, I was really excited to listen to the London CD. I should have saved my money and time.
The singing was like a high school musical -- Shallow, immature, Broadway Imitation voices; too rapid delivery; lacking in emotion and expression. Cosette's song, which should be a tear-jerking, plaintive plea sounded like a kindergarten kid rushing to get it over with. Jauvert's song should have been passionate and deeply emotional. Instead it had all of the emotional depth and expression of a junior high-school rock band's home-grown rant. Wait for someone to do it right.
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Posted in Robin Williams (Monday, May 12, 2008)
It stars Robin Williams. It was directed by Marty Callner. By Sony.
The regular list price is $14.98.
Sells new for $7.47.
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5 comments about Robin Williams - Live on Broadway.
- This video is very funny I got it for my husband for christmas and he loved it!
- The product was in good condition and arrived on times. I was very pleased with the service.
- Robin Williams is always in some form nasty with some of his comedy. I love it. In part of his show he always talked about sex. Guys shotting a load here and shotting a load there. Usually raunchy enough for my enjoyable entertainment. What can one expect from guys, We love it!
- When I 1st saw this on tv I just knew I needed to own it. My only advice is if you offend easily be careful... But overall it is great!!!
- Robin Williams at his best. I really can't say anymore. If you can't see him live then this DVD is the next best thing. He is clearly one of the best standups to date.
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