No comments about Broadway's Best.

No comments about Best of Broadway, Vol. 1-3.

No comments about Broadway: America's Music Composers on Broadway.

1 comments about Best of Rodgers & Hammerstein.

1. This is a fine collection of songs from the musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein. But by and large, it is only instrumental music. If you're looking for Rodgers AND Hammerstein, i.e., music and lyrics, look elsewhere.

4 comments about Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Music, The Magic.

1. Someone bought this anthology for my mom for Christmas a few years ago, and so I insisted on borrowing it. I didn't even listen to the whole thing, I was so disappointed.
   
   If you're looking for a regular anthology, pass by this one. None of the songs sound like they would on the Broadway or West End soundtracks; they are performed like opera, and bad opera at that. Webber's work is written for the musical theatre, not the opera, and singing in musical theatre is completely different than operatic singing; musical theatre involves acting, and this comes through in the vocalization. Operatic performance of songs written for musical theatre simply doesn't work.
   
   The songs, which are written to be expressive and emotional, come across as rigid and boring on this CD. For example, "Too Much In Love To Care" (from "Sunset Boulevard") is supposed to communicate both Betty's idealism and her confusion/fear of real love. None of that comes through in this version - the words are the same, but none of the emotion is there.
   
   It is obvious that some of the singers are not comfortable with the genre in their performances, exemplified by this CD's version of "Take That Look Off Your Face". The singer in this song doesn't seem to know what to do - it's not a musically demanding song, the range is relatively small - and so it sounds like the singer is trying to complicate and "dress up" the song, which doesn't work at all.
   
   Also, there are several intrumental tracks on this CD, which I think were poorly chosen. Most people think of his vocals when they think of Andrew Lloyd Webber, but so much of his instrumentals are brilliant. Why they chose some of his most uninspired passages to represent his instrumental work on this CD is beyond me.
   
   I gave it a 2 because the orchestra on the recording is good, possible the best thing about the CD. But I wouldn't buy it for the orchestra. If you're looking for a good compilation or anthology, try "The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber" or "The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection" for Webber's earlier ("Phantom" and before). Both these anthologies include either the original Broadway or London recordings - there are a few duplicate tracks, but not too many. For more post-Phantom tracks, check out "Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection", which includes tracks up through "Whistle on the Wind", newer recordings of some some songs included on the earlier anthologies, and the 1992 Olympics theme by Webber.



2. I collect ALW and musical stuff, so I've heard a lot of ALW. This is a great CD, and the singers are really talented, but I really wish they had gotten someone else to do the POTO songs. Whoever does the Phantom (Justin White, I think?) did a REALLY BAD job, and the Christine (I think it's Margueritte Krull) isn't too swell, either. They do great on other songs, but it was just plain WRONG. This CD was just cursed when it came to Phantom songs. The Overture wasn't that good, either.

   But all the other songs are wonderful. I love Rainbow High from Evita. If you're shopping for ALW and don't care if Phantom was messed up, then go ahead and get this CD.




3. This is not a rare piece. I bought it at Kmart. The singers undoubtedly have great skills but it seems to me they are justing performing for performing's sake. There is little passion in the music.

   Good stuff for relaxing and yard work. Not for true Webber lovers.




4. This hard to find cd set is the best collection I have seen of classic Webber songs. Great variety from his most popular shows- Phantom, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita etc. I have had this cd set for probably a year and thoroughly enjoy it, so I decided to get it for my dad for Father's Day! Its the perfect addition to his cd collection and he can listen to hours of non-stop Andrew Lloyd Webber as he does yard work! I totally reccomend this cd set for any music theatre geek-like me-or anyone who just enjoys lloyd webber- like my Dad.

2 comments about The Best of Broadway, Vol.1: Cabaret/West Side Story/Company.

1. I 1st saw this tucked away on the crouded shelves at Barns and Noble and knew I had to have it. I ran out of the store got my mom and begged her to get it for me! I got it yesterday for my birthday and it is by far the best persent I have ever been given!



2. All four of these sets are great deals and truly some of the best cast albums ever made. Too bad I seem to already have one or two CDs out of each set, though.

1 comments about The Best of Broadway, Vol. 2: The Sound of Music/Annie/On the Town (Original Broadway Casts).

1. Once again this set is what I have been looking for and at a great price. I had the Sound of Music soundtrack (an album) when I was growing up. It brought back so many great memories. Annie is great and is so much different from the movie soundtrack. The true Annie fan needs to own both. I was unfamiliar with On The Town but it is an added treasure to my collection.

No comments about Broadway Classics.

5 comments about The Civil War: The Complete Work.

1. I bought this because I thoroughly enjoy Frank Wildhorn's work. It is somewhat true to what one would expect from the creator of The Scarlet Pimpernel and Jekyl and Hyde but mostly it is a completely independent experience. My biggest complaint was that I am not a country music fan and Civil War is full of it. All in all I would say this is a stirring, unique and surprising oratorio from Frank Wildhorn who shows some greater depth in research yet lesser depth in composition.



2. The civil war cd was so amazing, i felt like i was back at the show.thanks Kay



3. After seeing a local performance of this musical, I started looking for a copy of the soundtrack and came upon this version. I loved it. I am not a civil war buff nor do I call myself a music know-it-all but this music is moving and inspirational. The many, varied well known artists only add to the ambiance- out of many walks of life do we share the history of the civil war- it is one of those historical events that bring us all together. I'll listen to this often.



4. I saw the play in Pgh. several yrs. ago and bought both cds. I wish EVERY American could see this show and learn about the Unbelieveable sacrifice of war. Pray for peace!



5. Being both a musical theater fan and an obsessive Civil War nut, I loved seeing the two combined in this great album. I've got to admit, I was a little put off when I saw that they had Hootie and the Blowfish, Travis Tritt, and a dozen other pop artists masquerading as historical figures, but the whole thing works surprisingly well. The music is closer to stuff you'd here on your local pop or country radio station than stuff you'd hear a bunch of Union Army personnel humming around a nineteenth century campfire, but it's very moving at times, and even funny at other times. And the lyrics are awesome! I can really tell the writers did their homework on this. Most of these songs were copied, almost verbatim, from old Civil War era letters and speeches. Bottom line is, this music is beautiful, and you might even learn a few things while you're listening to it.

No comments about Broadway & Movie Hits/10 Cds.